Morocco – Colors, Scents, and the Magic of the South

The summer of 2025 took me back to Morocco—a country that has been a part of my life for years and continues to inspire me time and again. It’s not a place you simply visit and leave behind. Morocco stays with you—in your thoughts, in your senses, and in your own visual language.

The moment you arrive, it’s the intensity that permeates everything: the colors, the smells, the sounds. The deep red of the earth, the warm ochre of the walls, the bright blue of the doors and windows—everything seems more powerful, more intense, more immediate. Added to this is the scent of spices, of mint and tea, of leather, dust, and sun. A sensory interplay that is almost impossible to put into words, yet shapes every perception.

I have traveled to this country many times over the years and have come to know many of its facets: the rugged coast of Essaouira, the winding alleys of Fès, the historic tranquility of Meknès, the vibrant life in Marrakesh, the urban expanse of Casablanca, and the gateway between the continents in Tangier. And finally, the vastness of the desert around Ouarzazate, where sky and earth meet in an almost surreal silence.

Each of these places tells its own story, has its own vibrancy, and its own rhythm. But it is precisely this juxtaposition of contrasts that makes Morocco so special. Loud and quiet, cramped and spacious, traditional and modern—everything exists side by side, creating an atmosphere that is both challenging and inspiring.

It is no coincidence that great artists have been drawn here time and again. Yves Saint Laurent, together with his partner Pierre Bergé, found a second home in Marrakesh for many years. The colors, the light, and the sensual power of the country had a lasting influence on his designs—a striking example of how deeply Morocco can influence creative processes.

A new series of works emerged during my last trip: Jardins de Marrakech. Thirty-five watercolors that attempt to capture these impressions—not in a documentary style, but as their very essence. They are images of light and shadow, of shimmering colors, of moments suspended between movement and stillness. The gardens of Marrakech—their plants, their hidden spaces, and the interplay of sun and cool shade—became a central motif in this series.

Watercolor struck me as a particularly fitting medium for this. The transparency of the paint, its flow, its own life—all of this reflects the vibrancy of this country. Like Morocco itself, watercolor cannot be fully controlled. It requires trust, openness, and a willingness to embrace the unpredictable.

For me, Morocco has long been more than just a travel destination. It is a source, a space of resonance, a place where perception intensifies and creativity unfolds. And with every visit, something new emerges—a new perspective, a new shade of color, another piece of this inexhaustible inspiration.