Mosaic art murals, an integral part of street culture
(4 min read) Depending on where you’re at in the world, city streets can either be historically significant or modern… Or that’s what one would think. However, most streets, especially in Europe, are an eclectic mix of both with various forms of historical and pop-culture landmarks here and there. Just like with everything else, things are rarely ever simply black and white. That undefined grey area is usually where all the fun is at, and that’s the case with street art too.
Artistic snobs would argue that art doesn’t belong on the streets, but in the parlors and private libraries of their lavish homes. They would also argue that street art is not “true art” at all, to which my local street musician would whip out his harmonica and play the “Please Don’t Pee in the Pool”. Don’t let these suits fool you. The street is where it’s at. And that goes for even the most luxurious and demanding art forms such as — mosaic art.
Mosaic art is deemed complicated and costly for a reason, but that hasn’t stopped artists such as Chuck Close, Jean Shin, Sarah Sze, and Vik Muniz to embellish the four stations of New York’s Second Avenue Subway. This grandiose project is probably one of the most well-known “legal” examples of mosaic street art. However, this particular project is quite extravagant and it could be considered more of public mosaic artwork. Street art as such tends to have more subversive characteristics making it the underdog of the art world.
Street art can be loosely divided into three categories: decorative, activistic, and covering (or repairing) street art. Mosaic art has its esteemed artists doing their very best in all three and we will mention the most prominent ones.
One of the most well-known street mosaicists is the artist known as Invader. He has been active as a mosaic street artist since the 1990s. He took on the name Invader because he was heavily influenced by Space Invaders, the famous arcade video game that was popular during the 80s. Invader’s style of mosaic making is known as pixelated art. He creates pixelated images with ceramic tiles giving them a computerized, almost virtual look. Invader is a prime example of decorative street art.
Carrie Reichardt is probably the most well-known mosaicist in the world of activism. She is the founder of a Craftivism movement, best known for her large-scale public mosaic masterpieces. Unlike Invader, Reichardt’s mosaic work is inspired by traditional British pottery, with vintage, religious, and kitsch elements. Her mosaic art is usually bursting with her rebellious spirit. From mocking the editions of royal porcelain pieces to loudly criticizing current political issues, Reichardt’s mosaic artworks are truly the symbols of present-day activism.
The glowing example of the third category in which mosaic covers or repairs something ugly or damaged is most definitely Jim Bachor. He is creating his mosaic artworks and repairing city potholes all in one. His pop-culture-inspired mosaics such as twinkies, Starbucks coffee, ice-creams, and Burberry plaid are covering some notoriously ugly Chicago city potholes. Whether Bachor wants to celebrate and immortalize these popular symbols of consumerism, or to let us trample all over them as they represent the modern form of enslavement, remains a mystery.
I chose to chat about this particular topic, as I was astounded by the recent events concerning the Dublin city council taking Subset collective to court. Their artworks aren’t mosaics, but they are incredible nevertheless and they are beloved by Dubliners. I wanted to capture some of our fav street mosaics before someone decides to take their creators to court. #sarcasm #fighttheestablishment
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54 Comments
How lovely are these mosaics, and brings boring walls to life and adds a bit of colour and smiles to peoples faces
The street culture is influencing a lot artist.
I love how these murals add color and beauty to the mundane streets. Such art!
I think the pixelated ones are my favorites. One thing I enjoy is wandering a city and finding these treasures.
I just love the idea of having mosaic art around cracks like that. We have a bunch of pot holes that need sprucing up.
Those are beautiful street photos! I wish my country have those as well. I will take a lot of photos if that happen haha
It would be so cool to come across one of these pieces of art. How absolutely stunning! I especially love the one on the sidewalk by Ememem.
I absolutely LOVE seeing murals in the streets like this.
I’ve seen a lot of street art that I love and I love how you taught in this article that it can be loosely divided into three categories: decorative, activistic, and covering (or repairing) street art. Give me insight into what I am looking at when I encounter it.
Mosaics are so versatile!! They can literally be used for so many different forms of artworks
This is so cool, it takes street art to another level. I’ve never seen street art in mosaics before, very talented artists here.
