Studio: Zagar Mosaic Landscape, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This studio embraced an entire public art landscape dispersed throughout Philadelphia, responding to a moment of transition for this landscape as its creator, artist Isaiah Zagar ages out of active practice after 50+ years, and key sites confront existential challenges. The studio considered Zagar’s works collectively and sought alternatives to conventional preservation policy to promote this landscape’s appreciation and longevity. Zagar’s works are a recognizable – and recognized – environmental attribute of the neighborhoods where he has been most active and are a popular draw for visitors. Philadelphia is unique in having such a large concentration of mosaic murals by one artist, making a significant contribution to Philadelphia’s claim to being the American city with the “largest and oldest” collection of public art. Many of these artworks contain stories of the building’s inhabitants or of their neighborhoods, and include physical pieces salvaged from the city, such as bicycle wheels, bottles, dishes, and ceramic tiles.