These days, we’re all social distancing but that doesn’t mean you can’t explore at a safe distance. When “going out” literally means a walk around the block, there’s all the more reason to look at our own neighborhoods with fresh eyes. What a delight it is to stumble on art where you least expect it — like a pothole.
I first interviewed Chicago artist Jim Bachor for my book Secret Chicago: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure in 2017. His artwork is featured as Chicago secret #38 in the book.
Pretty Potholes
Since 2013, Jim 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 artform 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, Jim sees a canvas. Bachor’s playful depictions include the Chicago flag, ice cream treats, and floral bouquets. One tile mosaic simply spells “pothole.”
“I merged my passion for an artform that’s so durable with a problem that can never be fixed long term.” – Jim Bachor, Chicago Artist
Ground Control
Bachor’s work is inspired by the mosaics of Pompeii. “I was blown away by their beauty and durability,” he said. “They look exactly as the artists intended two thousand years ago.” Just as ancient mosaics captured everyday images, he uses similar methods to elevate modern imagery like Nutter Butters and hot sauce packets.
Bachor’s methods aren’t so different from ancient mosaic artists. He finds a pothole near the edge of the street that isn’t too big or shallow. He creates the marble and art glass mosaic in his studio over about eight hours. When the weather is right, Bachor sports a safety vest and sets up orange traffic cones at the site. The process of mixing the concrete, filling the pothole, and installing the mosaic takes a few hours. The next day, he scrubs the mosaic clean. Bachor uses social media to leave a photo clue to the location of each new installation along with a goody bag.
Source: Jim’ Bachor’s Instagram account
The Proof is in the Pavement
Jim Bachor finds beauty in the everyday, like a bag of Cheetos. His Chicago includes work includes the Thrive mosaic at the CTA Thorndale Red Line station and the Nike store on Michigan Avenue.
While the Chicago Department of Transportation doesn’t condone guerilla pothole repair, they can’t deny the delight of Bachor’s work. As a representative told the Tribune in 2014, “Mr. Bachor and his art are proof that even the coldest, harshest winter cannot darken the spirits of Chicagoans.”
Mosaics in the Time of Coronavirus
In spring 2020, Bachor created a series of mosaics inspired by the coronavirus pandemic. Four potholes in the Uptown neighborhood feature hand sanitizer, toilet paper, Old Style, and a six-sided Chicago start. The mosaics even contain real gold foil!
How to Hunt for Pothole Art
Jim Bachor has installed pothole mosaics in the U.S. in cities like Los Angeles, Detroit, Philadelphia, and New York and as far away as Finland and Italy. 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. You can also support Bachor’s work by purchasing prints, pins, and more in his online shop.
Tracking down or stumbling on Bachor’s art offers the thrill of discovery in your own backyard. Just be sure to explore these hidden gems at a safe distance from others.
Want to discover other hidden places in Chicago? Check out my book Secret Chicago!
Sources
- Borrelli, Christopher. “Making Potholes Into Art.” Chicagotribune.com, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2014.
- Vivanco, Leonor. “Mosaic Pothole Artist Raises Money to Hit the Road.” Chicagotribune.com, Chicago Tribune, 29 Feb. 2016.
- McAninch, David. “Why We Love Chicago: We Take Street Art Literally.” Chicago Magazine, 13 Feb. 2017.
- Mlinaric, Jessica. “’Secret Chicago’ Interview with Jim Bachor.” 24 July 2017.
