Mosaics have been a part of our history for 4000 years, and in European art they have been used for centuries to represent religious icons. In the 21st century however, British artist David Arnott is using them to celebrate a different kind of cult – that of celebrity, referencing subjects from the Rolling Stones lips logo to Her Majesty the Queen.
Each of David Arnott’s portraits is a masterclass in precision and dedication. Composed of thousands of hand-cut mosaic pieces, some as small as a millimeter, his works shimmer with detail, offering a mesmerizing blend of fragmentation and realism. In his skilled and careful hands, this ancient artisan technique becomes a way of showing us some of the most familiar faces of our time in a completely new way, fragmented, luminous and yet dazzlingly authentic.
David Arnott devotes many hours of preparation to each composition, using photographs and sketches to perfect the detail he will require before he begins each project. When it is planned in meticulous detail, he sets about choosing and then hand cutting the pieces of mosaic for each elaborately conceived and fastidiously executed portrait.
Beyond technique, he delves deep into the essence of his subjects, immersing himself in their world; listening to David Bowie's music, watching Sophia Loren’s films, absorbing their spirit to capture their likeness with authenticity and reverence. Hidden within each artwork is a personal touch, his initials, subtly woven into the intricate mosaic patterns.
David’s mosaics have made a massive impact in a highly exclusive market, where he has collaborated with celebrity designer Debbie Wingham on a series of ‘the most expensive objects’ including a mosaic roulette table.His portfolio includes prestigious commissions for celebrities such as the Kardashians and Iron Maiden’s Steve Harris, as well as iconic brands like Mercedes-Benz, Gucci, and Nike.
His talent has also been recognised in more commemorative works, including multiple projects for the Royal British Legion, most notably an official piece marking the WWI centenary in 2018. Today, his distinctive mosaics are sought after worldwide, securing his place as a modern master of an ancient craft.
From portraits to personal pictures from photographs. Baths to bottles. David can put his hand to a lot of different formats but each piece is distinctive in its style and crafted in the Arnott way.