 |
| Philadelphia Magic Gardens lower level |
Imagine an empty alleyway transformed by
garbage and knickknacks. Glass bottles protruding out of the walls, mirrors
smashed into a million pieces, ceramic tiles strategically placed, and painted
quotes all over. At the Philadelphia
Magic Gardens
there is so much to see and make sense of. It is only natural to question the
origins of this mosaic garden in the middle of the city. Who made it? Why? How
is it that you feel like you are in Barcelona
when you are really in Philadelphia?
Genius or Madman?
Visionary is the word in regards to artistry that can be used to describe
Isaiah Zagar, the artist and mastermind behind the Philadelphia Magic
Gardens. For the past 10 years, 72 year old Zagar has taken junk, bottles, tiles, dishes, sculpture,
mirrors, anything and everything and turned them into beautiful mosaics and
murals adorning the Philadelphia
Magic Gardens
and surrounding South Street
neighborhood. Even the ceiling of the Philadelphia Magic
Gardens building has been
transformed into a mosaic. Zagar’s work is distinct and provides many messages
cultural, political, and sentimental. Zagar’s approach to his art and the
community, however, is another story. Genius or Madman? Everyone has their own
opinion.
 |
| Zagar's ode to 9/11 |
Zagar is an artist with a one track mind and
mission. If he sees a wall or an empty plot of land and wants it, he will do
whatever it takes to have it. There have been times in the past where Zagar has
seized a blank slate like a graffiti artist and started working. It is also
common that he commemorates people from the community into his mosaics and
murals. Guy with tools and cap look familiar? He’s the local plumber. Imagine seeing
yourself one day in a 50 foot mosaic mural. What a surprise that would be.
 |
| Mike Mattio - Zagar's Plumber |
I stumbled upon the Philadelphia
Magic Gardens
on my last Philly trip. The center was closed and I was only able to peer in
from the outside gates. I managed to snap some pictures and when I found out
you could take a tour of the grounds, I vowed to come back and center my next
day trip around the Philadelphia
Magic Gardens.
 |
| Carlos Carpet |
For $10 you get a private tour of the building and South Street neighborhood. The tour will
take anywhere from one and a half hours to two if you go overtime. The walking
tour covers quite a bit of ground so plan accordingly. Bring water with you, wear comfortable shoes, and bring a stroller if you have small children. The tour must be booked in advance. Philadelphia Magic Gardens
is also open to the public for self guided viewing for a mere admission cost of
$5.
 |
| South Street Neighborhood Mural |
The Philadelphia
Magic Gardens
is a non-profit organization and definitely worth a look when in the Philadelphia area. Great
for photography buffs, families, art enthusiasts, and anyone who loves
something shiny and interesting.
1020 South Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
grt
ReplyDelete