Justin Bateman’s pebble mosaic portraits are a testament to the intricate beauty that can be created from the simplicity of nature. His unique art form involves arranging pebbles and stones found in natural settings into detailed and expressive portraits. Each stone is carefully selected for its shape and hue, contributing to the overall image as if they were individual pixels on a vast canvas.
Bateman’s work is not only a display of artistic skill but also a profound statement on the impermanence of art and life; his creations are left in situ to be eventually reclaimed by the natural world. This ephemerality is reminiscent of the Tibetan monks’ sand mandalas, symbolizing the transient nature of existence. Yet, through photographs, Bateman ensures these fleeting moments of beauty are captured and shared, allowing a wider audience to appreciate the depth and detail achieved with such a humble medium.
The first creations were in Portsmouth, the UK on the beach. It was an old workshop I ran with my students as an art lecturer, but my friend and I decided we would have a go at the project ourselves. I was only visiting England for a few months and soon I returned to Bali, Indonesia.
Justin Bateman
More info: Website, Facebook, Instagram (h/t: Bored Panda).
