 Moroccan inferiors
In her wordy preface, thoughtfully presented in three European languages, the author/producer of this book sums her entire attitude: 'The notion of "Orientalism", of Islamic culture filtered through the perceptions of the West, had captivated me.' No irony, no acknowledgement of the history and politics of Morocco, and absolutely no understanding of what Orientalism truly means and signifies.
The lovely houses pictured are mostly owned by dilitante Europeans, who have the money to live in renovator's delights by the beach in a country where many people can't afford proper education or health care. The artisan-crafted furniture sits next to their Louis the nth antiques, and we nod sympathetically as we read (squinting at the tiny print) that the house is so minimalist due to its being only a holiday house, where they can barely spend half the year. I was particularly interested in the statement that one swimming pool was placed on the first floor level in accordance with Islamic regulations. I am now most curious as to why a ground floor pool is un-Islamic, and will be consulting the Koran before choosing my new curtains.
While showing several indigenous Moroccan architectural and design features, the book does not explain what they are or how they work. It does not explain why Paul Bowles, an otherwise undistinguished character, is cited as such a cultural authority, but I presume Norman Douglas was busy, and the locals have no idea about such things.
Would really like some of those tiles and lanterns, though -
 Lovely book
This is the book to buy if you want to experience the color an style Of Moroccan houses.
If you look for ideas for your interior ,and you like warm colors ,this book is the one to choose.
Interesting Interiors
This book features some very interesting residences. Many of the homes featured in this book were actually purchased and fixed up by foreigners to be used as secondary residences, although some live there primarily. There are also some very unusual residences featured in this book.
 Tiny, unreadable print
Absolutely georgeous photography and Lovatt-Smith has obviously hiked all across Morocco searching for homes. I was most impressed with the variety of homes, especially the cave homes.
I'm sure there is a great deal of useful information in this book, but I gave it three stars because the print was tiny and itallicized. In places where it was superimpossed over sand, water or some other scenery, it was unreadable. Why didn't an editor catch that?
This is an OH WOW, LOOK AT THAT book
Preservation or desecration of certain architectural styles and decorative heritage goes in and out of fashion the world over. It's not only Morocco that wanted to demolish the old and over-value the new. How much of the beauty and culture of the East has been lost in the name of "progress"? The situation is not simple, however. In the latter part of the 20th century there was an urgent need throughout the Mediterranean for affordable, modern housing for quickly expanding populations and growing economies strapped for cash, skills and resources. Unfortunately aesthetics and the traditions of artisans often got trampled in the rush. Lisa Lovett-Smith's sumptuous Moroccan Interiors reminds us that embracing preservation has so much to offer the present and the future. While she focuses on the homes of the rich, ex-patriate and famous and could therefore be accused of being elitist, she also illuminates the beauty of the simplest of objects that could be found in any home, rich or poor. Lovett-Smith has divided Morocco into regions and cities and celebrated the best of each, appreciating the exquisite, ornate beauty of Islamic art and the colour schemes reflecting the dramatic terrain of the Mediterranean: desert ochre and blistering reds, turquoise, azure, sapphire, gold, saffron and cinnamon to name a few. Lovett-Smith is aware that a picture tells a thousand words and her accompanying text in several languages is brief. The photography is faultless and the lighting of the interiors unobtrusive. This is not just an ornate coffee table book. It is a valuable archive, a celebration of great style and a treasure trove of inspiration for interior architects, artists and designers.
|
