Asia NOW 2025 Expands Definition of Asian Art with West Asian Focus at Monnaie de Paris
The 11th edition of the Asia NOW art fair wrapped up at Monnaie de Paris, pushing the limits of traditional geographical perceptions of Asian art. This year’s focus was on West Asia, a region often overlooked in Western interpretations of Asia. The theme 'Grow' showcased various artists from the Middle East, such as Saudi artist Mohammad Alfaraj, who presented an installation of fabric-wrapped pillars. Notable works included video pieces by Sara Brahim and a paper column installation by Muhannad Shono. Iranian artist Laila Tara H displayed a diptych of tapestries accompanied by a sound piece. Gallery highlights featured minimalist works by Manal AlDowayan and Nouf Aljowaysir's 'Ancestral Seeds' series, alongside performances from Ahaad Alamoudi and Pascal Hachem, prompting discussions about West Asia's future representation.
Key facts
- Asia NOW 2025 was the 11th edition of the art fair
- The fair took place at Monnaie de Paris on the banks of the Seine River
- This year's theme was 'Grow' with focus on West Asian art
- The fair aimed to challenge Western geographical conceptions of Asia
- Saudi artist Mohammad Alfaraj created the entrance installation
- Arnaud Morand curated works by Sara Brahim and Muhannad Shono
- Manal AlDowayan exhibited both recent works and her 2015 piece 'The Cheerleaders'
- Performances included works by Ahaad Alamoudi and Pascal Hachem
Entities
Artists
- Mohammad Alfaraj
- Sara Brahim
- Muhannad Shono
- Laila Tara H
- Manal AlDowayan
- :mentalKLINIK
- Timo Nasseri
- Nouf Aljowaysir
- Hind Al Saad
- Hamad AlFayhani
- Noora Al Hardan
- Ahaad Alamoudi
- Pascal Hachem
- Arnaud Morand
Institutions
- Asia NOW
- Monnaie de Paris
- Sabrina Amrani
- Gazelli Art House
- Al Markhiya Gallery
- Katara Art Centre
- Wusum Gallery
- Hatch Gallery
Locations
- Paris
- France
- Seine River
- Bosphorus
- Doha
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Iran
- Middle East
- West Asia
- Asia
- Gulf