Yves Saint-Laurent said "When I discovered Marrakech, it was an extraordinary shock. The city taught me colour." I understand this, as my own photography had been shot almost entirely in black and white until I visited the Red City in 2010. Since then I have fallen in love with colour...
"Colour plays a distinct role in shaping the visual culture of a city or country. It is one of the oldest forms of communication known, and we are attracted to it like magpies to a shiny object. Colour is simple and pure". Morocco Modern.
"Majorelle Blue" is a colour dotted all over Marrakech...
It was made famous by French artist Jacques Majorelle who lived in Marrakech in the 1920's and 1930's, where he created a beautiful garden known as Jardin Majorelle. Plant containers, walls, walkways and fountains in the garden are painted in Majorelle blue and sit amongst a wonderful collection of exotic plants.
Majorelle Gardens later fell into disrepair, but in more recent years has been restored by Yves Saint-Laurent. They are now open to the public and the spot is a relaxing haven away from the hustle and bustle of the Medina.
In 1946, Winston Churchill met fellow painter Jacques Majorelle during one of his stays at La Mamounia. The politician persuaded the hotel’s management to commission a mural by Majorelle, which you can now see on the lobby ceiling.
