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While some artists express their creativity through brushes and paints or sculpting tools and stone, others craft masterpieces using the beauty of nature. Hosted every three years by Mosaïcultures International of Montréal, this global event showcases artists who design living plant arrangements on wire frameworks, producing awe-inspiring installations that outshine even the most meticulously groomed hedges.
1. Mother Earth
Denis Savard
A standout piece from the 2013 Mosaïcultures International competition, this larger-than-life depiction of Mother Earth was a fitting centerpiece for a horticultural showcase. She was joined by over 200 artists from diverse regions, including Europe, the Americas, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, each contributing their unique vision to the event.
2. Mighty Ducks
Mosaïcultures International of Montreal
This playful aquatic installation, vibrantly named Mallards Taking Off!, was Quebec’s entry in the inaugural MIM competition held in 2000. The event’s theme, “The Planet is a Mosaic,” set the stage for this global art form. Over a decade ago, this competition brought together participants from 14 countries and more than 30 cities, solidifying mosaïculture as an international art form. Quebec’s tribute to its common waterfowl stood in contrast to Boston, Massachusetts’ entry, which featured gracefully positioned swans.
3. We’ll Always Have Paris
Mosaïcultures International of Montréal
This natural rendition of the iconic Eiffel Tower, submitted by Paris in 2006, may lack originality but earns high marks for its sturdy construction. To enhance realism, the artists could have added tiny figurines of tourists snapping photos and flashing cheerful smiles.
4. China’s Got A Winner
Mosaïcultures International of Montreal
Shanghai, China’s 2000 entry, Two Dragons Playing With a Pearl, swept the competition, securing the inaugural Grand Honorary Award for both 2-D and 3-D categories. This masterpiece celebrated China’s cultural heritage while showcasing exceptional skill in the contemporary art of mosaïculture.
5. A Pretty Good Wall
Mosaïcultures International of Montreal
Though Beijing’s 2003 entry doesn’t match the grandeur of the actual Great Wall, spanning nearly 4000 miles, it certainly outshines typical garden statues in durability. If the competition judged based on defensive strength, this piece would undoubtedly take the crown.
6. Flipper
Mosaïcultures International of Montreal
Hong Kong’s 2006 MIM entry featured dolphins in mid-leap, enhanced by strategically placed water jets that created the illusion of motion, captivating all who saw it.
7. Acropolis Now
Mosaïcultures International of Montreal
Celebrating their classical roots, Athens, Greece, recreated Athena’s temple for the 2006 Mosaïculture International. That year’s theme encouraged participants to showcase their city’s architectural heritage, and the Parthenon stood as the ultimate representation of Athenian design. Renowned as the pinnacle of Doric architecture, this temple, worthy of a goddess, also captivated mere mortals. The inclusion of the Olympic rings at the front was a thoughtful nod to both the Winter Games in Turin and the ancient Greek origins of the Olympics.
8. Face-Off
Andre Vandal
While this flat creation may lack depth, its immense scale compensates for it. The intricate details of this 2-D mosaic are best appreciated from an aerial perspective, as ground-level viewing might obscure its true artistic brilliance.
9. Flora and Fauna
Andre Vandal
There’s a unique charm in crafting oversized floral designs using actual flowers, creating a delightful self-referential artwork.
10. Man’s Best Friend
The West End
This furry canine sculpture is crafted entirely from sedge, a versatile grass family that includes species like water chestnuts, sawgrass, and papyrus.
11. Butterfly Effect
Andre Vandal
A vibrant 2-D creation from the 2013 competition, this butterfly’s wings are composed of more than a dozen distinct flowering plants, showcasing a stunning array of colors.
12. The Nervous Horseman
johey24
This jittery rider stands out as one of the few human figures depicted in an active stance. Despite appearing firmly seated on his horse, his unease might stem from the noticeable size disparity between him and his equine companion.
13. Won’t You Be My Neigh-bor?
Andre Vandal
Horses seem to be a favored subject among mosaïculturists. This specific equestrian scene avoids using living plants, instead relying on salvaged wood branches. Remarkably, the wood appears minimally altered, with its natural curves and bumps skillfully arranged to depict two horses in a three-dimensional form.
14. Head and Shoulders
Denis Savard via Flickr
This Easter Island-inspired head towers over the man maintaining its crown, though it pales in comparison to the actual moai, which can reach heights of over 32 feet. At least there’s no enigma surrounding how this version came to be.
15. How Does Your Garden Grow?
Guy Boily c/o MIM
Are those cabbages? Not exactly. This imaginative botanical twist is both straightforward and charming.
16. Planet of the Apes
Guy Boily c/o MIM
These solemn primates were crafted entirely from grass.
17. Garden Guardian
Eric Sonstroem
This verdant figure is a highlight of the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s ongoing exhibit, “Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger Than Life.” Standing at 25 feet tall, it is the most massive among the 19 fantastical living sculptures. Atlanta holds the distinction of being the first U.S. botanical garden to collaborate with Mosaïcultures International of Montreal for this display.
