João Penalva

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João Penalva is a Portuguese artist who has been living in the UK since studying at Chelsea School of Art in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Making art is his second career – in his first he was a dancer, working with Pina Bausch and Gerhard Bohner. His work betrays this history - it is primarily about storytelling through the partnership of images and elaborate often beguiling narratives. Penalva is known for making large-scale installations in various media, as well as more intimate works with video and slide projections, sound, drawing, painting and found materials. Through these media he addresses narrative modes and the relationships between images, text, language and sound. His storytelling is often fractured, presenting juxtaposed narrative elements, allowing the viewer a latitude of freedom in their interpretation.

Selected Works
Artwork: João Penalva, Kichiya Japanese paper doll, 2018

João Penalva

Kichiya Japanese paper doll, 2018
Solarised silver gelatine print dry-mounted on Dibond, museum board, typed paper, oak frames, glass.
Unframed: 36.8 x 25.8 cm (14 1/2 x 10 1/4 in.) Framed: 83.8 x 63.8 cm (33 x 25 1/8 in.)
Artwork: João Penalva, Crashed (III), 2015

João Penalva

Crashed (III), 2015
Chromogenic print on Fuji Flex dry-mounted on Alu-Dibond, acrylic glass and wood frame.
91.8 x 71.8 cm (36 1/8 x 28 1/4 in.)
Artwork: João Penalva, Crashed (II), 2015

João Penalva

Crashed (II), 2015
Chromogenic print on Fuji Flex dry-mounted on Alu-Dibond, acrylic glass and wood frame.
99.8 x 70.8 cm (39 1/4 x 27 7/8 in.)
Artwork: João Penalva, W1H 4LL (2), 2015

João Penalva

W1H 4LL (2), 2015
Archival pigment printing on linen dry-mounted on Alu-Dibond
226 x 150 cm (89 x 59 1/8 in.)
Artwork: João Penalva, W2 2DS, 2015

João Penalva

W2 2DS, 2015
Archival pigment printing on linen dry-mounted on Alu-Dibond
226 x 150 cm (89 x 59 1/8 in.)
Artwork: João Penalva, W1W 8QN, 2015

João Penalva

W1W 8QN, 2015
Archival pigment printing on linen dry-mounted on Alu-Dibond
226 x 150 cm (89 x 59 1/8 in.)
Artwork: João Penalva, W2 2BS (2), 2014

João Penalva

W2 2BS (2), 2014
Archival pigment printing on linen dry-mounted on Alu-Dibond
107 x 72 cm (42 1/8 x 28 3/8 in.)
Artwork: João Penalva, Men Asleep, 2014

João Penalva

Men Asleep, 2014
Single screen, double 35mm slide projection with dissolve system controlled by real time generated dissolve cues and surround sound
TRT: 58 minutes, looped Installation dimensions variable
Edition 1 of 3 (+1 AP)
Artwork: João Penalva, Five light bulbs, clear and blue, 2013

João Penalva

Five light bulbs, clear and blue, 2013
Chromogenic print dry-mounted on Alu Dibond, oak frame and museum glass
Unframed: 114 x 90 cm (44 7/8 x 35 3/8 in.) Framed: 116 x 92.2 cm (45.66 x 36.29 in.)
Artwork: João Penalva, Three light bulbs, green, pearl and pink, 2013

João Penalva

Three light bulbs, green, pearl and pink, 2013
Chromogenic print dry-mounted on Alu Dibond, card, oak frame and museum glass
Unframed: 50 x 41 cm (19 5/8 x 16 1/8 in.) Framed: 72 x 62 cm (28.34 x 24.40 in.)
Artwork: João Penalva, Three light bulbs, yellow, 2013

João Penalva

Three light bulbs, yellow, 2013
Chromogenic print dry-mounted on Alu Dibond, card, oak frame and museum glass
Unframed: 54 x 47 cm (21 1/4 x 18 1/2 in.) Framed: 76 x 67.5 cm (30 x 26.57 in.)
Artwork: João Penalva, Four light bulbs, yellow and clear, 2013

João Penalva

Four light bulbs, yellow and clear, 2013
Chromogenic print dry-mounted on Alu Dibond, card, oak frame and museum glass
Unframed: 59 x 43 cm (23 1/4 x 16 7/8 in.) Framed: 81 x 63.5 cm (31 7/8 x 25 in.)
Artwork: João Penalva, H.S. Telephone, (1), 2010

