The Armory Show 2024: Joana Vasconcelos

Valkyrie Liberty emerged from an unprecedented collaboration with the celebrated French brand Dior. After the creation of Valkyrie Miss Dior, a site-specific work conceptualised for the brand’s Autumn/Winter 2023-2024 ready-to-wear collection, Joana Vasconcelos now presents Valkyrie Liberty at the Armory Show, represented by Galeria Baró, as part of the ‘Collective Memory’ exhibition in ‘Platform 2024’, curated by Eugenie Tsai. 

Vasconcelos’ Valkyrie Liberty presents a nuanced and contemporary reinterpretation of the Norse myth of the Valkyries, drawing inspiration from the warrior maidens who accompanied fallen heroes to Valhalla. This intriguing sculpture skilfully incorporates both textile and technological elements into a harmonious whole. Vasconcelos’ expert manipulation of fabric, crochet, and a multitude of techniques culminates in a sculptural language that engages in dialogue with both mythological contexts and contemporary history. 

The title, explicitly linked to the Statue of Liberty, establishes the work as a critical reflection of the enduring ideals of democracy and abolitionism in the United States. By invoking the iconic symbol of Liberty Enlightening the World, Vasconcelos establishes a discourse between Norse mythology and foundational American narratives. The work’s use of multiple materials, colors and techniques prompts reflection of the concepts of diversity, representation and feminism. The scale is impressive, the interplay of textures complex and the vibrant color palette challenging traditional notions of sculpture, blurring boundaries between fine art and popular art. The strategic integration of light imbues the sculpture with an ethereal quality, transforming it into a living entity pulsing with inner energy.