The everlasting popularity of mosaic art

I was recently browsing the web for some fresh ideas and I ran into one of the most infuriating questions I’ve read since the last time Kathy Griffin decided to voice her opinion. So, the question was (*insert dramatic pause*): “Is mosaic art still popular?” O. M. G. How dare you, an anonymous internet user? I say, how dare you?!

Gorgeous awarded contemporary mosaic art Millenium by Atsuko Laskaris. Image source: Link.

Winters Beauty contemporary mosaic art masterpiece by Laura Rendlen, also recognized and awarded. Image source: Link.

To even begin to explain the full ridiculousness of this question I have to point out the obvious. Mosaic art is art. It is not a trend, so it can’t be popular or unpopular. It simply is. You don’t ever ask yourself: “Hm, I wonder if painting is still popular?”, do you? (This is me, talking to that one anonymous internet stranger. Not you. You are smart and well versed in all art-related matters).

Line of Kings mosaic, St. George’s Church, Oplenac, Serbia. Image source: Link.

On that note, mosaic art has been around for thousands of years. Its ancient remnants, almost impeccably preserved, are a testament to its immaculate durability and strength. Mosaic art styles have been changing through time, adjusting to different mindsets, religions, and environments in general.

Candy-color glass mosaic ceilings in Nasir Al-Mulk Mosque, Shiraz, Iran. Image source: Link, Mazzzur.

Ancient mosaic artwork tended to be architectural by nature, while modern mosaic artworks can be found virtually everywhere. Park benches, flower pots, furniture, and sculptures, you name it. Mosaic artwork can be placed basically anywhere and last. That is the beauty of it.

Mosaic Park in Jinzhou region, China. Image source: Link.

Rachel Rodi mosaic park bench. Image source: Link.

Needless to say, contemporary mosaic art is in a vibrantly healthy state today as ever. The field is booming with new approaches and ideas, as well as fresh and skillful artisans and crafters eager to prove themselves and bring their masterpieces into the world. There are also various organizations, such as American Mosaic Artists and MAANZ, that exist to promote mosaic art in all of its glory.

Pebble mosaic floor depicting a gryphon, from the ancient Greek city of Sicyon, 4th century BCE. Image source: Link.

Psycho Mosaic Art, created by the Greenwich Mural Workshop for the Leytonstone Underground Station. Image source: Link.

From pebble mosaic floorings in ancient Greece to The Hitchcock Gallery at the Leytonstone tube station, from myth-depicting mosaics in temples of Mesopotamia to Jason Dussault’s colorful super-hero portraits, mosaic art has truly come a long way. With more than 3000 years of rich and splendid history, how can anyone even dare to ask if “mosaic art is still popular”.

Mesopotamian mosaic of a striding lion that used to embellish a side of the “Processional Way” in ancient Babylon. Photo by Susan Weiss, Image source: Link.

Jason Dussault’s mosaic portrait of Superman. Image source: Link.

Mosaic art always was and still is one of the most prominent manifestations of aesthetics and spirituality. As modern as it is historically significant, mosaic art surpasses the silly notion of popularity. Popularity is fleeting, mosaic art is not.

The Everlasting Popularity of Mosaic Art.

The Everlasting Popularity of Mosaic Art.

The Everlasting Popularity of Mosaic Art.

The Everlasting Popularity of Mosaic Art.

This article was originally published on Mosaics Lab’s website.

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