The Art of Love Affairs

I am lucky to have beautiful people in my life. Friends that make me laugh so hard it hurts. Lovers, old and new and people that hold my hand and walk the world. A meeting of minds is treasure for eternity.

Not many places in the world can make my heart sink at the suggestion of a trip away with a special friend. But Marrakech? Marrakech the hot, hectic maze of madness? Instead of drifting around Stockholm's Nordiska Kompaniet and swimming in the tranquil lakes of Gnesta, we would be in Jemaa el-Fna Square with snakes and beating drums.

The first time I went to Marrakech was with the headmaster: three fights, food poisoning, wind burn and a wild cat attack. The second time was with my boys: newly separated, four panic attacks, frantic calls home and two terrified toddlers. Third time lucky? For my beautiful friend?

Comptoir Des Mines

**Blue Sticks – Hassan Darsi – Amulette**

I jumped straight in a taxi to Comptoir Des Mines Galerie. As I entered the Art Deco building in Gueliz, I kindly asked the guys to step out of the way for my photograph. We giggled together. They hid in the cupboards and then jumped out to surprise me.

When I went upstairs the sight of Hassan Darsi's beautiful piece Amulette 2023 took my breath away. The minute I saw the sky-blue structure made out of wooden sticks, light shining through the space between, I knew I had made peace with Marrakech.

David Bloch Gallery

**Blue Organic - M.O.M 001 Fils de soie et laine sur**

I made an appointment at the David Bloch Gallery, and David himself opened up his space. He introduced me to the work of Ghizlane Sahli. Her sensual artworks are made from plastic bottles covered in embroidery thread. Each organic shape moves and grows like a sea creature in the ocean.

Loft Gallery

**Blue Head – Mous Lamrabat – Kingdom of Lions**

**Helicopter – Walid Ardhaoui – Fish Market 2**

I made a new friend Zahra. J'adore Zahra. A curator and photographer. Zahra talked me through every piece of art in the gallery. We walked, talked and laughed together. A kindred spirit, just for a moment this time. The art in The Loft Gallery touched my heart and soul.

I got back to my little house overlooking Le Jardin Majorelle. A kitten and a tiny bird had taken up residence whilst I was out. We shared the space. They played whilst I started to write. The kitten would have been in detention if the headmaster had been here. Luckily, for Kitty, we were no longer and never were a meeting of minds.

Le Jardin Majorelle. How could I not mention you, my love? The garden of my dreams. You were not the same this time. Over groomed and heavily policed. I preferred it when you were wild and free. Our time was last time.

Marrakech, you have my heart. Of course you do, you crazy thing. Like all love affairs, we had to get the timing right.

Thank you, to all of the people in Marrakech who shared a moment with me. From the giggles in the galleries, the special dinner and the light touch on the hand. Our time is now.

And lastly, thank you to my beautiful friend. Where shall we walk in the world next?

NewsJules Doyle8 March 2024Travel, Galleries