Description

Inhabitants is a long-term artistic journey that explores cultural identity, diversity, and shared human heritage through portraiture. Developed over several years and still ongoing, this project lives both in the streets and in the gallery, shaped by travel, human connection, and immersive experiences within communities across the world.

Each artwork is inspired by my encounters with local cultures – from the Maya in Mexico to the Maasai in Kenya, and the Hmong in Northern Thailand – and reflects a deep engagement with their traditions, daily life, and visual language. The portraits I create are a tribute to the richness of their adornments, garments, and expressions, which act as powerful symbols of identity.

Painted on walls in Argentina, Chile, Mexico, France, Australia, Thailand, Kenya, and more, these works seek to celebrate cultural diversity while inviting viewers to reflect on what unites us. The same spirit is carried onto canvas works, which have been exhibited in galleries in France, Australia, and Mexico.

More than just a series, Inhabitants represents a way of life, one that embraces art as a tool for exchange, storytelling, and respect. It’s about meeting people, listening to their stories, and allowing those stories to live on through public and shared space. At its core, the project is a reminder that our differences are our collective strength, and that heritage, when shared, becomes a bridge rather than a boundary.

Extract from Valé autobiography. Read More