From Madrid with Love

Let's All Share The Love ♥

This time we are bringing you Love from Madrid, Spain, where Taher Jaoui relocated early March, just as the city was shutting down.

The lock down of Madrid was one of the most severe, with the police and army deployed to enforce the rules, just as Taher was settling down. Thankfully, Spain is now past the peak and a semblance of normal life is slowly returning but so many lives were lost, so many people are in pain, mourning their loved ones.

unnamed (11).jpg — Settling down in my new studio in Madrid

How are things in Madrid Taher?

I moved to Madrid early March and I have to say the timing was not the best! I first got a little spooked, seeing the completely empty streets with police and military patrols enforcing the stay at home orders. But the situation is probably similar to other major cities around the globe. We are locked in our houses. My studio is facing a highway. It used to be very noisy but now it is quiet to the point of anxiety! I never saw or had that feeling with a highway.

I am very impressed with the courage and the commitment of Madrid citizens regarding the government recommendations. Every individual in Madrid dedicates her/himself to a bigger cause. It gives me energy and faith to engage more with the group.

How does the situation affect your everyday life?

In truth, it doesn’t affect me that much in my daily routine. I am used to spending most of my day working in my studio. The only challenge is adapting myself to the limitations of movement and staying all the time at the same place. I usually go out for a run or a small walk almost daily. This new condition generates a bit of frustration I must say.

unnamed (13).jpg — This new condition generates a bit of frustration….

unnamed (12).jpg — …quiet to the point of anxiety

Can you tell us more about your feelings?

I don’t have a clear statement on this but I oscillate between fear, anxiety, peace of mind and even happiness. For sure it is a very challenging time in term of feelings.

Lately I am more into taking this time as an opportunity of growing up as a human being and as an artist. When most of the news and the discussions are about life and death it makes things clearer to me.

After this experience, time will be the most valuable thing in life and we have to be aware about how and where to spend it.

Finally, how does all that influence your Art practice?

As I said, my feelings are oscillating and so is my art practice. I still work with the same materials, techniques, process but I am getting more philosophical.