In Northwest Morocco, there is a little town known as the “blue town.” Seeing photos of it through the years, the area and its color had long intrigued me. A few years ago, we were able to travel there and it is even more beautiful and intriguing than my first thought.
Why is the town painted blue, and repainted annually? The answers vary. Morocco saw a large influx of Jewish refugees from Spain, for whom the color was a comforting reminder of heaven. Some suggest it keeps mosquitoes away, or attracts tourists. Others say the hue cools the intense sun and has calming effects.
I photographed this man on his morning stroll wearing a long-hooded jacket known as Djelaba. Available in many fabrics it suits the need for humble shepherds to pin-striped bankers. He is walking along a wall of the blue town Chefchaouen, making me a true-blue fan!
Photographer Chris and painter Robin Rohwer each week share a painting or photograph that captured their interest in hopes that it will also capture yours. They have a small studio and gallery in the Phoenix Building at 418 South Gay Street where you can stop and see their work. Their website is www.ChristopherRobinArts.com. All works are copyright protected.