Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens (PMG) is a massive display of Isaiah Zagar’s imagination on South Street. Visitors are immersed by a maze of brick and stone walls covered in mosaics with thousands of found objects throughout Philadelphia, from handmade tiles and bottles to bicycle wheels and mirrors that have become iconic international folk art and chronicle his life’s work.
Beginning September 20, visitors can experience a new exhibition of similar origins at the Magic Gardens: "Walking Round My Head: Works by Stephen Wright." The exhibition features a collection of works by Stephen Wright, a London-based mixed-media artist, designer and creator most known for his art environment, the House of Dreams museum. Similar to Zagar, Wright transformed his home into a vast, immersive artwork, decorating the walls with thousands of personal items and repurposed objects found at flea markets. PMG visitors may also recognize other similarities between Zagar and Wright—Wright brings his visions to life with bright and colorful mixed-material portrait drawings, whimsical masks, intricate tapestries, and textile figures that combine elements from Wright’s traditional design background and the abstract art environment he created.
"Walking Round My Head" will go on display in PMG’s two indoor galleries. PMG will host a pay-as-you-wish opening reception on Friday, September 20, 6 to 9pm with extended visiting hours and a guided tour, artist talk, and book signing will take place Tuesday, September 24, 6 to 8pm. Tickets are on sale now.
