Mosaic - Dining hall room of the Sainte-Barbe library, Paris 

Editor: Here we have a mosaic panel, titled "Dining hall room of the Sainte-Barbe library, Paris", by Giandomenico Facchina. I'm struck by the incredible detail rendered in tiny tiles. What can you tell me about how it functions in its architectural context? Curator: Considering it's in a dining hall, we must consider the social function such a piece held. Facchina, here, elevates what could be considered simple decoration into an experience, influencing the space through materiality. Mosaics, with their inherent labor-intensiveness, also make us think about the artistic work, don't they? Editor: They really do. I was reading how labor can sometimes disappear when we discuss finished artwork, and you really get a sense of the process when viewing each tile individually, but all together. How might the choice of a mosaic—versus, say, a fresco—have shaped the room? Curator: Exactly. The selection of materials dictated the outcome: a fresco might seem transient, ethereal. But the weight and permanence of the tesserae making up the mosaic point to luxury, investment. But mosaics are traditionally rooted in public spaces – thinking of Byzantine churches, Roman bathhouses, meant to elevate spaces through hard-wearing materials and artistic labour. Its appearance of wealth, juxtaposed with its traditional context could say something about the priorities and patrons, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Absolutely, considering the setting. It’s in a dining hall in Paris. What would the viewers be consuming while seated beneath the image? Both artistically and... gastronomically. This consideration really impacts the potential purpose and context of the panel itself, since the piece influences both a feast for the eyes and an actual meal! I never considered the relationship between art and dining quite like that. Curator: Precisely. So how does seeing art differently affect you? Editor: Now I see the labour in producing artwork that would be incorporated into everyday consumption...It adds another layer to my understanding of art's value.