“The mosaic is like a puzzle, and in its smallest parts lies the whole.”
Gustav Klimt (1862–1918)

More durable than a mural, the mosaic has proved to be a cherished member of the Street Art family during this new age. While they may not be as topical or ephemeral as murals, they offer unparalleled options that surprise the unsuspecting wanderer, and they can affect a wildness despite their inherent stability. Often installed on light post bases and hidden in the cracks of buildings and even pavement, mosaics have a deeply personal touch that speaks to your memories of childhood possibly. Modern examples can be as grand in scale as any mural, showcasing their versatility and enduring appeal, and we bring a new one here today for your consideration.

Historically, mosaics boast rich roots. They adorned the baths and villas of Ancient Rome, depicted religious scenes in the Byzantine Empire, and embellished the mosques and palaces of the Islamic Empire. The Italian Renaissance continued these traditions with classical techniques, and Antoni Gaudí’s eclectic mosaics in Barcelona expanded the art form’s boundaries in ways no one could have predicted in the last century.

Though not traditionally seen as countercultural within the graffiti and street art movements, mosaics share common ground with modern murals, many of which have also shifted away from direct critique, often to be seen as ‘Public Art’. Both mediums can leave a lasting impact on communities, bridging the past and present with their enduring presence and artistic expression.

“Four Sides,” the newly unveiled ceramic mosaic on the side wall of 17 Struga Street in Łódź, Poland, is a testament to the fusion of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary street art. Designed by the renowned muralist Otecki and crafted by master tilemaker Łukasz Karkoszka, this new mosaic covers over 100 square meters and took four weeks to complete. The intricate process involved creating and firing most of the ceramic tiles specifically for this project, requiring exceptional skill and precision.

Otecki, whose real name is Wojciech Kołacz, is a Wrocław-based artist known for his large-format paintings and graphic design. His works can be seen in various cities worldwide, including Helsinki, Buffalo, Breda, Lille, Lyon, Besançon, Dresden, Kosice, and numerous locations across Poland. His unique style, which blends realism with abstraction, is evident in the “Four Sides” mosaic. “In this mosaic design, botanical forms intertwine with figures of four individuals. Their eyes are closed, symbolizing a withdrawal from the world of the senses and a journey inward,” Otecki explains. “This dance of opposites reflects a cycle of life where joy intertwines with pain, and hope with melancholy.”

Creating the mosaic’s vibrant tiles took time and knowledge of the craft. Łukasz Karkoszka, from the Wrocław Academy of Fine Arts, dedicated four months to crafting the tiles. “Matching colors in ceramics is particularly challenging due to the chemical reactions during firing,” Karkoszka shares. “I made key compositional parts, such as purples, turquoises, greens, and pinks, and many glazes myself to ensure the shades aligned with the project’s vision. The preparation of the ceramic material was meticulous, from cutting and numbering the chamotte mass to glazing and firing the tiles at 1200°C.”

The project’s curator, Michał Bieżyński, emphasizes the significance of this collaboration. “We have a unique, symbiotic combination of two artists—Otecki in the design area and Łukasz Karkoszka in the technological area. Their combined efforts have brought a new dimension to the urban space of Łódź,” Bieżyński remarks.

“Four Sides” is part of a broader initiative by the Łódź Event Center to integrate modern artistic objects into the city’s landscape. This program, which has been ongoing for over a decade, aims to create permanent and temporary installations that enrich the urban environment. The mosaic is a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional and contemporary art forms, bridging the past and present with serious craftsmanship.

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