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

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.

Lebanon | Mar 12, 2022

Beirut artists interpret experience of nonconformance in Middle East

A comic book artist and a photographer/editor speak of the queer community in Lebanon, and how it has changed over time.

North Africa | Jan 22, 2022

Photographer explores vibrant cultures of Libya

A Libyan photographer has made it her mission to share the country's people and stories with the world.

Gulf | Nov 30, 2021

Zawyeh Gallery expands Palestinian contemporary art collection to Dubai

The Palestinian Zawyeh Gallery has opened a second location in Dubai.

United Arab Emirates | Mar 20, 2020

Artists reflect on age of anxiety in Sharjah

A group of contemporary artists explore the ways everyday technologies have altered our collective consciousness and created the age of anxiety, but the exhibit in Sharjah has been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Naima Morelli

Artist Adam HajYahia explores desire, sexual deviance in Palestine

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

Morocco's women martial artists defy cultural stereotypes

Palestinian photojournalist turned artist inspires female students

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

Photographer captures surrealist post-explosion Beirut at Dubai art show

Beirut artists interpret experience of nonconformance in Middle East

Photographer explores vibrant cultures of Libya

Zawyeh Gallery expands Palestinian contemporary art collection to Dubai

Artists reflect on age of anxiety in Sharjah

Podcasts

Turkey's ratification of Sweden's NATO membership not enough to secure Congressional approval for F-16s, says Hellenic American Leadership Council chief Endy Zemenides

Naima Morelli

Artist Adam HajYahia explores desire, sexual deviance in Palestine

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

Morocco's women martial artists defy cultural stereotypes

Palestinian photojournalist turned artist inspires female students

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

Photographer captures surrealist post-explosion Beirut at Dubai art show

Beirut artists interpret experience of nonconformance in Middle East

Photographer explores vibrant cultures of Libya

Zawyeh Gallery expands Palestinian contemporary art collection to Dubai

Artists reflect on age of anxiety in Sharjah

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Podcasts

Turkey's ratification of Sweden's NATO membership not enough to secure Congressional approval for F-16s, says Hellenic American Leadership Council chief Endy Zemenides