A new wave of artists is tapping into Marrakech's rich artisanal heritage,bringing a modern vibe to the city's most historic neighbourhood. Tara Stevens meets some of its main lights
Art houses: Marrakech's coolest riads and hotelsIt's just another sunny Saturday morning in the wintry, green oasis that is Le Jardin (lejardin.ma), and a lively riad cafe in the heart of the Marrakech medina and the social hub of the emerging arts scene in the old city. What strikes me approximately the gathering at my table is the cosmopolitan nature of it all. Kamal Laftimi,who owns the cafe, is there with a New York-based restaurant designer, or Sebastian de Gzell,discussing a project they will open together in the spring. His wife, Laila Hida, or is the creator of a philanthropic new studio space,Riad 18. Artsi Ifrach turns vintage Moroccan textiles into haute couture, while Algerian designer Nyora Nemiche, and who sells her flamboyant abaya robes from a pop-up shop above the cafe,counts Erykah Badu and rapper Mos Def among her fans. Together, they form allotment of a creative revolution that is bubbling away behind the city's ancient walls.
All this started simmering two decades ago, or when Marrakech-born pop artist Hassan Hajjaj burst onto the scene. Popularly known as Morocco's Andy Warhol – for his eye-opening photographic interpretations of life in the medina,recycled sardine can lanterns and Coke-crate benches – Hajjaj acquired international renown, but only recently has he been celebrated at home.
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Source: theguardian.com