João Penalva

H.S. Telephone, (1), 2010
Pigment print with Cannon Lucia inks on Innova Fine Print Gloss paper, 300g/sqm, dry-mounted on Dibond and oak frame
203.6 x 153.6 x 6 cm 80 1/8 x 60 1/2 x 2 3/8 in
Edition 1 of 3 + 1 AP
Artwork: João Penalva, H.S. Telephone, (2), 2010

João Penalva

H.S. Telephone, (2), 2010
Pigment print with Cannon Lucia inks on Innova Fine Print Gloss paper, 300g/sqm, dry-mounted on Dibond and oak frame
203.6 x 153.6 x 6 cm 80 1/8 x 60 1/2 x 2 3/8 in
Edition 1 of 3 + 1 AP
Artwork: João Penalva, H.S. Telephone, (3), 2010

João Penalva

H.S. Telephone, (3), 2010
Pigment print with Cannon Lucia inks on Innova Fine Print Gloss paper, 300g/sqm, dry-mounted on Dibond and oak frame
203.6 x 153.6 x 6 cm 80 1/8 x 60 1/2 x 2 3/8 in
Edition 1 of 3 + 1 AP
Artwork: João Penalva, G.L. Chair (1), 2010

João Penalva

G.L. Chair (1), 2010
Piezo pigment print with Roland pigment inks on BFK Rives paper, 250 g/sqm, painted wood frame and Plexiglass.
83.3 x 66.5 cm (32 3/4 x 26 1/8 in.)
Artwork: João Penalva, G.L. Chair (2), 2010

João Penalva

G.L. Chair (2), 2010
Piezo pigment print with Roland pigment inks on BFK Rives paper, 250 g/sqm, painted wood frame and Plexiglass.
83.3 x 66.5 cm (32 3/4 x 26 1/8 in.)
Artwork: João Penalva, G.L. Chair (3), 2010

João Penalva

G.L. Chair (3), 2010
Piezo pigment print with Roland pigment inks on BFK Rives paper, 250 g/sqm, painted wood frame and Plexiglass.
83.3 x 66.5 cm (32 3/4 x 26 1/8 in.)
Unique
Artwork: João Penalva, G.L. Chair (4), 2010

João Penalva

G.L. Chair (4), 2010
Piezo pigment print with Roland pigment inks on BFK Rives paper, 250 g/sqm, painted wood frame and Plexiglass.
83.3 x 66.5 cm (32 3/4 x 26 1/8 in.)
Unique
Artwork: João Penalva, A snow covered road, 2010

João Penalva

A snow covered road, 2010
Silver bromide print on Ilford Glossy Unglazed paper and pigment print on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Bright White 310g paper mounted on Dibond, paint, lacquered maple frame and Plexiglass
116 x 97 x 4 cm (45 5/8 x 38 1/4 x 1 5/8 in.)
Edition 1 of 3 (+1 AP)
Artwork: João Penalva, Boo!, 2010

João Penalva

Boo!, 2010
Selenium toned silver bromide fibre print on Ilford Glossy Unglazed paper mounted on Dibond, lacquered maple frame and museum glass
41.2 x 31.2 x 3 cm (16 1/4 x 12 1/4 x 1 1/8 in.)
Edition 1 of 3 (+1 AP)
Artwork: João Penalva, Sumiko, 2009

João Penalva

Sumiko, 2009
Pigment prints on Hannemüle DFA Photo Rag 308g paper Dry-mounted on Dibond, paint, glass, oak frames
128 x 81 x 3 cm (50 3/8 x 31 7/8 x 20 7/8 in.)
Ed. of 3 + 1 AP
Artwork: João Penalva, Bruno Matthsson's Eva chair 1934, 2009

João Penalva

Bruno Matthsson's Eva chair 1934, 2009
Epson Micro Piezo TFP printing with UltraChrome K3 inks on Moab Legion Entrada Rag Natural 300g paper
39.5 x 31 cm (15 1/2 x 12 1/4 in.)
Edition 2 of 3 (+1 AP)
Artwork: João Penalva, The Toshiba Book of Happiness, 2009

João Penalva

The Toshiba Book of Happiness, 2009
Epson Micro Piezo TFP printing with UltraChrome K3 inks on Moab Legion Entrada Rag Natural 300g paper
39.5 x 31 cm (15 1/2 x 12 1/4 in.)
Edition 2 of 3 (+1 AP)
Artwork: João Penalva, Either a face or udders, 2008

