Joana Galego
Portuguese artist Joana Galego’s images are informed by – in her words – ‘memories and feelings rather than actual events’. Firmly rooted in drawing, her paintings and works on paper are characterised by a vibrant palette and a visual language partly inspired by historical artists.
Joana uses layering and changes of perspective to create multiple narratives within her compositions, which range from intimate to grand in scale. Figures – both adult and childlike – are seen hiding, embracing, resting and playing together in a range of dreamlike scenarios. However, a sense of stillness prevails, despite the activities of the artist’s subjects.
Joana’s combining of mixed media - which includes pastel, pencil, acrylic and charcoal - provides areas of texture within her works on paper. Collaged sections contrast with detailed linear areas resulting in a seductive surface quality. Heightened colour runs through many of her works; it is used, she says, ‘to evoke the emotion of the figures, what they are feeling, and to create an atmosphere’.
Joana graduated from the University of Lisbon in 2016 and subsequently moved to London to attend the Royal Drawing School between 2016 and 2017. Her work has been awarded prizes including The Sir Denis Mahon Award from the Royal Drawing School (2017) and she has undertaken several artistic residencies internationally. Oliver Projects first exhibited Joana’s work in our 2023 group exhibition ‘Power Play’. A solo exhibition followed in Lisbon at Galeria Belard in spring 2024 and Soho Revue, London, presented a joint exhibition of work by Joana alongside Alice Macdonald in December 2024. Most recently, Joana’s work was included in ‘Monotypes’ at Messums, London; a solo exhibition was also presented by Isabel Sullivan Gallery in New York, USA in 2025. Joana currently lives and works in south east London.
Our recent exhibition Hiding Behind Gifts was Joana’s first solo show dedicated exclusively on works on paper. View the exhibition catalogue.
Shop works by Joana Galego
Acrylic, watercolour and mixed media on paper, 73 x 59cm
Portugese-born artist Joana Galego’s images are informed by – in her words – ‘memories and feelings rather than actual events’. Firmly rooted in drawing, her paintings and works on paper are characterised by a vibrant palette and a visual language partly inspired by historical artists including Piero de la Francesca and Paul Gaugin.
The powerful blue hue of the protagonist’s dress dominates the image and for the artist, represents ‘immense, drowning, comforting colour’. Joana says; ‘I’m constantly drawn to the idea of people caring for each other, but I’ve only started thinking about angels more recently. I think angels move within the realm of miracles, and therefore of tireless hope.
Purchased works are usually despatched within three working days.
Watercolour on paper, 32 × 24cm
Portugal-born artist Joana Galego’s images are informed by – in her words – ‘memories and feelings rather than actual events’. Firmly rooted in drawing, her paintings and works on paper are characterised by a vibrant palette and a visual language partly inspired by historical artists.
This framed, watercolour on paper is part of a body of work titled ‘Hiding Behind Gifts’. Contrasting with some of the more heavily layered, collaged pieces in the collection, it has areas of light - which serve to illuminate the figure - juxtaposed with translucent layers watercolour. It is one of a number of works where the artist’s subject protects a bird in her lap - in this case, from the ‘wildfires’ that blaze in the distance.
This work was framed in maple by The Framing Room, London, behind anti-reflective, 70% UV resistant glass. Purchased works are usually despatched within three working days.
Mixed media on paper, 88 × 93cm
Portugese-born artist Joana Galego’s images are informed by – in her words – ‘memories and feelings rather than actual events’. Firmly rooted in drawing, her paintings and works on paper are characterised by a vibrant palette and a visual language partly inspired by historical artists.
This large-scale, mixed media work is part of ‘Hiding Behind Gifts’, a collection of works on paper by the artist. Complex and multi-layered, it combines drawn, painted and collaged components often made in different places at different times.
This work was framed in maple by The Framing Room, London, behind anti-reflective, 70% UV resistant glass.
Purchased works are usually despatched within three working days.