North End Library Mosaic (2009)

Location: North End Library, North End

North End Branch Library Mosaic during the nighttime

At the entrance of the Boston Public Library's North End Branch sits an unique, brightly colored mosaic. After visiting the library and seeing the mosaic for myself, I had done some research to find out more about it. 

Tom O'Connell, the artist who created this mosaic, added the various symbols found in the center of the piece (exclamation mark, comma, asterisk, dollar sign, etc.) to emphasize the importance of a library during this modern, technological age. I hadn't realized there was a meaning behind all the symbols when I first visited which is why I find this mosaic all the more intriguing. This realization makes me wonder how many times I've looked at a piece of art and completely missed the artist's intended message. 

In addition, I had expected this mosaic to look more like a "traditional" mosaic, created with tiny scraps of colorful glass tile pieced together to form a bigger picture. Instead, it is formed by large ceramic pieces and concrete slabs. Although it isn't what I expected, I enjoyed the mosaic nevertheless!

North End Branch Library Mosaic viewed in natural sunlight

Credits to Brad Friedman