Myself and Nottingham based artist Laura Decorum were invited by New Art Exchange in collaboration with Marrakesh based development charity ASLNES to take part in the inaugural ‘Beyond The Wall’ artists residency in the Medina of Marrakesh.

My painting depicted two aspects of Moroccan culture that fascinated me whilst on recent trips to Marrakesh. 

Gnawa, or Gnaoua music, is a Moroccan spiritual musical tradition that is a mixture of African, Berber, and Arabic religious songs and rhythms. The music is considered both a prayer and a celebration of life. Gnawa music originates from the Gnawa ethnic group who were enslaved people, brought to Morocco from sub-Saharan Africa and also indigenous black Berbers from the south of Morocco. The Gnawa people practice Sufi, a mystic, spiritual version of Islam, combining Islam with sub-Saharan West African traditions.

The Moroccan tea ceremony is a gesture of welcome and respect and a symbol of hospitality and friendship. It is a moment of connection between host and guest and the tea is poured from a height to cool the tea, aerate the water through the bubbles after pouring or prevent the tea leaves from settling at the bottom of the glass.

It was a real honour to have been a part of such a groundbreaking project and for us to have produced two of the first large-scale street level murals in the heart of the Medina.  

Thank you to Saad and NAE for the invitation, Ismail Ismail Chaaouf at ASLNES, for their tireless efforts to make this a reality. Big love to Tarik & Ishan for their on the ground support and to the whole Jamaa El Fna community, who made us feel so supported and welcome.

Located opposite Terrasse La Medersa, 4 Souk Ahl Fes, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco