HER NEW SERIES CAPTURES THE CHARM AND THRILLING ENERGY OF MARRAKESH
Since graduating from the University of Edinburgh with an MA in History of Art, British artist Lara Carew-Jones has travelled extensively, immersing herself in vibrant, busy, sensorially intense environments across the globe.
Her recent work is centered around Morocco, with a particular emphasis on the historical Medina of Marrakesh. Each piece serves as a snapshot capturing life within the ancient city walls.
Lara Carew-Jones says: “Morocco is truly an artist’s haven, where awe-inspiring, visually rich scenes effortlessly unfold at every turn. The sheer abundance of beauty can be overwhelming at times; it's everywhere you look.
“You want to kick yourself for not focusing your camera in time, and missing out on what could have made for a great composition, only to be pleasantly surprised seconds later by something equally enchanting. The inspiration is endless.”
The ongoing series encompasses various perspectives, including rooftop views, street scenes, and singular portrayals of individuals. Blush pink and terracotta tones emerge as a unifying theme, and were part of Marrakesh’s initial appeal to Lara.
A TREASURE TROVE OF VISUAL DELIGHTS
Lara says: “Morocco exceeded my expectations, which was quite the feat, as it was already high up on a pedestal for me. I think the rooftops in Marrakesh were a welcome surprise. They were more eclectic and visually characterful than I had anticipated. The mix of the old and the modern I found fun and appealing.
“I’m most proud of the first painting I created for the series, which depicts a rooftop scene with a moody grey sky. It was the composition that drew me the most. I had spent so much time exploring during my time in Morocco, in search of the most captivating rooftop views, but it was by pure chance that I stumbled upon this particular scene from the rooftop of the riad where I had just checked in for my second and final stop in Marrakesh.”
She adds: “It was 46 degrees Celsius; it had been relentless, dry heat for my entire time there, and on this penultimate evening in Marrakesh, there was a storm brewing. The sky changed to this deep, rich, moody grey, which had been in contrast to the much paler hazy, pastel pinks, and light blue skies I’d grown accustomed to. It felt charged and exhilarating and electric, adding to the fervour I already experienced from just being in Marrakesh.
“I believe that when you feel that passionate about what you're painting, it cannot help but translate to the viewer of the work.”
This new series will go on to include scenes from other parts of the country that Lara was fortunate to visit, such as the palmeraie in Skoura, a giant grove of trees in the middle of the desert dubbed ‘Oasis of 1000 Palms’, as well as the moon-like expanse of the Agafay Desert.
For more information on Lara Carew-Jones’s Morocco series, email info@loughrangallery.co.uk.
