Description
About the Artist :
Born in Lisbon, in 1966, Monica Machado has lived and worked in Paris since 1981, where she graduated in Fine Arts at the Ecole National des Beaux Arts, in 1992. Starting from the gathering of objects made of cloth and ceramic pieces, in mosaic or glass, Monica Machado deconstructs the materials and explores them in layers and collages, alluding to themes such as nature, religion and everyday lite. Some pieces include lighting which, combined with the bright colour and the glow of the materials, reinforces the idea that Monica Machado’s work comprehends a fantastical dimension.
About the Artwork
Monica Machado presents here the dream broom of every witch. In order to ensure the best flying conditions, it is equipped with a saddle, handlebars, and a luggage rack at the rear. It nevertheless requires a small physical effort, being fitted with pedal-driven wings.
A sculpture, mosaic, and treasure trove of imagination, this work never ceases to surprise through the richness of its composition. The smallest part of this broom may contain a scene, a character, or a representation. Everything invites observation, and the work offers continuous rediscovery.
The saddle conceals teeth, handle grips, and a doll’s face. Each element contributes to the discovery: within a little bucket lies a church niche.
Each pedal transports us from a Norman bocage to an “African savannah.”
The straw of this beautiful broom becomes the setting for every surprise. There opens the world of the dust ball, which asks only to be visited by enlightened spirits.
Biography :
1966, Born in Lisbon, Portugal.
Lives in Paris since 1981.
Degree in Fine arts by the National School of Fine Arts in Paris (1992), (Ecole Nationale des Beaux Arts).
Solo Shows :
2026 Gabrielle Laroche Gallery, Paris
2022 Berthet Aittouares Gallery, « Le Monde fantastique de Monica Machado »
Paris, (06.10 – 29.10)
2013 Oliva Creative Factory Foundation, Portugal
2012 Gabrielle Laroche Gallery (23.09 – 23.10)
2011 – M like Mosaïc, in Paray le Monial
– Boites Noires correspondances, Café Flore Paris
2008 – Michel Soskine Gallery, Madrid
– Art Elysées, Berthet- Aittouares Gallery
1994 Callu Mérite Gallery, Paris (14.06 – 23.07)
Group Shows
2024 La Halle Saint Pierre, « Esprit Singulier » Expo coll, Paris (12.04 – 14.08)
2009 Art Brussels
2008 “5 Portuguese Artists” Enero- Marzo. Michel Soskine Inc. Madrid.
2006 « Kaléidoscopique » Villa Dutoit, Switzerland.
2002/05 Creation of sculptures for the “La cuisine aménagée” project. One of theese sculptures: ” La croix du Christ”.
2001 Galouste Gubenkian Cultural center, « Le Corps », Expo coll, 51 Avenue de Iena, 75016 ( 27.11. – 21.12. 2001)
2000 “Art Paris”. Carrousel du Louvre. Paris, France.
1999 Leonardo Gallery, Paris.
1998 – “III Biennal de Arte AIP”. Porto, Portugal.
– “L’art du temps dans les jardins de la ville”. François Mitterand Park, Evreux.
– Galerie Leonardo, Paris
1997 – Callu-Mérite Gallery. Paris, France.
– « Creation under Threat » Sud Gallery. Bagneux, France.
– « Iglesia del Monasterio Ntra Sra de prado » , Espagne.
– « Encontro Artistico- Cultural ». Fundacâo da juventude, Porto, Portugal.
– « Biennal da MAIA Arte jovem 97 “. Porto, Portugal and Valladolid, Spain.
1996 – “II Biennal de Arte AIP”. Porto, Portugal.
– Callu-Mérite Gallery. Paris, France.
– ” Sculpture interactive”. La Rochelle, France.
– “Courant d’art”. Deauville, France.
– Young Painting salon. Quai Branly. Paris, France.
1995 – « Portugal in Montrouge”. Montrouge, France.
– Callu-Mérite Gallery. Paris, France.
– Contemporary art salon. Bagneux, France.
1994 – Salon d’Art Contemporain de Bagneux
– Salon de Mars, Galerie Callu Mérite, Paris: participe avec une pièce importante
(“Armor”). (Reportage sur Antenne 2 au journal de 20h).
– Art Jonction Cannes, Galerie Callu Mérite, Paris.
– Callu-Mérite Gallery. Paris, France.
1993 – Callu-Mérite Gallery. Paris, France.
– “Young European artists”. Castellon, Spain.
– Salon de Montrouge. France.
– Salon des Félicités. Quai Malaquais. Paris, France.
1990 Galerie des Beaux-arts, Paris.
Cultural Activity :
2006/07 Workshop Children and Parents, “Parents-Enfants” association “Traces”. La Forge, France.
Grants, Awards :
1997 “Bordalo Pinheiro” Award, Portugal.
1995 – Artwork “Amor” bought by F.R.A.C. Ile-de-France.
-Help in the creation of “Le Landau”. Fine Art Department.
1994 Help in the first exhibition, Ministry of Culture, France.
1993 – 3rd Award at the Salon of Montrouge, France.
– Sculpture Award. “Salon des Félicités” of National School of Fine Arts. Paris, France.