Aneme Mosaico “Panthera Pardus” (2014) 37.5 x 28.5 cm
We want them all. The Leopard. The Hippo. The Bear. The Llama . . . We want the whole zoological catalogue in stone by Melissa Moliterno and Andrea Poma of Aneme Mosaico.
Animals have always been the subject of mosaics.
Lod Mosaic, Israel. Central panel. Circa 300 ac
But, Aneme Mosaico’s enchanting images were something completely new to us. Their fresh, unique approach to the subject matter immediately brought to mind the exquisite watercolor illustrations of the 1700s and 1800s.
Edward Lear “Kob Antelope” (1837) Watercolor Photo via internet
And indeed, according to the duo . . .
“Our works are based on the careful study of the materials and colors, on the the ability to synthesize ancient mosaic techniques with the zoological catalogues of the 19th century.”
“Dama-Dama” (2014) 37.5 x 28.5 cm
Moliterno (Cosenza, Italy 1988) and Poma (Parese, Italy, 1989) met while studying at the Ravenna Fine Arts Academy in Italy. They have both shown extensively, with Poma taking the prestigious Experimental Prize at GAEM 2013 for his innovative work Impressioni. We found this work to be a highlight of RavennaMosaico 2013. (Previous story on MAN here.)
Andrea Poma “Impressioni” 2013 90 x 130 cm Glass.
Andrea Pomoa “Impressioni” Detail Photo: NTMP
Their collaboration in creating these glorious critters began in 2013. In 2014, they presented this body of work as Animalario in an exhibition in Ravenna. (You will want to click twice to see the large versions of these photos.)
Llama Glama (2014) 37.5 x 28.5 cm
“Pictures and stones, cement and blank papers are mixed, becoming a single entity. Our materials are chosen according to the shape, to their veining and to their composition. They are no longer regular tesserae, but anatomical ones; stones that become cheeks, paws, and ears.”
“Ursus Arctos” (2014) 37.5 x 28.5 cm
“Hippopotamus Amphibius” (2014) 37.5 x 28.5 cm
“Canis Lupus” (2014) 37.5 x 28.5 cm
“Loxodonta Africana” (2014) 37.5 x 28.5 cm.
“Cavallo” (2014) 37.5 x 28.5 cm
“Diceros Bicornis” (2014) 37.5 x 28.5 cm
Yes, and just when you thought these works couldn’t get any more delightful, there is the panda.
“Ailurpoda Melanoleuca” (2014) 37.5 x 28.5 cm
Aneme Mosaico is offering these beautiful mosaics for 250Euro. We are not sure how many are left after the holidays and there are other, smaller works of birds that are equally spectacular. Please contact the artists at aneme.mosaico@gmail.com with your questions. (We should probably make it clear that MAN has no financial arrangement with Aneme Mosaico at all.)
Enjoy – Nancie