Art Exhibition Captures the Soul of Essaouira’s Historic Medina

Essaouira — Last Saturday, the exhibition “The Alleyways of Essaouira,” featuring the latest collection by Belgian artist and designer Delphine Ricoeur, opened in the “City of Winds.” The opening event attracted a diverse audience of art enthusiasts, cultural figures, and media representatives.

Running through September 29 at the Tayeb Saddiki Gallery inside the “Dar Souiri” socio-cultural center, the exhibition invites visitors to explore the spirit of Essaouira’s famous old town through Ricoeur’s distinct and authentic artistic perspective.

Through her paintings, Ricoeur captures her deep connection to the city by exploring its winding alleys, the play of light and shadow across whitewashed walls, and the sea-weathered charm of its iconic blue doors. Her work highlights the unique character of Essaouira, which has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001 for its exceptionally preserved 18th-century fortified architecture.

“The Alleyways of Essaouira” goes beyond a simple visual depiction of the urban landscape; it serves as an invitation to experience the tranquility, nostalgia, and spiritual essence that define the medina’s hidden corridors.

In a statement to the Maghreb Arab Press (MAP), Ricoeur shared that the collection grew out of her personal bond with the city. She noted that her goal was to translate the raw materials, rich colors, and emotions that inspire her into a shared visual journey for the public.

“For this collection, I chose natural textiles—specifically linen, jute, and tartan—and combined them with marble dust and lime,” she explained, noting that her method borrows directly from the traditional techniques of local craftspeople. She then tailors the final finishes to evoke the specific mood and texture of each piece.

The exhibition represents nearly a year of creative work, marked by repeated trips between her studio and the streets of the medina. This deep immersion allowed her to observe the city’s subtle light and materials firsthand before translating them onto canvas.

Based in Tourcoing, France, Delphine Ricoeur is a Belgian artist and designer whose background merges technical precision, interior design, and a focus on raw, natural textures. She trained at renowned arts institutions in Brussels, completing studies at both the École des Beaux-Arts Saint-Luc and the Institut Supérieur de Peinture Van der Keelen-Logelain. Today, she splits her creative work between her studio in Belgium and frequent stays in Morocco, drawing continuous inspiration from the Kingdom’s light, natural elements, and artistic heritage.