10 Creatively Covered Potholes On Pavements And Sidewalks By Jim Bachor

While most people see potholes as urban nuisances, Jim Bachor sees them as blank canvases. Known as the “Pothole Picasso,” Bachor is transforming these pesky pavement cracks into striking works of mosaic art. His work, recognized and appreciated around the world, brings unexpected beauty to otherwise drab patches of concrete, creating what he fondly calls “unexpected grins” for passersby. With over a decade of experience in mosaic art, Jim’s unique approach to street art has sparked joy and curiosity among city dwellers.

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Image source: Jim Bachor

Bachor’s passion for mosaics has deep roots in his appreciation for the timeless durability of this art form. He traces his inspiration back to a powerful moment during his first visit to Pompeii in the late 1990s, where a tour guide’s simple comment sparked his fascination. “The guide pointed to a mosaic at the site and said, ‘Marble and glass don’t fade, so this artwork looks just like the artist intended 2,000 years ago.’ That idea has driven my work ever since,” Jim recalls. Wanting to learn the technique behind these enduring works, he traveled to Ravenna, Italy, a city famous for its ancient mosaics, and immersed himself in the traditional methods that have become the foundation of his pothole art.

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Image source: Jim Bachor

In May 2013, Jim installed his first pothole mosaic in Chicago, blending his love for this durable art form with a creative approach to the city’s ever-present pothole problem. Since then, he’s created over 100 pieces, mostly in Chicago, with some installations as far as Finland and Italy. “The idea of ‘pothole art’ came about by merging this durable art form I’m passionate about with the unsolvable problem of the pothole,” he explains. His pieces have turned countless drab patches of street damage into small masterpieces, creating delightful surprises in the unlikeliest of places.

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Image source: Jim Bachor

Bachor’s mosaics are as playful as they are beautiful. By juxtaposing “a universal hate (potholes) with a universal love (flowers, candy, junk food, etc.),” he creates designs that resonate with people from all walks of life. His mosaics range from pop culture icons to whimsical items like ice cream cones, each one chosen to bring a smile to those who stumble upon it. “Other times, it’s concepts that reflect my sense of humor, personality, or the times in which we live,” he says, capturing the joy he feels in adding something bright and humorous to the urban landscape.

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Image source: Jim Bachor

Adding to the fun of each new mosaic, Jim leaves “goodie bags” filled with swag near his latest installations, allowing lucky locals to pick up a small memento. “In Chicago, they tend to last 20-30 minutes,” he notes, pointing out how quickly these bags are snapped up by fans eager to connect with his work. The goodie bags are just another way he brings a touch of joy to the people who encounter his art.

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Image source: Jim Bachor

Jim is, in his words, “a list person.” His studio is filled with “many lists around my house and studio,” he says. “I’ll never get to them all.” This organized, methodical approach is key to his creative process, helping him stay on top of his various ideas and inspirations. He loves using juxtaposition in his art, a method that allows him to play with contrasts and blend surprising elements into his work.

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Image source: Jim Bachor

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Image source: Jim Bachor

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Image source: Jim Bachor

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Image source: Jim Bachor

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Image source: Jim Bachor

For those who want to enjoy his work outside of city streets, Jim offers limited-edition prints of his mosaics through his website, bachor.com. These prints capture the spirit of his unique street art, allowing fans to bring a piece of his “unexpected grins” into their own homes.

Through his colorful mosaics, Jim Bachor has found a way to transform urban decay into street-level artistry, sharing his passion for an ancient craft while adding a modern twist that both surprises and delights. With each new installation, he reminds us that art can appear in the most unexpected places, turning even the humblest pothole into a little piece of joy.