From Rionegro to Italy

From Rionegro to Italy: Niver Valencia Projects His Sensory Art in Europe
Colombian art shines on the international stage thanks to talents like Niver Ferney Valencia Jiménez, a visual artist from Rionegro, whose disruptive and sensorial work is leaving its mark in Europe. At the most recent edition of the Mostra D’arte Latinoamericana 2025, held in the Sala Cannoniera of the historic Rocca Paolina in Perugia, Italy, Valencia was recognized with the prestigious “Arte Crítico” award and honored as “Great Ambassador of Colombian Art.”
Born into a peasant family, Niver found his own language in art from a very young age. “Before learning to read or write, I was already painting,” he says. He has forged his path through self-teaching, perfecting his technique alongside maestro Óscar Cardona at the Art School of the Sociedad de Mejora Públicas de La Ceja.

His deeply experimental work is based on human synesthesia, allowing his paintings to interact with their surroundings and transform depending on light, temperature, or humidity. This unique approach has captured the attention of experts and audiences both in Colombia and abroad. Over the past four years, he has participated in more than 30 national and international exhibitions.
One of the most important milestones in his career was in 2023, when he became the first Antioquian to exhibit at the Louvre in Paris. On that occasion, he presented three works using photoluminescent techniques, made with natural pigments that glow in the dark.

"I characterize myself as a very experimental artist... I like to break away from the norm," he proudly stated at the time.

At this year's Italian exhibition, Valencia presented her work "Colombia: Land of Passion, Diversity, and Resilience," a piece that had already been recognized by the Rionegro Municipal Art Awards in 2024. This creation reflects her technical approach and also a powerful message: redefining the country's image beyond its stigmas.

"Feeling the impact, wonder, and emotion of paintings that you can interact with has been a unique and unforgettable experience. I never imagined the huge impact they would have. It was something distinctive, different... to say 'impactful' is an understatement," she told DiariOriente.

Her participation in the 2025 Mostra D'arte Latinoamericana, organized by the Salentino Group and supported by the City of Perugia, consolidates her international presence. This event has been one of the most important showcases of Latin American art in Europe since 2019, and there, Niver's work was acclaimed for its ability to break barriers, connect meanings, and offer a new perspective on Colombian art.

"Thinking about what's next for Niver Valencia is difficult to answer. I would dare say that after this experience, what follows is a much more significant presentation on a global level," he concluded.

At 36 years old, this self-taught Rio Negro native not only represents the emerging talent of Antioquia, but with his sensitivity, creativity, and innovation, he is rewriting the narrative of Colombian art in the eyes of the world.
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