Jacqueline de Montaigne presents hers first solo exhibition in Lisbon

Because Art Matter – BAM, has announced its new exhibition entitled”Darwin’s Paradox“, by acclaimed Portuguese painter and muralist Jacqueline de Montaigne. The opening is scheduled for 31 May at 8 Marvila and will be on display until 30 June.

Inspired by the unique legacy of naturalist Charles Darwin and his invaluable contributions to evolutionary biology, Jacqueline de Montaigne delves into her shared passion and fascination for biology, particularly botany and entomology.

Through its contemporary artistic approach, fusing figurative art and scientific illustration, “Darwin ́s Paradox” materialises in a set of original works of art that immerse visitors in exploring the beauty and complexity of the natural world that takes on a new light here. On the one hand, Darwin’s fascination with the scientific mysteries of human evolution, revolutionized the understanding of life and man’s place in this universe. On the other, the reflection of the social context of the time, which influenced Darwin and marked a set of controversial ideas and views on the gender perspective.

“I’ve spent the last few months immersed in Darwin’s writings. I confess that through the texts and accounts of his travels, discoveries and his fascination with evolution, my passion for scientific illustration and the natural world, which began in my childhood, has taken on new life. However, although his theories and scientific discoveries were unrivalled and his passion contagious, his views on women and the idea of women being inferior to men, especially intellectually, emerged from the reading as a shock. This conflict led to a very organic conception of the exhibition, making it, of course, also a celebration of women“, says Jacqueline de Montaigne.

“Darwin’s Paradox”presents a collection of more than 50 never-before-seen original works of art, including large-format canvases, watercolours adorned with 24k gold leaf, already traditional in the artist’s body of work, a unique collection of painted old banknotes and a collection of entomology boxes filled with butterflies.

This will be the first solo exhibition hosted by the Because Art Matters gallery and marks Jacqueline de Montaigne‘s second collaboration with BAM, following the success of her first solo exhibition in 2022, ‘The Language of Flowers’, which sold out in less than a week.

“I couldn’t be more excited about organizing the gallery’s first solo show with Jacqueline de Montaigne. An artist of unrivaled talent, an officer of the Because Art Matters project and with whom it is a privilege to work. Darwin’s Paradox is the result of months of research, reflection, dialogue, and work that reflects an exhibition with a unique narrative and aesthetic. An unmissable experience for art lovers and collectors and certainly another milestone in the affirmation and consolidation of Jacqueline de Montaigne’s international artistic career”,  comments Gonçalo Magalhães, founder and curator of Because Art Matters.

Free admission to the exhibition from 1 June to 30 June, from 12 noon to 8pm, Thursday to Sunday, at 8 Marvila.

For more information visit becauseartmatters.com