Cavestany, Valeria

Born in Barcelona, Spain, to a Catalan father and a Filipino mother, Valeria Cavestany moved to the Philippines at an early age. This dual heritage laid the groundwork for a nomadic, deeply inquisitive artistic career. Her formal training began in Europe and transitioned into humanities and classical Asian arts in Manila, making her a vital bridge between the Spanish and Philippine contemporary art scenes.

Beyond her studio practice, Cavestany is an active cultural archivist and writer, currently documenting the contemporary art landscape by working on an upcoming book highlighting Manila's most exciting visual artists.

Education & Academic Background:

Textile Design Studies: Escuela de Diseño Textil, Barcelona, Spain.

Bachelor of Arts (AB) in Asian History: University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, Quezon City.

Classical Arts Training: Specialized studies in traditional Chinese painting, Manila.

Notable Movement Affiliations:

Bastards of Misrepresentation: Exhibited internationally with this influential, loose collective of contemporary Filipino artists curated by Manuel Ocampo, bridging Manila's raw underground energy with global audiences.

Selected Exhibitions:

Manila & Regional Highlights (1990–Present)

Regular solo and group showcases at premier local spaces, including Finale Art File, Ayala Museum, Manila Contemporary, and Galleria Duemila.

International Presentations

Spain: Supermercado del Arte (Madrid, Barcelona, and La Coruña); Casa Asia.

France: Musée International des Arts Modestes (MIAM), Sète.

United States: Group presentations in New York City.

United Kingdom: Ainscough Gallery, London.

Additional Global Showcases: Museo de la Acuarela (Mexico); Ilayda Sanat Galerisi (Istanbul, Turkey); and the 2005 Flag Festival (Eppingen, Germany).