João Penalva

Either a face or udders, 2008
Pigment print on Innova Natural White 310 g paper dry-mounted on Dibond, acrylic glass, lacqured ash frame
152.2 x 112.2 x 3 cm (59 7/8 x 44 1/8 x 1 1/8 in.)
Ed. of 3 + 1 AP
Artwork: João Penalva, She had no idea, 2008

João Penalva

She had no idea, 2008
Pigment prints on Innova Natural White, 310 g paper Dry-mounted on Dibond, wood, paint, acrylic glass, oak frames
230 x 152 x 5 cm (90 1/2 x 59 7/8 x 2in.)
Ed. of 3 + 1 AP
Artwork: João Penalva, Pavlina, 2007

João Penalva

Pavlina, 2007
Synchronized slide projection and video projection of a super 16mm film transferred to DVD, 10 min., colour, sound; small standing screen, chairs
Edition 2 of 2 (+1 AP)
Artwork: João Penalva, Tears at Nihonbashi Bridge, 2006

João Penalva

Tears at Nihonbashi Bridge, 2006
Pigment prints on Innova Natural White, 310 g paper Dry-mounted on Dibond, wood, paint, acrylic glass, oak frames
230 x 152 x 5 cm (90 5/9 x 59 4/5 x 2 in.)
Ed. of 3 + 1 AP
Artwork: João Penalva, Looking up in OsakaEbisu Higashi 2 cho-me, Naniwa-ku (#3), 2005-2006 (Printed 2012)

João Penalva

Looking up in OsakaEbisu Higashi 2 cho-me, Naniwa-ku (#3), 2005-2006 (Printed 2012)
Archival pigment print on Innova Smooth Cotton High White 315 gsm paper, dry-mounted on Alu Reynobond, acrylic glass, oak frame
202.7 x 152.7 x 5.7 cm (79 3/4 x 60 1/8 x 2 1/4 in.)
Artwork: João Penalva, Looking up in OsakaEbisu Higashi 2 cho-me, Naniwa-ku (#1), 2005-2006 (Printed 2012)

João Penalva

Looking up in OsakaEbisu Higashi 2 cho-me, Naniwa-ku (#1), 2005-2006 (Printed 2012)
Archival pigment print on Innova Smooth Cotton High White 315 gsm paper, dry-mounted on Alu Reynobond, acrylic glass, oak frame
202.7 x 152.7 x 5.7 cm 79 3/4 x 60 1/8 x 2 1/4 in
Artwork: João Penalva, Looking up in OsakaEbisu Higashi 3 cho-me, 2005-2006 (Printed 2012)

João Penalva

Looking up in OsakaEbisu Higashi 3 cho-me, 2005-2006 (Printed 2012)
Archival pigment print on Innova Smooth Cotton High White 315 gsm paper, dry-mounted on Alu Reynobond, acrylic glass, oak frame
202.7 x 152.7 x 5.7 cm 79 3/4 x 60 1/8 x 2 1/4 in
Artwork: João Penalva, Looking up in Osaka Minamisemba 1 cho-me, 2005-2006 (Printed 2012)

João Penalva

Looking up in Osaka Minamisemba 1 cho-me, 2005-2006 (Printed 2012)
Archival pigment print on Innova Smooth Cotton High White 315 gsm paper, dry-mounted on Alu Reynobond, acrylic glass, oak frame
202.7 x 152.7 x 5.7 cm (79 3/4 x 60 1/8 x 2 1/4 in.)
Artwork: João Penalva, Looking up in OsakaNamba-naka 2 cho-me (#4), 2005-2006 (Printed 2012)

João Penalva

Looking up in OsakaNamba-naka 2 cho-me (#4), 2005-2006 (Printed 2012)
Archival pigment print on Innova Smooth Cotton High White 315 gsm paper, dry--mounted on Alu Reynobond, acrylic glass, oak frame
202.7 x 152.7 x 5.7 cm (79 3/4 x 60 1/8 x 2 1/4 in.)
Artwork: João Penalva, Looking up in OsakaNamba-naka 2 cho-me (#3), 2005-2006 (Printed 2012)

