Mosaics are Milan's best kept secret Small masterpieces that decorate hallways and majestic buildings

During his wanderings through the different districts of Milan, immersed in continuously different atmospheres, sometimes in contrast, others in perfect harmony, Stefan Giftthaler was so fascinated by a detail - that very often goes unnoticed - to dedicate to it a photographic project started in March 2020, a few days before the lockdown. 

In fact, mosaics are an architectural element that is largely neglected, not sufficiently enhanced, or even not immediately associated with Milanese aesthetics. Without the enormous decorations made up of small coloured tiles, that sometimes form a small picture while others play on chromatic harmonies, they add character and personality to otherwise austere constructions. 
In his photographic series, which includes about fifty shots, Gifttahler wanted to portray private homes, commercial and office buildings, scenographic entrances and old galleries in which mosaics are the real protagonists on spectacular floors.

Although mosaics turn many entrances and buildings into small masterpieces, adding character and personality to quite anonymous buildings, they remain a detail often forgotten within the Milanese architectural imagination. Stefan Gifttahler wanted to restore their importance.