Mosaic murals and their undeniable conspicuous beauty
(4 min read) The art form of mural-making has truly taken over the world in these past few decades. Whether you want to make a political statement, celebrate a social movement, or just make people on the streets stop and admire something for a couple of seconds — murals seem to be a way to do it. And that hasn’t started recently…
First mosaic murals were found in Mesopotamia in the 3rd millennium BC, so it has been way more than just a couple of decades since the very first mosaic murals have seen the light of day or the gloomy interior of a palace for that matter. People have realized the value of public expression and open-to-view artwork early on.
Not a lot has changed in that department until today. Talented individuals, with some extra fervor and a very particular set of skills (Liam Neeson style baby!), still work on telling their story and embellishing the walls of public and less public buildings all over the world. From famous mosaicists such as Gary Drostle, Sonia King, and Jim Anderson, to underdogs of contemporary mosaic art, mosaic artists are always keen on inspiring the public and making their masterpieces seen and felt by others.
Just like with every other art form, topics within the vast universe of mosaic murals can vary from deeply personal and intimate to socio-economic stances of a community or world in general. From sea scenery, ceramic tile murals on public display in Hanoi, Vietnam, eclectic mixed media mosaics down the streets of Philly, US, to community projects depicting unity and love in Amherstburg, Canada, topics and expression styles just seem to go expand every year. If you are talented, inspired, and eager to state something, mosaic art seems to be the way to go.
Materials used for mosaic murals involved the selected few in the beginning. Glass, marble, and ceramic tiles seem to be the prevalent choices when it comes to the art of mosaic murals. Lately, mosaicists such as Isaiah Zagar, Peter Mason, and Maurice Bennett introduced some new and unusual materials for mosaic making. From toast and postage stamps to empty bottles and bike wheels, anything can be used to make a mosaic art worth seeing and experiencing.
Mosaic murals just keep popping up in cities all over the globe and more and more people are becoming aware of their significance and artistic value. Mosaic murals are truly an imperative in the world of contemporary art and culture in general because they bring art right in front of the public eye. They are a unique communication tool and they affect the attitudes and moods of people passing by them. Finally, mosaic murals are also landscapes, in their own right. They cover the ugly facades of the tallest buildings and boring grey concrete fence panels. Keeping all of this in mind, it is no wonder mosaic murals are quickly becoming a prevalent form of public art.
52 Comments
Mosaic art, if you dont pay attention can be confused with graffiti but after a long observation, they are so beautiful.
Your selections are always beautiful. Indeed mosaics have taken over the world, and it’s interesting to see how the environment in which it is made influences the pieces.
Love the colors imbued here! Especially the 2nd to the last mosaic – I just love how it looks!
They truly are beautiful and to stop and think about the work and time that went into each mural is amazing and inspiring!
I have never seen large moasic murals before – they are really striking. I wish the city I lived in had more of them!
Those murals are so beautiful and definitely add beauty to every place. I love it!
They really are quite beautiful pieces of art. I love that the designs differ so much with these.
I have always admired mural artists. All the planning, designing, and the whole process need a lot of skills and patience. I would like to learn to do mosaic someday and maybe contribute to the beautification of our local community.
Excellent artwork. This is such a awesome way to express creativity
I’ve not seen too many mosaics out and about like this but they do look stunning. I want to visit Barcelona to see all of theirs x
These are all absolutely stunning. I love the way mosaics can bring such vibrant life to an otherwise very dull building or wall. They’re so detailed and gorgeous.
I love mosaic murals! There is such an appeal to them, and I always love all the bright colours used.
I love seeing murals out in public spaces.
Oh how I would love to have a mosaic mural in my back yard. I particularly like the Terrick Street Underpass Kaleidoscope mosaic in White City by Gary Drostle.
These mural decorated wall are just stunning. You dont see many of these type of art in Asia though. I wonder why.
Gorgeous murals here! I agree anything mosaic just automatically gives it upleveled aspect of beauty.
WOW! Some of these are absolutely stunning!!! That first one is very interesting – perfectly imperfect.
The Kaleidoscope mosaic in the 5th photograph is gorgeous! I would love to have something like that in my own house! Great post, thanks for taking us on an adventure through the art behind mosaics.
The Magic Gardens is a place I have always wanted to visit. It just looks so unique and eye catching – I just need to see it!
Wow, I didn’t know the history of mosaic murals and I didn’t know it began in ancient times. I love how it evolved over time and got more complex.
Every mosaic that you post makes me more in awe of them. So much talent in every single piece.
The sea monster art is absolutely beautiful. I would love this in my bathroom.
Wow what incredible works of art. I know we have some pretty fantastic public mosaic murals in London. I love the Sea Monsters one so powerful!
I do wish there were more mosaic murals near where I live. They are so pretty.
Your mosaic always amazes and leaves me breathtaking. I enjoy each and every one of them.
Wow, I didn’t know the history behind the mosaic murals before. These are amazing works of art! I hope I get the chance to see them in person someday. They are beautiful and unique.
It always looks very attractive and every time I see mosaic mural I am more interested than with regular murals. there is something magical only the mosaics can bring. I wonder if we have it here in my home, I never really checked.
All of these mosaics are so stunning! The murals make a beautiful addition to anywhere in the world it seems.
I have not seen mosaics artwork in cities or outside walls of buildings so this is so unique to me. I do love Jim Anderson’s masterpiece
Mosaics are absolutely stunning — both in person and online!
There is such a vast history behind mosaic murals. I think they are wonderful and bring so much joy.
This just proves that we can see art everywhere
I agree with your about mosaic murals. Their beauty is undeniable. Need to pay close attention to appreciate how pretty they are.
I love all of these pieces of art that you have featured here. I would love to see some of this in my own home!
There are some super cool mosiacs here for sure, I love the errick Street Underpass Kaleidoscope mosaic in White City
These murals are absolutely stunning. I am really in awe of the mosaic artwork.
I find Mosaic Murals so facinating. The time to plan and create is crazy.
I so love mosaic murals! Hope to see this in person, they are so beautiful.
Wow! I have never seen a mosaic mural before, and I’m sure these pictures don’t do them justice, I bet they are incredibly bright and vibrant in person!
The murals are breathtaking…all the colors and the stories behind each art piece. I could go through them all day…such a lovely sight!
I did not realize mosaics had been around so long. I think they are fascinating.
These look almost wall size. Gorgeous art.
I just love visiting your site to see al, of the beautiful mosaic designs 😉 These are super pretty and would love to do something. with mosaics in my bathroom 😉
So many amazing mosaics just out there waiting to be seen although I don’t know if I’ve seen any myself. I love the sea monsters one x
I like the long Miral. That mosaic there really spices an otherwise dull space up.
Ahem ahem… I can see someone is in love with Murals. I think you will love murals more once you visit India. India has murals in metropolitan cities, towns and even ancient caves dating back to 2nd century BC! Coming back to your post, I love the way you have experienced the vibes of the cities you have visited and the murals in them.
These mosaic murals remind me of a time I visit Croatia. They are located in the main train station. I love an opportunity to witness these type of art. Thank you for sharing.
These add so much vibrancy to the streets, I would love to see more of this in the UK
If I pass on that streets, I will surely take more photos! That’s so artistic. I hope to have more of those in our country.
These are incredible pieces of art. I cannot recall ever seeing anything like these in person. They are all beautiful in their own way.
I love spotting mosaic street art, it’s so pretty and always tells such a beautiful story
Laura x
These are lovely and really do brighten up a street, I always love coming across things like this