João Penalva

Looking up in OsakaNamba-naka 2 cho-me (#3), 2005-2006 (Printed 2012)
Archival pigment print on Innova Smooth Cotton High White 315 gsm paper, dry-mounted on Alu Reynobond, acrylic glass, oak frame
202.7 x 152.7 x 5.7 cm (79 3/4 x 60 1/8 x 2 1/4 in.)
Artwork: João Penalva, Looking up in OsakaChiko 4 cho-me (#5), 2005-2006

João Penalva

Looking up in OsakaChiko 4 cho-me (#5), 2005-2006
Archival pigment print on Innova Smooth Cotton High White 315 gsm, dry-mounted on Alu Reynobond, acrylic glass, oak frame
202.7 x 152.7 x 5.7 cm 79 3/4 x 60 1/8 x 2 1/4 in
Artwork: João Penalva, The White Nightingale, 2005

João Penalva

The White Nightingale, 2005
Single video projection 42 minutes, colour, sound
Artwork: João Penalva, Stop, Stand, Stay, No, 2005

João Penalva

Stop, Stand, Stay, No, 2005
Four channel video installation, 2 min., 23 sec., colour, sound
Edition 2 of 3 (+1 AP)
Artwork: João Penalva, Between 2 and 3, 2005

João Penalva

Between 2 and 3, 2005
Single video projection, 20 min., 51 sec., colour, sound
Edition 2 of 5 (+1 AP)
Artwork: João Penalva, A Harangozó (The Bell-Ringer), 2005

João Penalva

A Harangozó (The Bell-Ringer), 2005
Single video, projection, 53 min., colour, sound
Artwork: João Penalva, Item 74C, 2004

João Penalva

Item 74C, 2004
Silver bromide photograph on fibre paper mounted on Dibond, museum board, oak frames and museum glass
33.5 x 41.5 cm (13 1/4 x 16 3/8 in.)
Edition 1 of 2
Artwork: João Penalva, Kapitän, 2004

João Penalva

Kapitän, 2004
Single back-projection and wall vinyl text, 13 min., 28 sec., colour, sound
Artwork: João Penalva, Hermitage Pier, 2004

João Penalva

Hermitage Pier, 2004
3 simultaneous single video projections as a triptych, 15., colour, silent
Edition 2 of 5 (+1 AP)
Artwork: João Penalva, “[...] a richness like that of a rich, dark pond”, 2003

João Penalva

“[...] a richness like that of a rich, dark pond”, 2003
Piezo pigment print and graphite pencil on paper
52 x 42 cm (20 1/2 x 16 1/2 in.)
Artwork: João Penalva, Reeds (II), 2003

João Penalva

Reeds (II), 2003
Solarised silver gelatin print on fibre paper
40 x 50.5 cm (15 3/4 x 19 7/8 in.)
Artwork: João Penalva, Reeds (I), 2003

João Penalva

Reeds (I), 2003
Solarised silver gelatin print on fibre paper
40 x 50.5 cm (15 3/4 x 19 7/8 in.)
Artwork: João Penalva, Violette Avéry, 2003

João Penalva

Violette Avéry, 2003
Installation of 5 single video projections and 2 slide projections
Edition 2 of 3 (+1 AP)
Artwork: João Penalva, The Prize Song (#29), 2001

João Penalva

The Prize Song (#29), 2001
Pigment print on Hahnemühle German Etching paper, 310g
93 x 70.8 cm (36 5/8 x 27 7/8 in.)
Edition of 5 (+1 AP)
Artwork: João Penalva, The Prize Song (#26), 2001

João Penalva

The Prize Song (#26), 2001
Pigment print on Hahnemühle German Etching paper, 310g
93 x 70.8 cm (36 5/8 x 27 7/8 in.)
Edition of 5 (+1 AP)
Artwork: João Penalva, The Prize Song (#3), 2001

João Penalva

The Prize Song (#3), 2001
Pigment print on Hahnemühle German Etching paper, 310g
93 x 70.8 cm (36 5/8 x 27 7/8 in.)
Edition of 5 (+1 AP)
Artwork: João Penalva, The Prize Song (#5), 2001

João Penalva

The Prize Song (#5), 2001
Pigment print on Hahnemühle German Etching paper, 310g
93 x 70.8 cm (36 5/8 x 27 7/8 in.)
Edition of 5 (+1 AP)
Artwork: João Penalva, The Prize Song (#8), 2001

João Penalva

The Prize Song (#8), 2001
Pigment print on Hahnemühle German Etching paper, 310g
93 x 70.8 cm (36 5/8 x 27 7/8 in.)
Edition of 5 (+1 AP)
Artwork: João Penalva, Mister, 1999

