By Margherita Cole on February 24, 2022

This artist is creatively expressing himself while also beautifying crumbling cities.

Cracks on the pavement are a common sight in cities. And while most people choose to step around them, one artist is using these gaps as an opportunity for urban beautification. French artist Ememem—sometimes known as “the pavement surgeon”—fills street fractures with dazzling mosaic art, which transforms the decay into something beautiful.

From large potholes to unsightly chips on a cobblestone path—Ememem fills all shapes of crevices with colorful designs. To do this, the artist uses his own technique, called “flacking,” which refers to the french word flaque, meaning puddle. This describes the freeform approach Ememem has to his site-specific creations. Depending on the size of the fissure and the aesthetic he wants to create, he procures a unique selection of ceramic, wood, and bitumen to fill the space. What he chooses also informs the distinctive pattern he can create, which he organizes by size and color. […]

More: Pavement Cracks Become an Opportunity for Colorful Mosaic Art