The Art of Lockdown in the Fez Medina

Colourful murals have recently appeared in many places in the Fez Medina. The explosion of art aims to lift moods and express a community spirit after more than three months of isolation 

Local children inspect part of a mural by Violeta Caldrés

One of the artists who has been working on a large mural in Derb Sidi Safi is Violeta Caldrés of Dar Arsama. "We wanted to unite with our neighbours to create something new, to make us feel alive after such terrible pain," she says. "Now many people lose their jobs so we have more time. We wanted to give some happiness to the neighbourhood."

Violeta Caldrés at work on her mural

Violeta says that a group of local teenagers, led by a boy called Bassim, cleaned the street and have done some of the paintings. "It is a very good idea to create an open air museum capturing the identity and culture of the neighbours of the Medina. Many people love it and come to take photos with the murals every day. Kids can learn about art. The focus is on geometric and Arabic designs."

Derb Sidi Safi, off the Ta'laa Kbira. Left, artwork by Eva Potocka 

Berber Women 

Geometric design by Bassim and friends

The murals, which have also appeared in other places in the Medina, have stirred controversy online. While some commentators are critical of what they see as the defacing of the World Heritage listed city, others are more sanguine. Cathy Bellafronto, who manages the Fez Medina Children's Library, says, "It will be a long time before any tourists grace the streets of this UNESCO World Heritage site. In the meantime, while the residents are suffering through the economic crisis, a little art that occupies people, brings them joy and opens minds, doesn't seem to be a major problem."

Painters with a mural they created on the wall of the Girl's Centre in Ziat       Photo: Rose Button

In Ziat, about 20 people have been working for the past two weeks to beautify their local area. They began by cleaning the streets, then replastered and repainted the walls in cream and grey, and are now creating murals. The youngest is Anouar, 17, and the oldest is Younes, 45. Mohamed, in blue overalls, is 18 and loves art. "I learnt art by myself," he says. "Each household gave between 50 - 200 DH (for paint and cleaning materials), and everyone supports us.

Wall decoration at Ziat. Photo: Rose Button

Murals have also appeared around the R'Cif district, with some topical subject matter.

Tribute to the King and Covid workers near R'Cif

Trees brighten a once dark passageway near R'Cif

Story and photos: Suzanna Clarke. With thanks to Rose Button for her contribution. 

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