<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>Monica Monaia</b> is an emerging ceramic artist whose work spans between South Africa and Italy. With a background in Theology, she writes about culture, identity, and ceramics, exploring the intersections of heritage, personal experience, and creative expression. Her artistic practice is deeply influenced by her mixed Italian and Ethiopian heritage, and she engages with themes of belonging, visibility, and the role of ceramics in shaping cultural narratives. Monica has participated in various exhibitions, including the Ceramics Southern Africa Regional in 2024 and Tazzinart 2024 in Italy. She recently curated and presented the Tazzinart exhibition in Cape Town, promoting a cultural bridge between Italian and South African ceramic artists, focusing on giving visibility to less privileged and renowned artists.</span></p>