João Penalva

Mister, 1999
Video, 25 min., colour, sound
Edition 2 of 5 (+1 AP)
Artwork: João Penalva, 336 PEK (336 Rivières), 1998

João Penalva

336 PEK (336 Rivières), 1998
Single video projection, 59 min., colour, sound
Artwork: João Penalva, Wallenda (Cabinet Version), 1998

João Penalva

Wallenda (Cabinet Version), 1998
Single video projection, 16 sec., colour, silent, looped; single video projection, 30 mmin. 7 sec., colour, looped; 153 framed paper collages, 11 framed solarised b&w and colour photographs, vinyl wall text
The installation occupies approx. 500 sqm
Edition 2 of 3 (+1 AP)
Artwork: João Penalva, The weeds from Hiroshima(Setaria Faberi Herrman, II), 1997

João Penalva

The weeds from Hiroshima(Setaria Faberi Herrman, II), 1997
Solarised photogram / Silver gelatin print on fibre paper
60.5 x 50.5 cm 23 7/8 x 19 7/8 in
Artwork: João Penalva, Small Weeds from Hiroshima (IV), 1997

João Penalva

Small Weeds from Hiroshima (IV), 1997
Solarised photogram. Silver gelatin print on fibre paper.
40.5 x 30.5 cm (16 x 12 in.)
Artwork: João Penalva, Small Weeds from Hiroshima (III), 1997

