All That Glitters (Mystery Image)
A glittery, colorful, eye-catching, mosaic stands tall and thin on First Avenue in the East Village. The hues of the art are juxtaposed to the concrete and brick surroundings. Even with a graffiti plastered mailbox, the detailed, carefully crafted lamppost outshines anything in its proximity. The sun is reflected off of the piece making it have a shimmering sensation, thus compelling me to photograph it, multiple times.
Looking at the alluring art, the word “GANGSTER” is formed vertically on the post. Now facing east, “THEATRE 60” is written in the same way “GANGSTER” was formed with the white broken tiles. Beneath it says in smaller letters, “FLORENCE OTWAY.” Below the words is a human face—one that looks similar to Elvis Presley. The jet-black hair looks as if it was gelled to a smooth point at the top of his head. What is the connection to this face and the words? Off to the side, in smaller litters is the name, “JOHN MOSA,”—a possible artist, or even an inspiration.
An artist, especially when making a mosaic or collage, choses to put certain pieces in particular places. There is black, white, and all colors in between the spectrum that create the final image. The artist went as far to even break a mirror and place the pieces along side the colored ones. But the one that stands out the most is a ceramic tile that displays a water-colored magenta tulip. The absence of many tulip painted tiles draws the viewer’s eye to the only one in the piece. Each ceramic tile was glued and pushed onto the original bare street furniture. By taking a closer look at the varying tile shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns the piece is even more worthy of appreciation.
A man with long, golden locks and a straw hat leans on the mailbox beside the post. It looks as if he was taken out of an old Western movie. He faces the mosaic, but continues to engage in his phone. Perhaps he has seen the lamppost before, or maybe he is just too wrapped up in his personal life to notice the tangible art in front of him.
A young woman with wind blowing in her hair is in in the bike lane. With her brown leather backpack she waits patiently for the light to turn green. Her action of overlooking the lamppost follows suit to the man occupied with his phone. Why was this not something of interest for them as it was for me?
Besides the two people captured in the photo, other New Yorkers cross First Avenue, walk along the sidewalk, and enter and exit the convenient stores. I see parents walking their children home from school. An ordinary Thursday afternoon is upon the East Villagers, and the sun is soon to set. The lamppost is an unexpected piece. If this were truly a gallery space, the viewers would be drawn to the object due to its dazzling, vibrant look that differs from its neighboring people and objects.