Philadelphia's Isaiah Zagar's Mosaic Adorns the Walls of Convene

Spend any time driving or walking around Philadelphia, and you're sure to see the work of Isaiah Zagar. The artist's colorful mosaics seem to take over every available wall on South Street. You can't help but stop and smile when you see the mixed media narratives spreading across the urban landscape.

Zagar's work also covers the span of two floors along a staircase in the newly renovated space at Convene 30 South 17th Street in Center City Philadelphia. With bright blue and yellow hues, bits of mirror that catch the afternoon sun, and quirky quotes that spark your imagination, it's easy to see why Zagar calls his work "visual glossolalia," which is a visual spin on rhythmic and repetitive sounds that mimic language but are assembled in new yet unintelligible ways.

Isaiah Zagar: The man, the artist, the "eccentric dude"

The man behind the work has the same effect on those who cross his path. Spend 10 minutes with Zagar, and you get the feeling he's never met a stranger in his life. The artist participated in a video conversation with Convene ahead of the reveal of his mosaic inside the meeting and event venue in 2018. His laugh is infectious, and his sense of humor keeps you off balance—never quite sure what's a joke and what he is entirely serious about. 

Zagar's work is a standout in the space and also a perfect complement to the Philly venue's curated aesthetic. The design of Convene 30 S 17th Street is a nod to Philadelphia's history and folklore, incorporating geometric patterns that reflect the city's grid system and jagged edges symbolizing lightning bolts. Further enhancing the space's artistry, the building lobby showcases a Lichtenstein sculpture alongside celebrated pieces from a private art collection.

For more views of Zagar's work and the rest of the Convene 30 South 17th Street, check out the images below.

Left to right: The bespoke mosaic mural stretches two floors in the 29,000-square-foot event venue; Philadelphia mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar in the stairwell during the reveal of Convene 30 S. 17th Street in 2018.  

The Convene 30 S. 17th Street Welcome Desk overlooks the massive mosaic featuring faces and colored tiles, glass, and ceramics blending into a wavy pattern.

Guests at meetings and events at Convene 30 S. 17th Street in Philadelphia are able to take in the artistic achievement by artist Isaiah Zagar.

Interested in elevating your next meeting or event in Philadelphia? Learn more about hosting with Convene 30 S. 17th Street in Center City.