Naso Art Journal
What are your names and where are you from/based?
We’re Nayla and Soraya, co-founders of Naso Art Journal and friends since high school. We share the same passions and felt very natural to come together and build ‘Naso’. The journal was born in Bahrain, which remains at the heart of our story, though our reach now extends across the wider MENA region and beyond. Nayla is based in Bahrain & Soraya in Paris. The beauty of the journal is that it travels far beyond where we are currently rooted.
Can you describe your practice in a few words?
Our practice is rooted in amplifying voices through genuine narrative. Naso is a platform of storytelling, curation, and cultural reframing — a space where artists from the MENA region are helped to share their narratives with honesty and integrity.
Was there a particular gap in the MENA or global art ecosystem that made you feel like Naso had to exist?
Yes — we felt strongly that MENA artists deserved a platform that places them at the center of their own stories. Too often, regional voices are mediated through Western-centric lenses. Naso exists to fill that gap, by providing a meaningful and sustainable space for MENA art within the global conversation.
In your interviews, you emphasize letting artists tell their stories “exactly as they wish to share them.” Why do you feel like this is important?
Because authentic storytelling matters. For MENA artists especially, whose histories and narratives have often been framed by others, it’s vital that they speak in their own words. It’s not just about representation, but about agency — ensuring that their voices are heard with integrity, complexity, and pride.
You’ve launched Collaborations as a new segment, what does it mean to collaborate beyond just working together?
For us, collaboration is about shared purpose. It’s more than co-creating content — it’s about aligning visions, values, and commitments to equity, dialogue, and cultural impact. Each collaboration becomes a catalyst for something larger than the sum of its parts.
Do you see the journal as more of a mirror for the region, or as a bridge from the region to the world?
We see it as both. Naso reflects the richness of the region back to itself, while also acting as a bridge that connects MENA artists to the international art community. It’s a dual role that honors where we come from and opens doors to where we’re going.
If Naso could rewire a part of how the global art market engages with MENA artists, what would you want to change?
We’d want to move away from tokenism and trend-driven interest, toward long-term commitment. The global market should recognize the depth, history, and multiplicity of MENA art — not as a niche, but as an integral part of the global cultural landscape.
When you look at the regional art scene today, what is standing out to you the most?
The sheer diversity and dynamism. From experimental practices to historically grounded work, artists in the region are pushing boundaries and reframing narratives with remarkable boldness. What excites us most is the energy of younger voices entering the conversation with fresh perspectives. Our interview segment is actually a way for us to elevate the next generation’s voices: the artists that we believe will one day to leave a mark in MENA art history.
You described Naso as more than a journal, almost as a catalyst for cultural reframing. How do you think art can help shape how the region is understood culturally, socially, and historically?
Art reveals the layers of who we are. It preserves untold histories, challenges stereotypes, and creates empathy across cultures. By amplifying MENA artists, we hope to shift how the region is seen — not as a monolith, but as a vibrant, multifaceted cultural force.
You’ve said, “We don’t know exactly where the future will take us — and in many ways, that’s the most exciting part.” What directions do you feel most drawn toward right now?
Right now, we’re excited about expanding our collaborations — from regional partnerships to features at international fairs. We’re also building toward our next issue launch in December and preparing for a major project in 2026.
Where can people find you?
You can find us online at nasoartjournal.com and on Instagram at @naso_artjournal. Send us a message anytime! We are always very happy to hear from our audience.
