Pothole Art Hunting: Chicago Mosaics Hidden in Plain Sight!
from an interview with Jessica Mlinaric, author of Secret Chicago.
Since 2013, Jim Bachor has transformed infrastructure craters in Chicago and around the world into public art. The mosaic artist fills potholes with art instead of asphalt. His concrete crusade began after a pothole in front of his North Side home just never got repaired. Bachor explained, “I merged my passion for an art form that’s so durable with a problem that can never be fixed long term.”
Chicago city crews filled 94,307 in January 2014, according to the Chicago Tribune. Where most people see reminders of a long winter gouged into the pavement, Bachor sees a canvas. His playful depictions include the Chicago flag, ice cream treats, and floral bouquets.
U.S. in cities like Los Angeles, Detroit, Philadelphia, and New York and as far away as Finland and Italy now have pothole mosaics installed by Jim Bachor. The best way to hunt for pothole art is to check with Bachor’s map of installations. Note that some potholes have been covered or destroyed. Want to discover other hidden places in Chicago? Check out Jessica’s book Secret Chicago!