Vanishing Patterns, 2016
Hotel Blanco Riad, Tetouan, Morocco
Vanishing Patterns is an ephemeral site-specific installation at Hotel Blanco Riad, formerly a courtyard house of the eighteenth century. I used local spices such as turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and paprika, to recreate traditional Andalusian patterns around the central fountain.
Uniting sight and smell, the piece brought back the multi-sensory experience of the 'zook' or market. In this piece, food and art are seen as nurturing and ephemeral, specially given the dire situation of traditional crafts in Morocco, many of which are on the verge of extinction. The piece was on view for 48 hours, for the enjoyment of visitors, guests, travelers, and hotel staff. Download the press release here.
This work was completed during the Convergence Residency at Green Olive Arts in Tetouan, Morocco, in 2016.
Mixed media: ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, paprika spices, stencils.
Dimensions: 10 W x 10 L in (each tile). Overall dimensions 5 W x 5 H ft (approx.)
Installation in progress, with volunteers: Nafie Eljayidi, Sara Ahlaloum, Anass Yahyaoui.
Photo credit: Rachel Pearsey
Green Olive Arts, International Artist Residency, Tetouan, Morocco.
Artists from around the world gather to create new work inspired by and in collaboration with traditional artisans of Tetouan, Morocco. María Velasco's work featured at the 5:03 min. marker.
Press Release
Press Release and Design: Jeff McRobbie