Event Details
Event Date
Event Date: Thursday, November 16, 2017 -through Saturday, February 24, 2018
Event Time
Event Time: All day
Event Description
Opening Reception: Friday, December 1, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
This winter, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is excited to display Isaiah Zagar’s most recent body of work in the galleries. Lava Flow looks back on Zagar’s traditional method of mosaicking and compares it to his latest mosaic technique. This exhibition portrays how his mosaics have evolved over the decades and celebrates the experimental nature of Zagar’s work.
Zagar’s current process involves reversing his traditional mosaic technique. Rather than pooling colored cement onto a canvas tarp and placing his tiles and other objects into the wet cement, he places tiles, folk art, and found objects face down onto a workable surface and pours his cement on top of his arrangement. Once hardened, Zagar lifts the piece from the work area and reveals finished product.
“I love the poetry of it, to have such a tribute, a lava flow, an electrical storm turning the world upside down. I’m getting closer to the lava flow with this group of small works. I’m getting closer, closer, and closer. I hope I never get there.” –Isaiah Zagar
A short documentary about the artists’ life will also accompany this exhibition, which focuses on the beginning of his mosaic career, the development of his artistic process, and the conception of Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. The film and the exhibition together provide a look into Zagar’s colorful and spontaneous spirit.
Each mosaic is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece and all are available for immediate sale. Become a member of Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens to receive 10% off your mosaic purchase*, and enjoy a number of other benefits, such as free unlimited admission to PMG for one year and discounts on special events!
If you are unable to visit our galleries, the online store has an array of works to choose from, so you can have a colorful, original Zagar piece shipped straight to your home. Members can receive their discount by calling (215) 733-0390.
*Membership discount only applicable for mosaics valued up to $500
