PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Isaiah Zagar, the iconic South Philly artist known for his mosaic works across the city, has died at the age of 86 following complications from heart failure and Parkinson’s disease, according to a statement from Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens.
Zagar moved to Philadelphia’s South Street in 1968. He founded Magic Gardens at 10th and South streets, a hub of his artwork, in 1991. In the more than three decades since, the hub has become an institution on South Street as a museum, studio and education center for the surrounding community.
The current exhibit on display at Magic Gardens is called "Face to Face," depicts mosaic portraits of people who have influenced Zagar's life work, life and world.
His art also extended beyond the South Philly institution to the entirety of the city. Zagar's mosaics can be found on home facades all over, including in the Washington Square West and Bella Vista neighborhoods. He also created the facade of the Painted Bride Art Center in Old City, called "Skin of the Bride."
The 7000-square foot mosaic was dismantled in 2023 after the building was sold, with about 30% of the tiles salvaged for use in future mosaics.
“In his 86 years, Isaiah became one of the most renowned mosaicists on earth, working from sunrise to sunset each day; creating hundreds of public mosaics, dozens of buildings and facades, and thousands of drawings, paintings, prints, and photographs,” the statement continued.
Zagar is survived by his wife and collaborator Julia, and two sons, Jeremiah and Ezekiel.
A public memorial for his life will be announced at a later date.