Q&A: “Valencia Vibrante” – A Conversation with Kassandra Flinterhoff on Light, Colour, and Cabanyal • 24/7 Valencia

The vibrant seaside neighbourhood of Cabanyal has long inspired artists and dreamers alike, but few capture its essence quite like Kassandra Flinterhoff, a German-born artist now based in Valencia. Her debut solo exhibition in the city, Valencia Vibrante, is a heartfelt homage to the colour, nature, and rhythm of life in Valencia.

On view at the Centro Cultural Escorxador (Calle Sant Pere 35-37) from July 18 to September 28, 2025 (closed in August), the exhibition features a new series of mixed-media artworks that blend realism with abstraction – using layers of acrylic, oil, airbrush, collage, and even local beach sand. We sat down with Kassandra on the opening weekend to talk about her journey, her process, and what Valencia means to her.

24/7 Valencia: Kassandra, congratulations on your first Valencia exhibition. How are you feeling?

Kassandra Flinterhoff: Thank you! I’m excited, emotional, and honestly a bit overwhelmed in the best way. This exhibition feels like a full-circle moment — sharing my art in the very neighbourhood that inspired so much of it.

24/7 Valencia: You mentioned Cabanyal played a key role in your decision to stay in Valencia. Can you tell us more?

Kassandra: Definitely. I first came to Valencia in 2019 to improve my Spanish and stayed with a host family in Cabanyal. I was immediately enchanted — not just by the city, but by the vibrant energy of the neighbourhood. And… I also fell in love with someone here. (laughs) My partner Matthias and I now live in Patacona, but I walk to my studio in Cabanyal every day. The light, the sea, the people — it’s all woven into my work.

24/7 Valencia: “Valencia Vibrante” is such a fitting name. How would you describe the exhibition?

Kassandra: The show is split into two parts. One side explores Valencia’s natural world through semi-realistic works, and the other shifts into more abstract, symbolic territory. All the pieces reflect on the transitions in nature, especially sunrise and sunset. I use a lot of layers to reflect that richness: acrylics, oils, gold leaf, even real beach sand from the shore here.

24/7 Valencia: You seem especially drawn to sunrises. Why is that?

Kassandra: Sunrises are quiet but powerful. That moment of transition — when the sky slowly lights up — grounds me. It reminds me to pause and just be. There’s something humbling about it. Every day, no matter what happens, the sun rises again. That’s comforting. In my art, I try to bottle that feeling — that calm, that awe.

24/7 Valencia: There’s a lot of emotional and environmental depth in your work. Do you see yourself as an eco-conscious artist?

Kassandra: Yes, absolutely. I believe art has the power to help us reconnect with the natural world. Whether it’s a bee on a lemon blossom or a flamingo from Albufera, these subjects remind us that beauty is all around — and that we have a responsibility to care for it. I’d love to collaborate with local environmental groups and sustainable brands to keep spreading that message.

24/7 Valencia: Tell us about “Mr. Flamingo” you highlighted during your opening speech.

Kassandra: Mr. Flamingo is one of my favourite pieces. It was inspired by the colours and textures at a local restaurant in Cabanyal; their tiles reminded me of ocean waves. When I learned that flamingos migrate through the Albufera each spring, I was hooked. The painting uses sand, brushstrokes, and flowing patterns to show elegance and presence, traits I think flamingos really embody.

24/7 Valencia: The Centro Cultural Escorxador is quite new — how did the collaboration come about?

Kassandra: I’m incredibly grateful to the Escorxador Cultural Centre. When they saw some of my work we decided that it resonated with our aligned vision of highlighting Cabanyal’s beauty through art. We’re able to honour the identity of this neighbourhood through this show.

24/7 Valencia: What can visitors expect from the exhibition and how can they engage further?

Kassandra: Visitors will find a mix of large canvas works and smaller fine art prints, all celebrating Valencia’s vibrant colours and natural cycles. Every Saturday, I’ll be hosting small guided walks through the gallery to talk more about techniques, symbols, and stories behind the art.

24/7 Valencia: What’s next for you, artistically?

Kassandra: I’ve just opened my studio at Doctor Lluch 33 in Cabanyal, and I’d love to make it a creative hub for workshops, collaborations, and community art projects. I’m open to ideas and collaboration, whether it’s a local hotel, gallery, or eco-initiative. Art should be shared, experienced, and lived.

Report & interview by ’24/7 Valencia’ team

Article copyright ‘24/7 Valencia’

‘Valencia Vibrante’ photos copyright Matthias

Valencia Vibrante is on view at Centro Cultural Escorxador until September 28, 2025 (closed in August). Entrance is free. For guided tour times, workshop info, and art prints: visit kassandra.studio/es or cultural.valencia.es.

CENTRO CULTURAL ESCORXADOR

Carrer Sant Pere, 35-37

46011

cultural.valencia.es.

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