Casablanca — A Symphony in Color
An Original Mixed Media Musical Art Collection by Michael John Valentine
“I found inspiration in Morocco in places I never expected. Its colors, architecture, and unmistakable character reminded me that art, like music, is not simply something we see or hear. It is something we experience.”
— Michael John Valentine
There are places that leave an impression long after the journey has ended. Morocco was one of those places for me. Its extraordinary combination of color, architecture, cultural traditions, and artistic expression provided a new perspective on how I see the world and how I approach my work on canvas.
Casablanca — A Symphony in Color is an artistic expression of that experience, bringing together two seemingly different influences: the timeless elegance of the piano and the distinctive visual character of Morocco.
The piano has always represented something special in the world of artistic expression. Its keys offer an extraordinary range of possibilities, from quiet, reflective passages to powerful compositions filled with energy and emotion. Each note contributes to a larger experience, much like individual colors, shapes, and textures contribute to an abstract painting. In this work, I wanted to explore that relationship and allow the visual language of music to take on a life of its own.
The Influence of Morocco
My time in Morocco introduced me to a visual environment unlike anything I had previously experienced. From the distinctive architectural details to the rich colors found throughout its streets and public spaces, there was an unmistakable sense of artistic identity.
Casablanca, in particular, offered a fascinating combination of tradition and modern expression. It is a city where historic influences coexist with contemporary life, creating an atmosphere that feels both timeless and constantly evolving.
What stayed with me was not simply what I saw, but how the surroundings made me feel. The character of Morocco encouraged me to look beyond recognizable subjects and consider the emotional qualities of color, movement, contrast, and composition.
That influence found its way into this artwork.
Rather than attempting to recreate a particular building, street, or musical setting, I wanted to translate the impressions of Morocco into an abstract visual experience. The result is a composition that connects the spirit of a memorable destination with the universal language of music.
Where Music Becomes Art
The piano provides the foundation for this artistic interpretation. Its familiar form carries an immediate association with creativity, sophistication, and personal expression. Yet, when introduced into an abstract composition, it becomes something more expansive.
The piano keys suggest rhythm, repetition, movement, and structure. They create a visual connection to the musical notes that bring a composition to life. Color becomes another instrument, providing its own interpretation of harmony and emotion.
I enjoy exploring these relationships because they allow an artwork to communicate without requiring a literal explanation. A viewer may recognize the musical influence immediately, while another may be drawn first to the colors, patterns, or movement across the canvas.
Both interpretations are equally meaningful.
For me, the most interesting part of creating abstract art is allowing these elements to work together without imposing too many boundaries on the final result.
An Artistic Journey Beyond the Canvas
My approach to mixed media is rooted in experimentation and the belief that an original artwork should offer more than a familiar image. Through original photography, layered acrylic paints, and carefully developed surface treatments, I explore ways to bring additional dimension and visual character to each composition.
The process is not simply about placing one element over another. It is about finding a balance between the original concept and the evolving personality of the work.
With Casablanca — A Symphony in Color, the musical subject and the Moroccan influence create an interesting dialogue. One represents the structured language of musical composition; the other represents the richness and individuality of a place that made a lasting impression on me.
Together, they create an interpretation that is both personal and open to individual discovery.
A Distinctive Expression for the Collector
Art has the ability to connect people with places, memories, and experiences in ways that traditional storytelling sometimes cannot. A particular color combination can recall a destination. A familiar musical subject can bring back a memory. An abstract composition can create an entirely new interpretation every time it is viewed.
That is what I hope this artwork offers.
For collectors who appreciate music, contemporary abstract expression, or the cultural influence of international travel, this piece brings several creative perspectives together in one composition.
It also reflects something important about my artistic journey. Travel has expanded the way I observe the world, and those experiences continue to find their way into my studio. Morocco provided an especially memorable source of inspiration, reminding me that the most compelling artistic ideas often emerge from unexpected connections.
With more than 55 years of creative experience and a Fine Arts education, I continue to explore the relationship between color, texture, subject, and emotion. Each original concept presents another opportunity to experiment and discover something that did not exist before.
Casablanca — A Symphony in Color celebrates that creative freedom. It is an artistic tribute to a remarkable destination, the enduring appeal of the piano, and the ability of color to communicate emotion without saying a word.
An original expression of music, travel, and imagination, created to be experienced rather than simply observed.
Michael John Valentine
Original Art. Individual Expression. A Lasting Impression.
