MOSAIC REVIVAL: Three Contemporary expressions bring together the works of three internationally acclaimed mosaic artists from British Columbia: Daryl Wood, Lilian Broca, and Maria Abagis. Their distinct voices speak to the complexity and versatility of this ever evolving, captivating and formidable art form. Shining the spotlight on this ancient medium; these artists challenge the viewer’s perception of what a mosaic is, and its relevance in the art world today. Mosaics, the art of arranging small pieces of coloured glass, stone and ceramic to create intricate images, has played an important aesthetic, cultural and historical role throughout the millennia. While lesser known in North America, there is a growing community of mosaic artists in Canada, many of whom are making a splash and a name for themselves on the international stage, including the artists in this exhibit.
Maria Abagis | @mariaabagismosaics
Maria Abagis is an award winning contemporary mosaic artist, and was one of 12 Canadian mosaic artists invited to showcase the richness and diversity of Canadian mosaic art in an event in Paray-le-Monial, France. Her work has also been shown in exhibitions in Boston, Montreal, Quebec City, Parksville, as well as in Auray and Chartres, France. Abagis uses traditional materials and experiments with how the materials are cut and shaped. “My artwork is inspired by my life experiences. They are a reflection of my thoughts and feelings; some are celebrations of joy while others have helped me navigate difficult times. Through my mosaics, I tell a very personal story.”
Lilian Broca | @lilianbrocaart | www.lilianbroca.com
Lilian Broca artworks has been featured in over 70 exhibitions in Canada, USA and Europe. Some of her distinctions include being awarded first prize in international mosaic exhibitions in San Francisco, Chicago, and San Diego. For this exhibit, she is sharing her Mary Magdalene series. “Mosaic art throughout its long history has served to document masculine achievement. Depictions of women in mosaic were restricted to the realm of saintly figures. By utilizing predominately masculine medium of mosaic to tell women’s stories, I strive to resolve ancient history’s sins of omissions and the general absence of the female perspective in it.”
Daryl Lynne Wood | mosaicartisan.com
Daryl Wood has exhibited in various juried, Canadian, and International mosaic art shows, and participated in mosaic conferences around the world. Using smalti, stained glass, beads, marble, and found rocks, Wood finds adventure experimenting with materials in her studio. “My studio is a random collection of diverse materials, but, when an idea and composition come to mind, I find a harmony that brings many elements together.”
Maria, Lilian and Daryl will be sharing their inspiration for this exhibit and their artwork on Saturday, May 24, from 2pm – 4pm at CityScape Community ArtSpace.
This exhibit is generously sponsored by Mussio Goodman and Goodman: