Naima Morelli

Naima Morelli is a culture writer who specializes in contemporary art from the Middle East, North Africa and the Asia-Pacific region. She is a contributor to Al-Monitor, Middle East Eye, Middle East Monitor, CoBo Social and Qantara, and is the author of two books on contemporary art. On Twitter: @naimamorelli

Gulf | Dec 26, 2023

ALM Feature

Saudi Arabia sets art ambitions with Noor Riyadh Festival

A tour of this year’s Noor Riyadh Festival sheds light on Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a cultural hub and, consequently, a tourism hub in the region.

Palestine | Jul 1, 2023

Artist Adam HajYahia explores desire, sexual deviance in Palestine

A Palestinian artist and curator sheds light on the history of Palestine’s underworld in a recent exhibition.

Gulf | Feb 20, 2023

'Punk Orientalism' looks at Russia’s complex relationship with Arab world through art

Author Sara Raza explores in her new book the relationship of art between the former Soviet Union and the Arab world through the eyes of several artists.

North Africa | Oct 14, 2022

Morocco's women martial artists defy cultural stereotypes

Al-Monitor talks to four Moroccan female martial arts athletes about cultural stereotypes and how to inspire and empower future generations of female fighters.

Morocco's Btissam Sadini (L) competes against Serbia's Jovana Prekovic in the women's kumite -61kg elimination round of the karate competition during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Nippon Budokan, Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 6, 2021.

Palestine | Jul 12, 2022

Palestinian photojournalist turned artist inspires female students

Rula Halawani's journey as an artist has always involved looking at the Palestinian land and people.

Gulf | Apr 26, 2022

Reverse-Orientalism, feminism inform work of Omani artist Eman Ali

Sexuality, the performance of gender, and religious and socio-political ideologies are at the forefront of Omani artist Eman Ali's art, and her hybrid of artistic expression ranges from photography to installation.

Culture | Apr 17, 2022

Photographer captures surrealist post-explosion Beirut at Dubai art show

Surreal silos and ruins of ancient buildings are the subjects of the new series of works by Dia Mrad, recently presented at the biggest art fair in the Middle East.