Valerie C Brugal shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Valerie, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
I’m chasing resonance—those rare moments when the work I do creates meaningful connections: between artist and viewer, between past and present, between intention and interpretation. I’m chasing the quiet power of cultural translation, the kind that happens when a piece of art not only speaks, but is heard.
If I stopped, I imagine the world wouldn’t look so different on the surface—but I would feel misaligned with my own purpose. Art would still exist, people would still create, but I would feel a disconnect from the deeper sense of contribution that drives me. I’m not chasing visibility or scale—I’m chasing impact, intimacy, and the kind of beauty that expands what we understand about ourselves and each other. To stop would be to dim that pursuit, and I’m not ready to do that.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Valerie C. Brugal, and I’m the founder of Catalysta, a hybrid art gallery and curatorial platform dedicated to amplifying contemporary Latin American voices. Catalysta emerged in response to the shifting dynamics of the art world—where borders are fluid, digital presence is essential, and context matters more than ever.
What makes Catalysta unique is its commitment to thoughtful curation and cross-cultural dialogue. We don’t just represent artists—we collaborate with them to tell stories, activate unconventional spaces, and connect with collectors, institutions, and communities in meaningful ways. Our itinerant model allows us to be agile, experimental, and deeply intentional—whether we’re showcasing works at international fairs like Art on Paper New York or collaborating with local partners like Casa Diccia in the Dominican Republic.
We’re currently working on expanding our presence through strategic partnerships and special projects, while continuing to support our growing roster of emerging and mid-career artists. For me, it’s not just about selling art—it’s about creating a platform that celebrates identity, memory, and transformation through powerful visual language.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Bonds break when we stop listening, assume too much, or let silence replace honesty. They’re restored when we show up with truth, humility, and care. A little vulnerability goes a long way. So does art—it speaks when words fail and helps us find each other again.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You don’t have to be perfect to be loved. Trust your voice—it knows the way.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
A cultural value I protect at all costs is integrity in human connection—honoring honesty, empathy, and reciprocity in every relationship, whether personal, artistic, or professional. In a world driven by speed and self-interest, I believe in protecting spaces where people feel seen, respected, and safe to be themselves.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m doing what I chose to do—and that distinction means everything to me. I wasn’t born into this exact path, nor was it handed to me. I carved it out intentionally, drawing from what moved me, what challenged me, and what felt honest. My work is rooted in conscious decision-making. It’s the product of listening deeply to my instincts, not the noise around me.
There have been moments where expectations whispered louder than my own voice, but choosing myself—again and again—is how I’ve built something that feels aligned and enduring. I’m not following a script; I’m writing my own.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.catalysta.la
- Instagram: catalysta.la
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