Rashid Johnson’s “Broken Pavilion” Mosaic Sculpture Wall

Memorial Art Gallery’s (MAG) Centennial Sculpture Park, located at the University of Rochester in New York, is an incredible space sharing the cultural identity of the community while also promoting social interaction, community engagement, and a sense of belonging. The latest addition to the outdoor space is American contemporary artist Rashid Johnson’s Broken Pavilion, an elongated U-shaped mosaic sculpture wall that features Johnson’s “broken men.”

Photo: Andy Olenick Fotowerks

Measuring in at approximately 1,600 square feet, Broken Pavilion is a feast for the eyes as colors and meticulous patterns made of hand-cut tiles reveal figures within. The sculpture is a 360-degree experience, with artwork covering both sides of its walled facade. Boston-based mosaic manufacturer, Artaic, fabricated the mosaic using their proprietary design software – Tylist – to bring Johnson’s vision to life.

Broken Pavilion now acts as an anchor for the park’s expansion, inviting students and visitors to openly perform, learn, and participate within the space.

Photo: Andy Olenick Fotowerks

Photo: Andy Olenick Fotowerks

Photo: Andy Olenick Fotowerks

Photo: Andy Olenick Fotowerks

To learn more about Broken Pavilion, visit mag.rochester.edu.

Kelly Beall is a Pittsburgh-based writer, editor, and designer with a passion for art, design, and creative culture. Best known for Design Crush, she enjoys discovering and sharing inspiring creative work. When she's not writing, she's likely tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or spending time with her three pets: Bebe, Rainey, and Remy.

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