2025 Octavia Cycle or the Praise/Strategy of Love

Octavia or the Praise/Strategy of Love, curated by Marta Pol Rigau

With Marta Domínguez Sensada (C72R), Neus Masdeu, Nara and Neus, and Eulàlia Rovira.

A cycle of artistic actions carried out by women from different generations, in relation to the military vestiges around the Sant Cugat del Vallès Monastery, approached from political, performative, poetic, and gastronomic perspectives.

To explore gender conditions in the classical world from a contemporary perspective, the project draws on Minerva, the goddess of wisdom and conciliatory political and military tactics, embodied by her alter ego, the character Octavia. The name Octavia derives from the feminization of Octavius, a name linked to the history of Sant Cugat. This serves as a springboard to move between history and fiction in this curatorial proposal with artistic license.

The parable of Octavia speaks of her innate ability to find a harmonious balance between the demands and pressures of a predominantly male political and family environment and her own pursuit of well-being, autonomy, and personal fulfillment. A bold woman capable of subverting established gender norms—not as a ruler or public leader, roles reserved for men—but through the courage to face, embrace, and challenge her destiny. She earns recognition from those around her through her ability to control emotions and make well-founded decisions.

Selected proposal in the 2025 Curatorial Performance Project call.

PROGRAM

5:30 PM – Thorax, by Eulàlia Rovira
Location: exterior area of the Monastery apse
Concept: The proposal symbolically intertwines the presence of a baby—a pre-linguistic and pre-upright body—with the history of the Roman vestiges of Sant Cugat. This intersection is expressed through a reading in which linguistic play, architecture, and bodies merge to let ideas flow organically and without restrictions.

6:00 PM – Desvelada, by Nara and Neus
Location: viewpoint – rear wall tower
Concept: This action delves into an analysis of the multiple layers and enigmas that make up the complexity of Octavia’s personality. It highlights her intrinsic duality: on one hand, she is a source of inspiration for the development of intelligence and mastery in the art of female diplomacy. On the other, she is a shrewd strategist, capable not only of fostering peace and harmony but also of triggering conflicts to achieve her objectives.

6:30 PM – I Show What I Am, by Marta Domínguez Sensada – C72R
Location: Monastery cloister
Concept: The action proposes an intervention on the memory of values sidelined by official historiography and opens a symbolic space for the voices of women silenced by history. From a feminist perspective, showing oneself is both a political and spiritual act: a stance taken from fragility, persistence, and life.

7:30 PM – Giving Pumpkins, by Neus Masdeu
Location: Plaça de l’Om
Concept: A performative gastronomic lecture exploring the historical figure of Octavia and her relationship with love. Through narrative and action, the artist intertwines the fascinating story of Octavia, a woman of strong and determined character, with popular sayings —expressions related to love and heartbreak— and culinary recipes from ancient Rome. The aim is to create an atmosphere where people share food and talk about their loves, fostering a sense of community.

Supported by Sorea and the Department of Culture of the Generalitat of Catalonia.

Credits 

Date: September 27, 2025
Location: Locations around the Monastery of Sant Cugat
Text: Marta Pol Rigau
Photography: Eva Carasol. Courtesy of Arts.Santcugat – Sant Cugat City Council
Video:
Production and Organization: Arts.Santcugat, Sant Cugat City Council