Irish-American artist Sean Scully, known for his abstract paintings, admires Morocco, which has become a significant source of inspiration for his work.
In an interview with The New York Times at his London studio, Scully revealed that his fascination with Morocco began during his studies at Newcastle University when he drove a van down to Morocco.
His journey to Morocco was inspired by the renowned French artist Henri Matisse’s trip in 1912 and 1913, allowing Morocco to profoundly influence his artistic vision.
“I liked the people. I liked the exotic patterns, the tents on the beach, the stripes all going in different ways,” he said.
The artist added that “in Morocco, everything was without borders. There were no boxes containing activity: Everything was all over the place. Carpets were on the wall and the floor. Tiles were on the wall and the floor. They were inside, they were outside. People wore djellabas and walked around looking like the walls.”
He described the experience as seeing “the geometry of ecstasy,” where the seamless integration of patterns and colors deeply resonated with him.
In his abstract work, Scully incorporates elements inspired by Moroccan art, such as bold geometric shapes and vivid colors. These influences are evident in his recent paintings, which are featured in the “Soul” exhibition at the Thaddaeus Ropac Gallery in Seoul. The exhibition opens just before the Frieze Seoul art fair, showcasing Scully’s latest creations that reflect his Moroccan inspirations.
In 2013, Scully was elected as a member of the Royal Academy of Arts in London and has received honorary degrees from several prestigious institutions, including the Massachusetts College of Art in Boston and the National University of Ireland in Dublin.
Scully is set to showcase his latest works at the Thaddaeus Ropac Gallery in Seoul and the Lisson Gallery in New York, offering audiences a chance to experience his recent creative endeavors.