João Penalva

Small Weeds from Hiroshima (III), 1997
Solarised photogram. Silver gelatin print on fibre paper.
40.5 x 30.5 cm (16 x 12 in.)
Installation Views
Um crime que urge reparar, 2018 Culturgest Porto, Portugal (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
Um crime que urge reparar, 2018 Culturgest Porto, Portugal (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
Um crime que urge reparar, 2018 Culturgest Porto, Portugal (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
Um crime que urge reparar, 2018 Culturgest Porto, Portugal (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
STANLEY, 2018 Lumiar Cité Lisbon, Portugal (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
STANLEY, 2018 Lumiar Cité Lisbon, Portugal (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
STANLEY, 2018 Lumiar Cité Lisbon, Portugal (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2018 MUDAM Luxembourg Luxembourg (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2018 MUDAM Luxembourg Luxembourg (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2018 MUDAM Luxembourg Luxembourg (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2018 MUDAM Luxembourg Luxembourg (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2018 MUDAM Luxembourg Luxembourg (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2018 MUDAM Luxembourg Luxembourg (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2018 MUDAM Luxembourg Luxembourg (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2018 MUDAM Luxembourg Luxembourg (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2018 MUDAM Luxembourg Luxembourg (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2018 MUDAM Luxembourg Luxembourg (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2018 MUDAM Luxembourg Luxembourg (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2018 MUDAM Luxembourg Luxembourg (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
Live Relay from the Clock Tower of Porto City Hall, 2015 Palacio dos Correios Porto, Portugal (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
Live Relay from the Clock Tower of Porto City Hall, 2015 Palacio dos Correios Porto, Portugal (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
Live Relay from the Clock Tower of Porto City Hall, 2015 Palacio dos Correios Porto, Portugal (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2014 Trondheim Kunstmuseum Trondheim, Norway (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2014 Trondheim Kunstmuseum Trondheim, Norway (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2014 Trondheim Kunstmuseum Trondheim, Norway (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2014 Trondheim Kunstmuseum Trondheim, Norway (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2014 Trondheim Kunstmuseum Trondheim, Norway (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2014 Trondheim Kunstmuseum Trondheim, Norway (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2014 Trondheim Kunstmuseum Trondheim, Norway (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
Men Asleep, 2014 Art Basel: Parcours Basel, Switzerland (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
Men Asleep, 2014 Art Basel: Parcours Basel, Switzerland (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
Languages: Entre le Dire et le Faire, 2013 Fondation Calouste Gulbenkian Paris, France (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
Languages: Entre le Dire et le Faire, 2013 Fondation Calouste Gulbenkian Paris, France (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
Languages: Entre le Dire et le Faire, 2013 Fondation Calouste Gulbenkian Paris, France (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva – Værker med tekst og billeder, 2012 Kunsthallen Brandts Odense, Denmark (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva – Værker med tekst og billeder, 2012 Kunsthallen Brandts Odense, Denmark (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva – Værker med tekst og billeder, 2012 Kunsthallen Brandts Odense, Denmark (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva – Værker med tekst og billeder, 2012 Kunsthallen Brandts Odense, Denmark (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva – Værker med tekst og billeder, 2012 Kunsthallen Brandts Odense, Denmark (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva – Værker med tekst og billeder, 2012 Kunsthallen Brandts Odense, Denmark (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
MOVE: Art and Dance since 1960s, 2012 National Museum of Contemporary Art Seoul, Korea (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
MOVE: Art and Dance since 1960s, 2012 National Museum of Contemporary Art Seoul, Korea (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva - Works with Texts and Images, 2011 CAM - Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian Lisbon, Portugal (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva - Works with Texts and Images, 2011 CAM - Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian Lisbon, Portugal (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva - Works with Texts and Images, 2011 CAM - Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian Lisbon, Portugal (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva - Works with Texts and Images, 2011 CAM - Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian Lisbon, Portugal (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva - Works with Texts and Images, 2011 CAM - Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian Lisbon, Portugal (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva - Works with Texts and Images, 2011 CAM - Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian Lisbon, Portugal (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva - Works with Texts and Images, 2011 CAM - Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian Lisbon, Portugal (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva - Works with Texts and Images, 2011 CAM - Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian Lisbon, Portugal (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva - Works with Texts and Images, 2011 CAM - Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian Lisbon, Portugal (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva - Works with Texts and Images, 2011 CAM - Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian Lisbon, Portugal (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva - Works with Texts and Images, 2011 CAM - Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian Lisbon, Portugal (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva - Works with Texts and Images, 2011 CAM - Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian Lisbon, Portugal (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva - Works with Texts and Images, 2011 CAM - Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian Lisbon, Portugal (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva - Pavlina e o Dr. Erlenmeyer, 2010 Chiado 8 Arte Contemporânea Lisbon, Portugal (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva - Pavlina e o Dr. Erlenmeyer, 2010 Chiado 8 Arte Contemporânea Lisbon, Portugal (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva - Pavlina e o Dr. Erlenmeyer, 2010 Chiado 8 Arte Contemporânea Lisbon, Portugal (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva - Pavlina e o Dr. Erlenmeyer, 2010 Chiado 8 Arte Contemporânea Lisbon, Portugal (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2010 Lunds Konsthall Lund, Sweden (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2010 Lunds Konsthall Lund, Sweden (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2010 Lunds Konsthall Lund, Sweden (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2010 Lunds Konsthall Lund, Sweden (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2010 Lunds Konsthall Lund, Sweden (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2010 Lunds Konsthall Lund, Sweden (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2010 Lunds Konsthall Lund, Sweden (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2010 Lunds Konsthall Lund, Sweden (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
Live transmission from the clock tower of Vila do Conde Mother Church, 2008 Solar - Galeria de Arte Cinemática Vila do Conde, Portugal (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
Live transmission from the clock tower of Vila do Conde Mother Church, 2008 Solar - Galeria de Arte Cinemática Vila do Conde, Portugal (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2007 Mead Gallery, Warwick Arts Centre, University of Warwick Coventry, UK (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2007 Mead Gallery, Warwick Arts Centre, University of Warwick Coventry, UK (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2007 Mead Gallery, Warwick Arts Centre, University of Warwick Coventry, UK (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2007 Mead Gallery, Warwick Arts Centre, University of Warwick Coventry, UK (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2006 Irish Museum of Modern Art Dublin, Ireland (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2006 Irish Museum of Modern Art Dublin, Ireland (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2006 Irish Museum of Modern Art Dublin, Ireland (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2006 Irish Museum of Modern Art Dublin, Ireland (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2005-2006 Ludwig Museum - Museum of Contemporary Art Budapest, Hungary (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2005-2006 Ludwig Museum - Museum of Contemporary Art Budapest, Hungary (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2005-2006 Ludwig Museum - Museum of Contemporary Art Budapest, Hungary (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2005-2006 Ludwig Museum - Museum of Contemporary Art Budapest, Hungary (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2005-2006 Ludwig Museum - Museum of Contemporary Art Budapest, Hungary (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2005-2006 Ludwig Museum - Museum of Contemporary Art Budapest, Hungary (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2005-2006 Ludwig Museum - Museum of Contemporary Art Budapest, Hungary (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 2005 Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art Oporto, Portugal (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva - R, 2001 Pavilion of Portugal, XLIX Biennale di Venezia Venice, Italy (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva - R, 2001 Pavilion of Portugal, XLIX Biennale di Venezia Venice, Italy (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva - R, 2001 Pavilion of Portugal, XLIX Biennale di Venezia Venice, Italy (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva - R, 2001 Pavilion of Portugal, XLIX Biennale di Venezia Venice, Italy (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
João Penalva, 1999 Centro Cultural de Belém Lisbon, Portugal (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
Coincidências, 1991 II Jornadas de Arte Contemporânea, Oporto Old Customs House Oporto, Portugal (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
Coincidências, 1991 II Jornadas de Arte Contemporânea, Oporto Old Customs House Oporto, Portugal (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
Coincidências, 1991 II Jornadas de Arte Contemporânea, Oporto Old Customs House Oporto, Portugal (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
Detente, instante. Una historia de la fotografía, 2022 Fundacion March Madrid, Spain Photography © Dolores Iglesias (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).

