About Naela Ali
Naela Ali (b. 1992) is a Jakarta-based artist, illustrator, and author. Since the release of her first book in 2016, she has published 11 works, several of which have been translated into Portuguese and Vietnamese. Her publications have been showcased at esteemed international events, including the London Book Fair, Singapore Art Book Fair, among others. In addition to her literary work, Naela has collaborated with a range of prominent brands to create merchandise and editorial content.
Currently, Naela is focused on advancing her career as a painter and has exhibited in various shows, including one of Jakarta's most prestigious art fairs. Her artistic practice explores the quiet, meaningful moments of everyday life, particularly inspired by her experiences in Japan. Her paintings frequently capture scenes that evoke a deep sense of nostalgia for the subtle beauty found in the mundane.
In 2023, Naela completed an art residency in rural area in Fukuoka, Japan. This immersive experience deepened her appreciation for the quiet simplicity of life and reinforced her focus on painting as a means of capturing these understated moments.
Through her work, Naela strives to reflect the serenity and calm inherent in Japan’s everyday life, often focusing on overlooked details that highlight the contrast between stillness and the fast pace of modern existence. Her art invites viewers to pause and appreciate the beauty of slowing down, offering a fresh perspective on the ordinary.
Exhibitions
- 2025, Art Jakarta Gardens, Can’s Gallery, Hutan Kota by Plataran, Jakarta, Indonesia
- 2024, Solo Exhibition ‘The Beauty of the Mundane’, Ruang Arta Derau, Bali, Indonesia
- 2024, Art Jakarta, Can’s Gallery, JIEXPO Kemayoran, Jakarta, Indonesia
- 2024, All the Small things Extented, Art Loka, Jakarta, Indonesia
- 2024, Art Jakarta Gardens, Can’s Gallery, Hutan Kota by Plataran, Jakarta, Indonesia
- 2023, All the Small Things #4, Can’s Gallery, Jakarta, Indonesia
- 2023, Group Exhibition, Studio Kura, Itoshima, Japan
- 2018, Tim Badak, Sumatran Rhinos Exhibition, Jakarta, Indonesia
- 2017, Solo Drawing Exhibition, Jakarta, Indonesia
- 2016, Stromtrooper Helmet Design Exhibition by Disney Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
Published Books
- Gilly’s Notes on Life, 2025
- Records of Rainy Days, 2022
- Silly Gilly Daily Stay at Home, 2021
- Dreams are Made of a Box of Crayons, 2020
- Not So Silly Postcard and Sticker Book, 2019
- Not So Silly Journal, 2019
- Silly Gilly Daily, 2019
- Floating in Space, 2018
- Things and Thoughts I Drew when I was Bored, 2017 Stories for Rainy Days vol III, 2018
- Stories for Rainy Days vol II, 2017
- Stories for Rainy Days, 2016