La Junqueira is an art residency located in Belém, on the west side of Lisbon along the Tagus River. Belém concentrates many museums thus offering an exceptional appeal to all lovers of contemporary art and architecture. La Junqueira is a place for producing, disseminating and promoting art founded by French artist Stéphane Mulliez. It aims to promote artistic expression through the immersion of Portuguese and international artists in the (re)discovery and enhancement of the city of Lisbon in all its aspects: cultural, architectural, historical, sociological

The Residency is also open to curators wishing to stay in Lisbon for their research and productions related to the city. La Junqueira is a unique place where residents have the space and time to devote themselves to their artistic creations fully. Each resident can freely develop his or her experimentations and professional network in an open context of communication and exchange. La Junqueira emphasizes interaction with the international art world and develops socio-cultural links to facilitate the implementation of new artistic projects and offers residents value to their work.

On the occasion of their 12th resident artist’s restitution–Bence Magyarlaki–and exhibition opening today, C41 was in conversation with the residency’s founder Stéphane Mulliez.

Ilaria Sponda: Who is behind La Junqueira? What’s your background?

Stéphane Mulliez: Behind La Junqueira is Stéphane Mulliez, an artist since her early childhood, who has always dreamed of creating connections between artists. After completing my higher art studies in Paris, I worked as an artistic director in an advertising agency for 5 years. Dissatisfied with the commercial environment, I decided to pursue art after having children. I began by designing shop windows and then worked in design, creating lamps for several years. Finally, I joined an art gallery in Paris where I showcased collage work focused on architecture.

IS: When and how did the idea for La Junqueira come about?

SM: In 2013, the year of the attacks in Paris, I wanted a change of scenery and to go abroad. At that point in my life, I wanted to share with others and create connections. I desired to merge family life with artistic exchanges centered around the creative process. La Junqueira opened in 2018.

IS: Why Lisbon?

SM: I chose Portugal, specifically Lisbon, for its beauty and climate, and above all because I discovered uncharted territory where there was still so much to be done for artists. I decided to open a place of artistic creation and chose Lisbon for its cultural dynamism. With real estate prices still very low, I was able to find a place large enough to live in and host an artist. After more than two years of searching for the right place, I finally found what I was looking for on Rua da Junqueira in Belém. Thanks to its configuration and location, it is a perfect fit for this project. Lisbon is home to many talented Portuguese and international artists I wanted to support in their growth. In February 2018, the inauguration of the Residency took place alongside Portuguese artist Inês Zenha.

IS: What interconnection is being built between France and Portugal through the residency program?

SM: More than developing interactions between France and Portugal, La Junqueira fosters international exchanges that shed light on Portuguese culture. Indeed, La Junqueira requires each artist to undertake a project related to Portugal, Lisbon, or some aspect of Portuguese culture. Our first artist in 2018 was Portuguese artist Inês Zenha. We also collaborate with numerous local artisans and establish artistic partnerships that showcase Portuguese craftsmanship.

IS: Who have you hosted over the years?

SM: La Junqueira welcomes two residents per year for stays of up to three months each. The residencies begin in March and September. Among the artists we have hosted are Ines Zenha, the first resident in 2018, Nuria Lopez, Pauline Guerrier, Alice Guittard, and Eduardo Freitas.

IS: Who is the current artist in residence?

SM: Currently, Bence Magyarlaki, our 12th resident, has produced their first limited and signed edition of sculptural furniture in ceramic titled ÜLŐ. ÜLŐ is a term derived from Hungarian, plays on the simple action of sitting and creates a fusion between the object itself, which performs the act of sitting, and the individual sitting on it. This project sits at the intersection of art and design, creating a new sculptural work that can be used, touched, and lived with as a functional piece. The project explores the long-standing tradition of artisanal ceramic fabrication processes in Portugal and experiments with mold-making techniques to realize this new work. The resulting artwork is a continuation of the artist’s exploration of sculptural language, which they refer to as “social bodies”. These works delve into themes of intimacy, desire, and social relations.