Marco MECCARELLI

Marco MECCARELLI is a researcher in East Asian archaeology, art history, and philosophies at the Department of Humanities, University of Catania. He has previously taught at institutions including Sapienza University of Rome, Macerata, and Urbino, and remains an active academic with national and international collaborations.

• PhD in East Asian History and Civilisation (2010), University of Rome “La Sapienza”
• Post-Graduate Specialisation Diploma in Oriental Archaeology (2005), Second School of Specialisation, University of Rome “La Sapienza”

His research centers on the historical and cultural dynamics of East Asia, particularly China. Key interests include the evolution of Chinese photography, the iconography of the Chinese dragon, semiological analysis of erotic imagery, and cross-cultural artistic interactions. His work bridges archaeology, art, literature, and philosophy, offering interdisciplinary insights into East Asian civilizations.

The most recent publications reflect a strong focus on visual culture, material history, and symbolic systems in China and Japan. Trends include the reinterpretation of traditional symbols in modern contexts, the role of photography in cultural transformation, and the global diffusion of East Asian artistic practices.

Scientific recognition includes:

• Invitation to the Visiting Program for Young Sinologists (2016) by the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Chinese Academy of Social Sciences
• Citations in Time Magazine and BBC for research on the Chinese dragon
• Participation in national PRIN research projects

He has supervised master’s theses, including one on the Taiwan issue, and is involved in research grants such as the University of Catania’s Body-Mind Images in East Asian Cultures project under the ATLAS programme. He collaborates with institutions like the Japan Foundation and various embassies to promote cultural dialogue.

Marco MECCARELLI founded the VersOriente Cultural Association (2003–2011) and co-founded VersOriente srl, organizing exhibitions such as Exotic and Bizarre: the Fantastic World of Banko Ceramics (2009–2010). He has led initiatives supported by Italian regional governments and foreign cultural institutions, contributing significantly to public humanities.