Mosaics, I love you. Let me count the ways.
- You are ancient. The oldest evidence shown in the archaelogical record indicates that mosaics date back to 3,000 BC in Mesopotamia.
- You are seemingly universal. So many cultures and so many artistic traditions have adopted you as their own medium of expression. Each work is imbued with a unique look specific to the time and place of the maker.
- You are complex assemblages of small things. The whole truly is greater than the sum of its parts.
- You can seemingly be made of nearly anything. The possibilities are endless. (Ok, perhaps that’s stretching the definition of “mosaic” and getting more into “assemblages in the mosaic spirit” – but I like the inclusiveness)
Here’s a roundup of some of the great work being done by mosaicists:
Firewater by artist Kelley Knickerbocker. Photo by Kelley. Found via Mosaic Is Art.
Inscribe Install by artist Heather Hancock. Photo by Heather, via Flickr. Keep track of her work on her blog.
Geborgenheit (“Safety”) by artist Angela Zimek. Photo by Angela, via Flickr.
Starry Eyed by artist Sue Kershaw. Photo by Sue, found here on her website.
Clockworks Diptych by artist Susan M. Crocenzi. Photo by Susan, via Flickr. Become a fan on Facebook here.
Last but not least, the coolest DIY bathtub I’ve ever seen, constructed by DIY dynamo Splatgirl of Modern in MN:
Photo by Splatgirl, found here on her website.
And here’s a quick (and utterly insufficient/inexhaustive) roundup of mosaics that are out and about in the public realm just waiting to awe you:
The most colorful extravanganza underneath New York City, a work of art by Ming Fay for all who pass through the Delancey Street subway stop to enjoy.
Photo by Tizzie, via Flickr.
The convex mirrors covering the walls and ceilings of the Amber Fort in India were intended to reflect the flicker of candles, so that on rainy nights the Mughal emperors could still sleep under the “stars”.
Amber Fort, Jaipur, India. Photo by me, Lynn Canzano Pyfer.
Amber Fort, Jaipur, India. Photo by Renzo Dionigi, via Flickr.
The exterior of Baltimore’s American Visionary Art Museum is truly an external celebration of the fabulous creativity inside.
American Visionary Art Museum, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Photo by Mr. T, via Flickr.
22,000 Mattel Hot Wheels form the basis for artist Gordon Huether‘s public art piece on the wall of the Stockton Arena Parking Garage in Stockton, California. My nephew’s jaw dropped when he saw it.
Photo by Gordon, from here.
2,500 pieces of toast make up The Toaster – a work that redefines the modern mosaic. Created by the artists FA+ (Ingrid Falk & Gustavo Aguerre) for the Buenos Aires Biennial in 2000.
Museo de Arte Moderno de Buenos Aires (MAMBA), Argentina. Photo by MAMBA. Found here.
And last, Barcelona’s Torre Agbar (by architect Jean Nouvel) clearly pays homage to the city’s great tradition of exterior mosaics (i.e. Gaudí’s Casa Batlló & Park Güell) – quite a feat for a skyscraper!
Photo from the Torre Agbar website. A variety of other photos can be seen on photographer Thomas Mayer’s website.
Need a constant feed of mosaics? I gave myself an addict’s tick working on this post. Here’s where you can get your fix:
Mosaic is Art by Irit Levy
Mosaic Art Source by Donna & Aurlie Young
ABOUT ME
I’m Lynn, the (benevolent) mastermind behind Constitutionally Modern DIY. I make modern, funky craft/DIY creations that are affordable and accomplishable. Any average Jane/Joe can make these things, which are particularly well-suited towards urbanites lacking power tools or even a kitchen table.
I’m an Urban Planner by training, and a maker of random items by vocational calling. My eclectic sense of style derives from constantly coming up with budget solutions to design quandaries or gift giving.
Follow me at Constitutionally Modern DIY
