Getaway pigments (Morocco, Chefchaouen)

Chefchaouen, in northern Morocco, is famous for its medinas painted entirely in blue, but some alleys like this one break free from the codes. Here, the steps are deliberately splashed with bright colors: a spontaneous artistic gesture, coming from residents or visitors, which reinforces the singular visual identity of the neighborhood.

The city, founded in the 15th century by Andalusian refugees, has long been a place of welcome and retreat. The ubiquitous blue is said to have several origins: for some, it symbolizes the sky and spirituality; for others, it is a legacy of the Jewish communities that settled there over the centuries.

Chefchaouen is located in the northern part of Morocco, formerly under Spanish protectorate (unlike southern Morocco, which was under French rule). This historical context has left traces even in the architectural details, the local language and aesthetic codes, nourishing a unique aesthetic between the Andalusian world, Amazigh culture and colonial influences.