An exhibition by Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos, is currently showing at Porto’s Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art until 24 June 2019.

‘I’m Your Mirror’ brings together some of Joana Vasconcelos’ most iconic artworks, with 30 pieces from 1997 to the present day – including 14 new works.

We really loved the exhibition and highly recommend it: the art show is playful and full of humour, and it’s great to have both an indoor and outdoor experience. The exhibition takes over the beautiful gardens of Serralves Park with the display of monumental sculptures.

We recommend getting to the museum early to avoid the crowds. We got there at 11am on a Tuesday and by the time we left around 1pm it was already getting pretty busy.

As you enter the museum you are greeted with one of Joana Vasconcelos' most famous works: 'The Bride' (2001-2005), a chandelier like sculpture which is made of OB Tampons.
'Meeting Point' - A carousel you can actually ride, made from colourful chairs. Fun!
'Call Center' - analogue phones with sound installation.
Some of Joana Vasconcelos' small scale works include ceramic animals from 19th Century artisan Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro; each carefully wrapped in extraordinary crochet lace from Portugal's Azores islands.

The nature of Joana Vasconcelos’ creative process is “based on the appropriation, decontextualisation and subversion of pre-existent objects and everyday realities. Sculptures and installations, which are revealing of an acute sense of scale and mastery of colour, as well as the recourse to performances and video or photographic records, all combine in the materialization of concepts which challenge the pre-arranged routines of the quotidian.”

Jo and Mum :-) The Venetian mask weighs 2.5 tons and is made of 231 double mirrors.
Bell 47 helicopter, ostrich feathers, Swarovski crystals, gold leaf, industrial paint, dyed leather upholstery embossed with fine gold, Arraiolos rugs, walnut wood, woodgrain painting, passementerie.
We loved this giant engagement ring weighing three tons, made with 112 car wheels and 1,324 crystal whiskey glasses.
An exhibition by Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos, is currently showing at Porto’s Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art until 24 June 2019.
‘Marilyn’, a pair of high-heeled shoes made with cooking pots. A clever pun.
JO&SO inside a tea pot, why not?
'Valium Bed' and 'Aspirin Chair'.
It was a grey day when we visited, but Serralves looked as magical as always.
Outside the museum stands a huge swimming pool which takes the shape of Portugal.

Modern art is not always understood by everyone, but it’s hard for anyone not to enjoy Joana Vasconcelos’ work and its humour.

After the show we went for lunch at Cufra, which is less than a ten-minute walk from the museum. A great choice if you want to try Porto’s famous Francesinhas. If you have a sweet tooth you must try their indulgent “chocolate cake”.

Where to stay: The cool guesthouses and boutique hotels in Porto

Duas Portas – Facing the mouth of the Douro river, a stone’s throw from the sea, this perfectly restored townhouse is an oasis of tranquility in the city.

Casa do Conto – A boutique hotel in Porto, set in a striking building with concrete suites and a mix of designer and period furniture.

Mercador Guesthouse – Seven unique colonial themed rooms occupy this beautifully restored 19th century townhouse B&B in Porto.

Check out the best boutique hotels in Porto.

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