j a j j a h - h a j j a j

Jajjah is an immersion in the universe of the king of popart in Marrakech through various experiences. It's the newest place to be, created by Hassan Hajjaj, a concept store with cafe-restaurant, art gallery and boutique.

Hassan Hajjaj is a contemporary artist who lives and works between London and Marrakech and is known as the 'Andy Warhol of Marrakech'.

In 2015 I discoverd his work at Riad Yima, hidden in the narrow alleys of the Medina in Marrakech. And over the years I brought the best souvenirs from Yima, like an pouf, a dress from hand-painted fabric, a fez and some bags.

In J A J J A H you can find the Hassan Hajjaj touch is everywhere!

On the Marvelous Marrakech studio tour we visited the recently opened Jajjah with an exhibition gallery, that will make you discover the artistic favorites of Hassan. It is a stage for talented Moroccan photographers.

We had some drinks in the colorful and inspiring salon de thé . The tradition of tea is sacred for the Anglo-Moroccan artist, who launches his own range of teas.

And it's simply impossible to leave the JAJJAH building empty-handed while strolling through the boutique, where you can find all kind of pop art creations in Moroccan sauce.

no matter the weather

Moroccan crochet class with Aisha.

For the very first time we had an indoor crochet class with Aisha inside Cafe des Epices and not on the Place des Epices, like the previous 9 moroccan crochet classes.
Due to the rainy weather and paving work on the place, we found a cozy, warm and comfortable corner inside in the cafe and enjoyed Aisha patient explanation, while sipping verveine tea and Moroccan [cornes de gazelle] pastries.
Aisha also enjoyed this exceptional indoor 'beanie' lesson and I made a beautiful portrait of her.

After the crochet lesson we visited the gallery of Hassan Hajjaj and we had lunch at La Famille, not in the garden but under the porch at the table in the shop.

Right after the lemon meringue pie was served, the sun came back.
No matter the weather, we all had a great day!

Tomorrow it will surely be a kaftan day in the desert...

palme d’or

To ignore the freezing cold outside, I went for a golden palm this morning...
(after my weekly run; unfeasible! despite wearing double running trousers and thermo shirts, woolen gloves and a beanie)

A chic version of the palm I made last week, the c c p p, that is to say cool crochet palmtree pattern or cool crochet petit projet

Still a bit of testing for the cool crochet workshop, which is coming up in April.

marrakech biennale

Medina Marrakech - april 2014

Hassan Hajjaj - april 2015

El Fenn - oktober 2015

Next week I'm off to Marrakech for the 5th edition of the Cool Crochet Workshop. During our week in Marrakech, we are lucky to have the opportunity to discover 'some' of the 6th edition [not new now] of the Marrakech Biennale.

H E R E you can see an interview and the making of the chalk wall paint during the Marrakech Biennale 2014 by Guim Tio. It's my favorite wall painting in the Medina.

The Marrakech Biennale is a festival with the mission to build bridges between the cultures through the arts. To inspire outstanding artists from all over the world to create work that responds to the magical environment of Marrakech. The Marrakech Biennale, founded in 2004, is a celebration of creativity in a city that has been the focus of artistic exploration for centuries; a gathering of arts enthusiasts who organize stimulating conferences, interactive events and world-class exhibitions.

around the world

New books on the pouf!
Son Minne and husband Henk visited London for the weekend. They stayed at my niece Afra and had a wonderful time.

They brought home some very inspiring interior books.
Gypset Living by Julia Chaplin and How We live by Marcia Prentice.
Both books are not typical interior design books, they contain creative interiors around the world.
Yesterday I flipped through the pages and got an overdose of inspiration...
Today I'm going to read the books one by one, at ease on the sofa.