The View from a Drawbridge

The random musings of an autistic bridgetender with entirely too much time on her hands.

Not Your Grandma’s Mosaics

Okay, so that title got your attention. But to avoid being hunted down by grandmas with pitchforks, I must clarify that there are some very talented artists out there who also happen to be grandmothers. And more power to them, I say. I also can’t bash those who never get past the hobby/crafty stage with…

Okay, so that title got your attention. But to avoid being hunted down by grandmas with pitchforks, I must clarify that there are some very talented artists out there who also happen to be grandmothers. And more power to them, I say. I also can’t bash those who never get past the hobby/crafty stage with certain art forms, as I am one of those people myself. And that level of dabbling does not require one to be a member of the grandmother club. We all can dabble, and we should.

I just get frustrated when mosaics are downplayed in the world of art because they’re… what? Less complicated? The stuff of birdbaths and flower pots, all prone to losing pieces and parts?

In fact, there are many mosaics that are masterpieces. For example, this piece by Marc Chagall is called Orphée, and it’s on display in the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden in Washington, DC.

There are also many mosaics from the Greco-Roman era that have not only stood the test of time, but also continue to inspire awe to this very day. (These were in Rhodes, Greece.)

There are also some fun and fanciful pieces from the modern era that are a delight.

All these photos were either taken by me or sent to me from around the world via the Pokemon Go app. Enjoy!

If this little blog has broadened your horizons, check out my book!  http://amzn.to/2mlPVh5

4 responses to “Not Your Grandma’s Mosaics”

  1. Lyn Avatar
    Lyn

    Less complicated? Really? And yet they value a Rothko highly. Not a lot of complexity in his paintings except what you read into them using your own creative imagination. Some of us achieve that looking at random stains on a wall. Rather stare at ancient mosaics and marvel at their artistic craftmanship any day. Watching archeologists rescue these 2200 year old mosaics underscores the value, artistically and historically, of these beautiful works of art. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-iZ5wqRe-8 There is a video (The Conservation of the Roman town of Zeugma 2000-2004) that details the many steps taken to preserve and make them available for public display. It also shows all the mosaics found and gives background information on each piece. These are very complex masterpieces. Obviously, I’m a fan of mosaics.

    Reply
    1. The View from a Drawbridge Avatar
      The View from a Drawbridge

      I apologize if I gave the impression that *I* think they’re less complicated. I, too, am a mosaics lover, and am continually impressed by the artistry of these works. I just meant that certain foolish individuals in this world have that perception of them. For the life of me, I don’t know why. And I hear you about Rothko. I feel conflicted about Jackson Pollock for that very reason. Can you take credit for a paint splatter? But much of his work is beautiful. Perhaps I just lack artistic sophistication. And thank you, as always, for the intriguing link. I have it bookmarked for a time when I’ve caught up with this blog. And it might just inspire a blog post of its own. Keep challenging and inspiring me, Lyn! Thank you!

      Reply
  2. Sara Avatar
    Sara

    I love a mosaic, thanks for sharing these.

    Reply
    1. The View from a Drawbridge Avatar
      The View from a Drawbridge

      My pleasure! Thanks for reading!

      Reply

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