Naima Morelli

14-11-2024

Central Asia, Europe, News, Published, Research, Visit

For the historically underrepresented Central Asian art market, smaller fairs represent today an important alley, more than the big fairs such as Art Basel – which just had its second Paris iteration this October. “Boutique fairs,” as they are called, often present curated programming which allow a wide public – not just collectors and buyers – to enjoy the art as it was an exhibition. A selling one, of course.

In Paris, the most relevant fair which has historically presented Central Asian artists to the European public is called Asia Now, and it took place in Paris from October 17 to 20. Entirely dedicated to Asian art, the fair has historically tried to fill the gap for Central Asian art in the European market in the past ten years of its existence.

I wrote the piece for Times of Central Asia.

Published! The Radicants at Asia Now for The Art Newspaper France

26-10-2024

Essay, France, Interview, News, Published, Research, Visit

We’ve all heard the joke about art lovers who don’t necessarily celebrate Christmas and Easter, but they definitely celebrate Frieze and Art Basel. This ritualistic aspect of the art world hasn’t escaped Asia NOW, whose tenth anniversary show is aptly titled ‘Ceremony’.

Guided by the ethos of positioning itself not just as another art fair, but as a curated platform presenting Asia to a European audience, Asia NOW has chosen the artistic direction of Radicants, the curatorial cooperative founded by Nicolas Bourriaud, for its main exhibition.

I have written about it for The Art Newspaper France.

Published! Mehdi Qotbi at Institute du Monde Arabe for The New Arab

26-10-2024

Interview, News, North Africa, Published, Research

I spoke with Moroccan artist Mehdi Qotbi who found his passion almost by chance and now, after 50 years, is being celebrated in a major exhibition in Paris at l’Institute du Monde Arabe. The piece has been published by The New Arab.

Published! The Marseille comic book scene on Art a Part of Culture

26-10-2024

Essay, France, Italiano, News, Published, Reportage, Research

immagine per Friche, Belle de Mai © Caroline Dutrey

This summer I visited for the first time Marseille, to do a little research on the comic book scene there. I have found an incredible lively scene, which provided me with many insights about art, life, and how a community comes together around shared values.

I wrote the piece in Italian for the webmagazine Art a Part of Culture.

Published! 24 hours in Seoul for IFDM

25-10-2024

Essay, Korea, News, Visit

My latest piece about Seoul for an Italian architecture and design magazine I started collaborating with, called IFDM design. The piece is about architecture, heritage, the coolest neighbourhoods and best spaces for art in the Korean capital.

Published! Interview with Saudi artist Manal AlDowayan for Hadara

02-10-2024

Interview, Middle East, Published, Research

“Forty-five minutes before the preview opening of the Venice Biennale in April, there was already a long line of sleepy people waiting at the Arsenale. Half were elegantly dressed Arab women.

When Saudi artist Manal AlDowayan showed up a few minutes later with a big red smile, she was greeted by a peal of excited squeals. The line scattered, and the artist was cocooned for a group selfie. “They are Manal’s cousins,” explained an amused man in the line.

Most of these women have never been to the Venice Biennale before. It was AlDowayan’s participation that drew them. This was a chance to root for their heroine while enjoying what in Saudi Arabia has become the chicest of activities: art appreciation.”

My second piece interview with Manal has been published on the Saudi Magazine Hadara.

Published! Korea MZ collectors for the Financial Times

Here is the link to the piece

31-08-2024

Collection, Essay, Published, Reportage, Research

My new article for the Financia Times is about a new breed of Korean collectors, the so-called Generation MZ, a terms tha stands for millennials and Gen-Z.

They are focused on works under $50,000, either buying with family money or their own entrepreneurial cash, including at the upcoming Frieze and Kiaf fairs.

Published! Interview with Kazakh Artist Gulnur Mukazhanova for Times of Central Asia

17-08-2024

Central Asia, Interview, Published, Research

Born in Semipalatinsk, Kazakhstan, shortly before the end of the USSR, artist Gulnur Mukazhanovahas been working with textiles since beginning her practice, and influenced by Kazakh traditions, employs felt as a primary material.

Spiritual and emotional, her abstractions are informed by issues concerning identity and the transformation of traditional values of her native culture in the age of globalization.

I have interviewed the artist for The Times of Central Asia

Published! Kazakhstan’s Pavilion at the Venice Biennale for The Times of Central Asia

12-06-2024

Central Asia, Interview, News, Published, Research, Visit

The Kazakh pavilion “Jerūiyq: Journey Beyond the Horizon” at the 60th International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale, from April 20 to November 24, represents a major milestone in changing perceptions of Kazakh art.

Staged in the Naval Historical Museum, the exhibition reinterprets the ancient legend of Jerūiyq, drawing inspiration from Kazakh myths and the visionary journey of the 15th-century philosopher Asan Kaigy.

I have interviewed the Pavillion’s curator Anvar Musrepov for The Times of Central Asia.

Published! Balkan artists for the Financial Times

08-06-2024

Balkans, Interview, News, Published, Reportage, Research

Aside from big names such as Marina Abramović, the Balkan region is little known globally, making it ripe for collectors.

I have interviewed some of these artists, collectors and galleries for the Financial Times.