Painted Sahara became a series through the sense of openness and freedom that the Moroccan landscape offers. It is relatively easy to move through the desert without restrictions. The series took shape along the historic trading route from Marrakech to Timbuktu, connected to the trade of goods and spices as well as the dark history of slavery. The landscape therefore carries many layers of history from another era.

The great variety of the landscape became an important part of the work: mountains and snow, sand dunes, dry riverbeds, savanna and the Sahara. Tamarisk and acacia trees particularly influenced the visual language of the paintings. I was also drawn to the strong midday light, the clarity of the air and the sudden transformation caused by sandstorms. These experiences led me towards vivid colours, which also connect to the colourful local carpets and handicrafts.

At the same time, the landscape is marked by severe drought and increasing control over water resources. I found a strong contrast between this scarcity and the resilience and inventiveness of the people living there. Working on very large canvases became a way to explore this tension and translate the experience of the vast landscape into painting.