Frieze 91 Member Spotlight: Tali de Noronha

Tali de Noronha is a Brazilian abstract expressionist artist based in London. Working primarily with oil and acrylic on canvas, de Noronha’s work is deeply influenced by her rich and complex background. Her abstract paintings are a profound exploration of identity, cultural resilience, and healing. Tali is about to pursue an MFA at the Royal College of Art. 

1. Describe yourself in three words. 

Resilient, introspective, transformative. 

These words encapsulate my journey—overcoming challenges, transforming pain into healing through art, my deep reflection on my heritage and identity. They also reflect the depth of my creative process, which is grounded in both personal exploration and collective healing. 

2. A memorable place?"

"A truly memorable experience for me was visiting the Picasso Museum in Antibes. Standing in front of his paintings, I was struck not only by the power of his artistry but also by the reflections and words inscribed on the walls. They felt like whispers of wisdom and encouragement, as though Picasso himself was speaking directly to me. His words affirmed my path as an artist and reminded me of the courage it takes to create authentically. It was a deeply spiritual moment—one that gave me the confidence to embrace my calling fully."

3. Favourite restaurant? 

One of my favourite restaurants is La Colombe d'Or in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a place where many famous artists once gathered. It’s not just the ambiance, but the history of creativity and collaboration that surrounds this place that resonates with me. It reminds me of the connection between art and life, and how important it is for artists to be inspired by the environment around them. It’s a place that fills me with a sense of belonging and motivation, where I feel connected to those who came before me." 

4. Art Icon?

Yayoi Kusama is a major inspiration for me. Her career is deeply inspiring, and her bold use of polka dots to explore infinite spaces feels like a meditation on both individuality and the vastness of the universe—concepts I connect with profoundly in my own creative process. Kusama’s resilience and her ability to transform personal challenges into mesmerizing works of art remind me of the transformative power of creativity. Her fearless vision continues to inspire me to push boundaries and fully embrace my unique artistic voice.

My new Doors series is rooted in minimalism, where simplicity meets profound meaning. Each piece serves as a metaphorical gateway, symbolizing transitions, opportunities, and the unknown paths that shape our lives. The white lines, understated yet intentional, invite viewers to reflect on their own journeys and the choices they’ve made—the doors they’ve chosen to open or leave closed. Through this work, I aim to create a space for reflection, connection, and self-discovery.

5. My proudest moment? 

One of my proudest moments was my first exhibition. It was a milestone that really made me believe in myself. Preparing for it, curating my work, and seeing everything come together reinforced my confidence and reminded me that pursuing art is not just a passion, but a path I’m meant to follow.

6. Artist, you have been thinking at the moment?

I’ve been thinking a lot about De Noronha as an artist lately, and how my art is evolving as a reflection of where I am both as an artist and as a person.