In a world shaped by visual culture, it is increasingly difficult to distinguish representation from reality. Especially when we think of places that function in the collective consciousness as projections of dreams and longings. Morocco has existed in the European imagination for decades as a land of sun and freedom. At the same time, Europe remains a symbol of prosperity and opportunity for many residents of North Africa. On both sides of the Mediterranean, images circulate of places that often say more about our desires than about reality itself.

For two winter seasons, we invited artists from Poland to our art hub in the heart of Essaouira's historic medina, proposing a format on the border between a residency and a holiday trip. Perversely, we encouraged them to practice "doing nothing", tempting them with what Europe lacks most in winter – sun, ocean and free time. By providing them with a place to rest, explore and engage in artistic exchange, we observed how the confrontations of their ideas shaped a new, deeper picture of reality.

The works presented in the exhibition were created both during the residencies and after their completion. They constitute a reflection on meetings, relationships and experiences that were born between artists from Poland and Morocco. W szponach raju (In the Clutches of Paradise) tells the story of the power of images that we constantly project onto places, people and cultures. About the fascination with what is distant. About a reality that always turns out to be more complex than our expectations.

Curatorial duo:
Ochendowska and Łuniewicz