Meet Maia Bunge
Top LOUISE MISHA
A few weeks ago, photographer Emma Donnelly spent a series of slow, creative days at the enchanting Riad Jardin Secret in Marrakesh with the artist Maia Bunge. Through Emma’s lens and this intimate conversation, we discover a world where art is a temple and inspiration is an altered state of consciousness. Dive into a poetic dialogue about artistic flow, the beauty of craftsmanship, and the journey of an artist who calls Marrakesh her second home.
Necklace APRES SKI
Blouse MAISON HOTEL
Hello Maia, a few weeks ago we spent some lovely slow creative days together at the enchanting Riad Jardin Secret in Marrakesh. The Riad has become a second home and creative space for you with the Artist Residency that they have been running for 7 years. What drew you to the residency in the first place? And how has it helped you develop your work?
I started drawing as an excuse to stay longer in places where I enjoyed being. At the beginning, I mostly drew interiors and spaces where there was an interesting relationship between architecture and nature. By staying for long periods of time, I could observe every detail — it was my way of absorbing the beauty I was witnessing. The Riad was a perfect place to draw and to pay tribute to the incredible craftsmanship that it preserves. My relationship with the Riad, and with Cyrielle and Julien, is always unfolding and expanding. Since our first encounter, they have supported and nourished my creativity. I did my first art residency with them, and it became the starting point of my career as an artist. Clients and collaborations were born from the creations I made at the Riad. What is truly beautiful is their passion and their genuine desire to see me grow. We are family now.
Necklace APRES SKI
Your work is dreamlike and poetic. What and who inspires you?
Inspiration feels like an altered state of consciousness connected to enthusiasm — as if we connect with something bigger than ourselves for a brief moment.
The calmer I feel, the more open I am to receiving inspiration. It can come from a good conversation, an interesting thought, light, music, a beautiful landscape, the creative processes of other artists, love…
Dress BOBO CHOSES
Earrings APRES SKI
We talked about being in Artistic Flow, which to me, with my camera, becomes almost when time stops and all I can see and feel is what is through my lens. I thrive on these moments but as we know it is not something you can just switch on. When are you most in flow with your work? And are there other things in your life, such as music and nature, that help you to encounter with this feeling and sense of purpose towards your work?
Preparing the space is the first thing I do in order to enter a creative flow. I see the space as a temple, and the work is a reflection of how I am feeling. Making the space harmonious and beautiful, having good music, are the basic steps for me to go into flow.
Purpose is something I have always kept in mind — what is the purpose behind painting? Since I started sharing more my work an after presenting it in a gallery context, I have gain more perspective of how it is experienced. These encounters and long talks with Cyrielle and Julien made me understand that my paintings evoke a strong sense of wonder. This dialogue has nourished my desire to create works that offer beauty, emotional depth, and a moment of suspension. Hopefully they can bring a sense of calmness, harmony and inspiration.
Set LOUISE MISHA
What materials do you use for your work?
Selecting the materials is one of the most important parts of the creative process. I been working mostly with hand made papers coming from different corners of the world. The choice of the paper is a big source of inspiration. I have deep admiration for the artisans that create the papers and is an essential aspect of my work. My paintings mix different materials such as ink, oil pastels, pigments, acrylics, gold leaf.. I am currently introducing more natural materials, working with earth and pigments, I feel called to get more involved in the process of creating and sourcing my own materials.
Set LOUISE MISHA
What’s your favourite time of day?
I love waking up early. Even though I don’t get to see them every day, sunrises feel very powerful to me — a sense of renewal, a fresh start. Birds actively singing.
“Every morning we are born again.” – Nietzsche
What plans do you have ahead for you, Maia?
I am currently in a phase of expansion. My work is now represented internationally, by Rigotang Gallery in Marrakech, where several of my works are already held and presented. I am also working on private commissions, including site-specific mural projects for private residences, allowing my work to engage directly with architectural spaces.
In the coming months, I will take part in a collective exhibition together with other two artists at Estudio Laterna in Ibiza, where I am currently based. Im also preparing my first solo exhibition at Rigotang Gallery next year, that will allow me to dive deep into creating a hole experience, that will involve more that painting.
I will be also collaborating with House of Cassandre, from the creator of Cosmos and Matter, during design week next year.
Finally, can you describe yourself in three words?
Deep, calm and poetic.
Artist - Maia Bunge @maiabunge
Photographer and Art Director - Emma Donnelly @takeapicturelady @theartsfolk
Location - @riadjardinsecret www.riadjardinsecret.com
With thanks to Cyrielle and Julien at Rigotang / Riad Jardin Secret for your support on this project.