our story
From the shores of the Caribbean to the valleys of Caracas, our journey as a creative duo began. As Miguel explored the world of architecture and art, and Gabby pursued her passion for photography and graphic design, we found ourselves immersed in a vibrant cultural scene. Curating exhibitions, collaborating within artist collectives, and participating in major art festivals and exhibitions became integral parts of our lives.
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Our path led us to the city of Austin, Texas, where we absorbed boundless inspiration before embarking on our next adventure: settling in the Northern Beaches of Sydney.
Driven by our shared love for arts and promoting culture, we founded Kayapa in 2013 aiming to illuminate the unique stories of artists, cultural shapers and innovators in our coastal community. At Kayapa, we embody a collaborative spirit inspired by the traditional Venezuelan indigenous practice of 'Cayapa,' uniting us towards shared goals and endless possibilities.
Our story is also closely connected to our involvement with initiatives like La Crème Creative Inc. and Brookvale Arts District (BAD), where we contribute to creative projects and support the growth of our local arts community.
Miguel González, also known as M-Lon, is Kayapa’s Creative Director. With a background in architecture and over 17 years of experience in visual arts and illustration, Miguel brings a design-driven perspective to every project. His experience curating exhibitions in Caracas, Miami and Sydney complements the way he builds visual narratives and contributes to Kayapa’s conceptual direction. His practice reflects a deep commitment to creativity, collaboration and community.
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Gabriela Villalba is Kayapa’s Lead Photographer.
Her work centres on documentary portraiture and behind-the-scenes photography, capturing moments with clarity, warmth and intention. With nearly 20 years of experience as an art director in Caracas advertising agencies, Gabby brings a strong visual sensibility and a refined storytelling mindset to every session. Beyond Kayapa, her artistic practice embraces experimental and alternative photographic techniques, expanding the possibilities of how stories can be seen and felt.
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