Um crime que urge reparar, 2018

Culturgest

Porto, Portugal

 



Press

Umbigo Magazine

19 October 2018
Exhibitions
Image: João Penalva
New York  15 January - 29 February 2020

João Penalva

Simon Lee Gallery is proud to announce a solo exhibition by the London-based Portuguese artist, João Penalva. For his first solo exhibition in New York since 2002, Penalva presents two new series of work based on photographs taken at the São Carlos National Theater, in Lisbon, Portugal, that explore the physical mechanics of theatrical fictions and illusions.

Following a career in dance, João Penalva began his second career as an artist in 1976, working initially as a painter. Today, Penalva is known for making large-scale installations in various media, as well as more intimate works that combine painting, photography, video and found objects, image, text and sound; addressing narrative modes and the relationships between each medium. His storytelling is often fractured, presenting juxtaposed narrative elements, allowing the viewer a latitude of freedom in their interpretation.
Image: En Plein Air
London  19 July - 31 August 2019

En Plein Air

Simon Lee Gallery, London, is pleased to present En Plein Air, bringing together works by artists who seek to reinterpret the artistic tradition of painting outdoors for a contemporary audience. The plein air approach has been prevalent since the mid-19th century, although it gained traction in the 1860s as a practice essential to the development of the Impressionist movement. While artists had long painted from observation to create preparatory sketches or studies, during this period the plein air method led to a naturalistic style that threw out the academic rulebook in the pursuit of formal and compositional spontaneity. The artists included in En Plein Air are united by a desire to refresh the audience’s interpretation of outdoor painting, whether via landscapes or portraits, photography or painting, figuration or abstraction, and in this way, the exhibition explores scenes of the outdoors in relation to contemporary studio practice.
Image: Faux Amis
London  8 September - 7 October 2015

Faux Amis

Simon Lee Gallery is proud to present ‘Faux Amis’, a group exhibition that centres on the dialogue between the work of gallery artists and their chosen ‘false friend’.

For this, the first exhibition to cover both the ground and the new first floor spaces of the London gallery, Simon Lee Gallery artists are invited to exhibit alongside, and in dialogue with, the work of an artist of their choice which they find forges a relevant, interesting, distracting, misleading, or stimulating relationship with their own practice. The resultant selection of works not only highlights the interesting discourses that can exist between artists of divergent practices and generations, but also suggests new readings of the individual works on display.
Image: João Penalva
London  27 March - 25 April 2015

João Penalva

Simon Lee Gallery is proud to announce a solo exhibition of new work by the London–based Portuguese artist, João Penalva, his third with the gallery. W…
Image: João Penalva
Hong Kong  23 January - 23 March 2013

João Penalva

Simon Lee Gallery Hong Kong is proud to present an exhibition of new works by the renowned London-based, Portuguese artist João Penalva. Penalva is best know…
Image: João Penalva
London  20 July - 20 August 2012

João Penalva The Prize Song

Two rings hang in front of a deep black background; hands, powdered and bandaged, reach up to them, but the rest of the body is invisible in the extreme close-up of …
Image: João Penalva
London  8 December 2010 - 29 January 2011

João Penalva

Simon Lee Gallery is delighted to announce its first solo show by the renowned London-based, Portuguese artist João Penalva. João Penalva is known for…
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João Penalva

João Penalva, Simon Lee Gallery, New York

15 January - 29 February 2020

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