I love visiting new cities and seeing murals everywhere! I instinctually want to park the car and take all the photos!
I love these street art murals. They are so beautiful and artistic. So cool.
I love these murals. So bright and beautiful. R2D2 is my favorite.
I can’t say I have ever seen mosaic art covering pot holes. That is really cool. It is really great to see art work on the streets. It is a great improvement to many.
I always notice mosaics when I find them looking for street art. I have seen them ranging from Cambridge New Zealand (race horses on the walk paths) to Park Guell in Barcelona (Gaudi’s mosaic park). I love them all.
I always find it weird when people say art doesn’t belong outside, in public spaces. I feel like having mosaics out in public allows more people to see beautiful art.
I’m not a fan of the space invaders, but I love the others – especially the one from Kerri Reichardt
I’ve been to so many European cities and seen mosaic artwork and it’s so beautiful. So you’re right it is an important part of street art x
These mosaic murals are so beautiful. I love the ones on the ground. My sister just designed some for her garden.
I wish this was in my City
I love the robot mosaic art and the cute alligator on the wall, lol. Hope I could visit Europe to see this in person.
Such an interesting blog post, I did not realise that there are so wonderful and inspiring street art made using mosaic art
I am such a big fan of art murals. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a mosaic art mural in person before, but I would love to see these up close. They are amazing!
I like Kerri Reichardt gloriously colorful mosaic artwork. It is a clever idea, because the house behind looks like it is part of the design. I like it.
I love seeing street arts. And these mosaic art murals are impressive! That mosaic robot is so cute 😍.
I love how mosaic art can change a simple street into a beauty! I wish we have those in the streets here in our country.
It’s lovely that there is some of this style of art in the streets too. I haven’t seen anything like this where I live which is a shame.
This is such a great article. I love beautiful mosaics. So many beautiful pieces.
These are beautiful and creative murals, street art is versitile
I wish we have this in the Philippines also. Street walls here are usually laden with graffiti made by vandals. They are ugly to look at..
Mosaic art and street culture is like a marriage made in heaven although I have not seen many of it where I love. It looks absolutely stunning
These are all such cool design and such cool works of art too 😉 I especially love the pieces in the street ….. such a cool look!
These mosaics are really pretty. The artists are so talented! These works of art give a lovely pop of color on an otherwise boring, flat, concrete wall. I love the ones on the streets. Unique and eye catching.
I am loving this murals. So colorful and unique. The streets look so lively because of this.
I love the looks of all of this, street art is my favorite. Plus mosaics are so beautiful!
The street art by Carrie Reichardt is amazing!!! I love the way that she did the mermaid with the cheeky look on her face.
I really like street art and did not know there were artists that were well known for murals made of mosaics! How loely are some of these!?
I didn’t know about the Subset Collective going to court. I was however, thinking of Dublin when I was reading this (the best street art I’ve ever come across was in Dublin) so was started when you mentioned it. Headed to Google to read about it.
I wish more streets have mosaic art showcased as it brings so much more life and excitement into a boring street. Glad you have spotted some stunning art murals
I love this mosaic piece.
Beautiful and very inspiring. I am absolutely fascinated by smaller pieces, they strike harder because of their size they fit in the scenic view better.
I am blown away at how amazing these mosaic works of art turned out. I especially love the ones in the walkways…. such a cool look!
I love street art and all of these creations are so creative and I love the colours that have been used
Laura x
Very talented artists,my kid would love the pixelated one!
These are cool mosaic street artworks. I love the colors and it makes the streets look lively.
I am loving the random street mosaic art and all its references. They all look absolutely amazing!
I’ve never seen street art with mosaics. So beautiful I wish to see this in person!
Here in PH, they do it too! I like it especially if the design is reaaaaaaallly good! Hehe
I love street art, and mosaic art as street art is such a stand out for me! I haven’t seen much of it in person, but your examples are beautiful.
Beautiful mosaic artworks! I wish to see them in person!
Wow, some of this street art is just plain gorgeous. Some really talented people out there.
I’ve come across a lot of paint street art. I don’t think I’ve ever happened across the mosaics on the street!
These mosaics are absolutely incredible! I wished that we had cool mosaics like that where I lived! These are all so beautiful!