Isaiah Zagar, Creator of Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, Passes Away
Isaiah Zagar, the esteemed creator of Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, has passed away at the age of 86. His death was confirmed by Emily Smith, the executive director of the organization, who shared that Zagar succumbed to complications from heart failure and Parkinson’s disease. The announcement was made on Thursday morning via Instagram.
Legacy of Isaiah Zagar
Zagar was renowned for his vibrant exterior tile mosaics, which transformed various neighborhoods. Smith described him as “unlike anyone we have ever met and will ever meet.” She emphasized his remarkable body of work, which has permanently shaped the city’s artistic landscape.
Early Life and Artistic Journey
- Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York
- Education: Studied art at Pratt Institute
- Peace Corps: Spent three years in Peru
- Community Involvement: Moved to South Street in 1968 and fought against a local highway project
Zagar’s artistic journey took a significant turn in the 1990s when he began constructing Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. This immersive installation, unique for utilizing materials like broken dishes and bicycle parts, transformed a vacant lot into a vibrant artistic environment.
Contributions to Philadelphia’s Art Scene
After the establishment of the Magic Gardens, Zagar entrusted the site to a non-profit organization for its management as a visitor attraction. He then focused on another ambitious mosaic project located in a garage on Watkins Street.
In addition to his monumental work at the Magic Gardens, Zagar was celebrated for his elaborate mosaics wrapped around the former Painted Bride Art Center in Old City. This extensive project took him nine years to complete. Sadly, the building was demolished in December following a protracted legal dispute.
Isaiah Zagar’s impact on Philadelphia’s artistic community will be remembered fondly as his works continue to inspire future generations.
