Mixed media and collage paper, 48 × 31cm
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, mixed media work on paper is part of a new body of work by the artist titled ‘Hiding Behind Gifts’. Comprised of collaged drawn and painted elements made in different places at different times, it is complex and textured. In Joana’s words; ‘Offering a bird, holding a bird, protecting a bird - waiting for the bird to sing. In the background: trees from Alentejo where my parents are from. There’s also a figure setting up a plate on the floor. This reminds me of the time I was with my family in a forest in Sintra when suddenly we found a clay plate on the floor filled with burnt chickpeas. Was that an offering as well, and if so, to whom?’.
This work was framed in walnut by The Framing Room, London, behind anti-reflective, 70% UV resistant glass.
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.
Mixed media and collage paper, 48 × 31cm
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, mixed media work on paper is part of a new body of work by the artist titled ‘Hiding Behind Gifts’. Comprised of collaged drawn and painted elements made in different places at different times, it is complex and textured. In Joana’s words; ‘Offering a bird, holding a bird, protecting a bird - waiting for the bird to sing. In the background: trees from Alentejo where my parents are from. There’s also a figure setting up a plate on the floor. This reminds me of the time I was with my family in a forest in Sintra when suddenly we found a clay plate on the floor filled with burnt chickpeas. Was that an offering as well, and if so, to whom?’.
This work was framed in walnut by The Framing Room, London, behind anti-reflective, 70% UV resistant glass.
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.
