Wednesday, August 11, 2010

dreaming in mosaic

Philadelphia Magic Gardens
I had the chance to return to Philadelphia's Magic Gardens last week. I've posted previously about this incredibly inspiring place. It's the largest public installation by mosaicist Isaiah Zagar, and the genesis of the whole arts movement on South Street in the 1960's.



It's a maze of artistic fantasy! Everywhere you look, every corner you turn reveals the next wonderful art piece that collectively makes up this amazing giant scale mosaic masterpiece.

 



On this particular day, I was there to meet Angel Lugo. He's a documentary film maker, and he's currently working on a film about the arts community in Philadelphia as it relates to the current economic conditions. I think his project is very interesting, and I feel fortunate to be able to take part in it.



While I was waiting for Angel and his crew to finish setting up their equipment, I couldn't help but wander around in the gardens snapping more and more photos...







It felt like I could never see it all. There's a story in every nook and cranny of this beautiful place.

Isaiah Zagar's son Jeremiah made an award winning film called "In a dream". I love this film. It's a completely real look into the life...


If you're in Philadelphia you must see it for yourself! And, don't forget to bring your camera! :-)

Philadelphia's Magic Gardens is a nonprofit organization that relies mainly on contributions from individuals for its activities. This support enables us to continue to offer our educational programs, concert and performances, and other public events.

For more information visit their website

Photos by Robert Petril

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9 comments:

Vicki Flynn said...

AMAZING!! The video and the art of the mosaic...beautiful work!

Ruby said...

Amazing, beautiful and odd in a most wonderful way! Thanks for sharing!!

Unknown said...

Such amazing place to visit .It must be a fascinating experience to walk through that place where you can find around every corner another awe-inspiring surprise that's bigger and more eye-popping than the last.It feels like a journey to dreamland...just like a child's dream come true.Awesome work !! .
Isaiah Zagar's work reminds me this quote :“The best thing about dreams is that fleeting moment, when you are between asleep and awake, when you don't know the difference between reality and fantasy, when for just that one moment you feel with your entire soul that the dream is reality, and it really happened.”
Thanks for sharing Robert!!

Be Well Gifts said...

lovely my friend, Hugs from Katherine :-)

Unknown said...

Urban jungle as it speaks to the artist using found art materials. Love it and it will sustain itself for years.
Great post.

Tammy said...

Nice Pictures. Why can't I get pictures like that for my site!!!

bird tables said...

So beautiful place to visit..The best thing about dreams is that fleeting moment, when you are between asleep and awake, when you don't know the difference between reality and fantasy..Thank you for sharing this

Joe said...

Mosaics are highly under appreciated in the home, would love to see more design at home of mosaics used in floors or just on walls for decoration.


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La Petite Plume said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE YOUR POST AND BLOG!!! so much to look at and read:)) I am your new fan:))

Royal wishes,
Daisy