Mosaic
The rhythm of colour
Whether it is a finished masterpiece or a precious decorated piece, the mosaic requires manual skills, perseverance and care for every detail. The result is always a composition that charms for the alchemy of form and colour.
The papal archbasilica of Saint John in Lateran – the new papal ambo
The mosaic pieces of the new papal ambo created for the Archbasilica of St. John in Lateran have a very important decorative function for the overall features of the artwork.
The ambo, in the committee’s request, should be perceived like a new masterpiece and at the same time like a witness of history. The mosaics of the small columns evoke the preexisting ones in the main altar, both in the geometric texture and chromatic quality of the mosaic pieces. White, red, light blue, green and goldcreate together a chromatic and harmonious effect with the preexisting mosaics. It contributes in making something new but that is in line with the overall historical planning of the Archbasilica. Every element of the ambo is handmade, from the columns to the flooring, from the mosaic pieces to the bronze works. Each mosaic piece is cut by hand with a hammer and inserted according to the drawing.
Vatican Gardens - Marian mosaics
In the Vatican Gardens you have the opportunity to admire the different artworks that Progetto Arte Poli created, among which the mosaics commissioned by different Embassies to the Holy See.
The image of Virgin Mary is the main theme of these works and it is interesting to notice how the character of every specific iconographical tradition appears in the different representations. The youth of the Virgin and Child, that we can see in the mosaics created for the Dominican and the Ecuadorian Embassy, is compared to the aged severity of the Our Lady of Copacabana. The Virgin Mary created for the Embassy of Paraguay symbolizes the pride of Virgin Mary, which is represented by a brilliant and hieratic regality. In this overview, the three mosaics represent an example of virtues usually linked to femininity and maternity.
Mosaico commissionato dall'Ambasciata Domenicana
The mosaic commissioned by the Embassy of Ecuadorian
The mosaic depicting Our Lady of Copacabana for the Embassy of Bolivia
The mosaic commissioned by the Embassy of Paraguay
Different expressions, looks and gestures that are represented with the traditional mosaic technique. Marbles and stones, 24k gold leaves, precious glass pieces are the materials used. Each piece is hand-cut with the hammer in order to make every single part in the most appropriate way for the design.
Church Jesus The Divine Master– Rome
Built between 1966 and 1967 according to the project of architect Carlo Bevilacqua, the Church Jesus the Divine Master was completely restored in 2006-2008. The new project, by the architects Anna Maria and Maria Pia Pepe, involved us in the creation of all the new masterpieces, among which the new stained glass windows, the entrance doors, the flooring and the entire renovation of the area of the presbytery and baptistery.
The background wall of the presbytery is slightly concave and for the entire surface it houses the mosaic depicting three scenes featuring Jesus the Divine Master as protagonist. In the center, Jesus Christ servant on the cross, dressed in the white dalmatic to indicate how the Master educates his people in the service of the Father; on the right there is the Dispute of Jesus with the doctors of the Temple; on the left, Jesus Christ gives the Sermon on the Mount. The stylized features and the sobriety of the design evoke the beauty of the early Christian mosaics, as if to underline the auroral value of the new representation and of the entire project. The central figure of Jesus is surrounded by an aura of light represented by the gold leaf pieces, and evokes a suggestive reference in the golden cross of the altar obtained with a process of marble hand- carving.
Mosaic Baptismal area
The baptistery is located in an external space, to the right of the facade of the Church and communicating with it with a short corridor near the entrance. Placed in a side position, it recalls the ancient baptisteries. The mosaic that adorns the interior wall of the baptismal area represents the Baptism of Jesus, Noah's Ark, the Crossing of the Red Sea and Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. The bronze sculpture depicting the Risen Christ stands out in the central part. It is made following the lost wax casting technique, which is the same technique used for the coats of arms of the entrance doors, the tabernacle and the stations of the Cross.
Maestro Albano Poli received the Faith & Form award in the category "Design for the Liturgy" in 2011 for the renovation works made for this remarkable Church.
The bronze sculpture
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church - Andria, Bari
For the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Progetto Arte Poli created several artworks: the entrance doors, the stained glass windows and the liturgical furnishings. As far as mosaics are concerned, it is interesting to note how this technique can be used as well to decorate particular areas, and not just be perceived as a mere iconographic technique. The flooring that surrounds the main altar is a bright example of this possibility. Made with the liturgical colors of white and gold, the circular floor design acts as a counterpoint to the rectangular shape of the altar.
Mosaic flooring that surrounds the altar.
Production phases
The floor of the baptismal font is an obvious metaphor for water and the purifying power associated with it. Even the position of the flooring and the continuity of the mosaic in the baptismal font is a reminder of the eternal gushing of water as well as the possibility of salvation for those who trust God.
Mosaic
Mosaic art is an artform consisting of inlaid geometric, decorative, figurative, abstract, and traditional pieces of varying materials into a unique one-of-a-kind art creation. Its compositional nature makes it suitable for many design applications. Born in ancient times and originally used with functional rather than aesthetic intent, mosaic art is among the most tested techniques in our workshop. As in a portrait, mosaic art can tell a detailed story making its dramatic representations for the decoration of architectural or design elements suitable for any project at any level of complexity.
PROGETTO ARTE POLI SRL:
P.I. 02979060239Via Bresciana 67/b,
37139 VERONA, Italy
tel +39 0458510455
fax +39 0458510298
Arte Poli Gallery:
Borgo Vittorio 88,zona Basilica di S.Pietro, ROMA
tel. 06 68309510
