The recognition and popularity she enjoys abroad – and amazingly at home as well – is proportional to the dimension of her work(s). As an example, one of her 50 meters long “Valquírias” is being prepared to become a permanent feature at ARoS Museum, in Denmark, following the individual exhibition that will take place at the venue in October. This portuguese artist that takes bits of Portugal to the noblest of venues around the world was born in Paris but moved to Lisbon still a todler. Joana Vasconcelos is very aware not only of the famous Lisbon’s light but to its colour as well. “Because of this natural light colours transform, becoming neither pastel nor obvious, but always clear, accurate, vibrant and distinct”, she claims. The borough of Alfama deserves special attention for being “the true heart of the city”. Visiting Feira da Ladra (flea market), having a fresh fish lunch on a terrace, strolling along the monuments at Belém and eating a Pastel de Belém (custard tart) are also essential. As essential as saying goodbye to the city from aboard the Trafaria Praia, the ferryboat that become an artwork Joana presented at the Venice Biennale.
AND HER BEST OF IS…
A monument: Torre de Belém .
A museuM: Museu do Azulejo.
A garden: Jardim Botânico de Lisboa.
A view: Panteão Nacional.
Best outdoor activities: A tour on the Trafaria Praia ferryboat, strolls along Bairro Alto and Chiado, all the way down to Rossio and following to Mouraria – not forgetting to stop on the viewpoints along the way.
Best hotels: Pestana Palace Hotel, Bairro Alto Hotel e Ritz Four Seasons Hotel.
Best restaurants?
Author cuisine: Belcanto.
Portuguese cuisine: Bica do Sapato.
Fish and seafood: Gambrinus.
World cuisine: Casanostra.
“Petiscos”: Taberna da Rua das Flores.
Good price: Taberna da Casa do Alentejo.
Out-of-hours: Galleto.
Best view: Restaurante do Clube Naval.
Cafes and ice-cream stores: Pastéis de Belém, Pastelaria Bénard, Pastelaria Versailles, Confeitaria Nacional, Gelataria Conchanata, Gelataria Fragoleto.
At night:
Bars: Pavilhão Chinês.
Discos: Lux.
Terraces: Quiosque de Refresco da Praça Luís de Camões.
Shopping:
Fashion: Filipe Faísca, Alexandra Moura, Luvaria Ulisses.
Portuguese products: A Vida Portuguesa no Chiado and Intendente.
Gourmet / wine shops: A Conserveira de Lisboa and Garrafeira Napoleão.
