Italian mosaic artist Umberto Pepe approaches mosaic as a space for experimentation and discovery. In the framework “Albania is Biodiversity” campaign, he is part of the team creating a large-scale mosaic.
Could you briefly introduce yourself and your work?
My name is Umberto Pepe. I’m from Italy and consider myself an experimental artist, always searching for the form that best suits my expressive needs. At the moment, mosaic is the technique that resonates most with me, although I remain open to integrating other art forms as my practice evolves.
My work adapts to different contexts—whether collaborating with another artist, responding to a commission for a public or private space, or developing a personal project driven by creative impulse. For me, mosaic is a versatile medium that allows me to explore many ideas, materials, and environments.
How did you begin your journey as a mosaic artist?
I graduated from the Scuola Mosaicisti del Friuli in Italy in 2022. Since then, I have worked on different projects in several locations, including outside Europe. I still consider myself a relatively young mosaicist and remain open to experimenting with new approaches within the discipline.
What brought you to the “Albania is Biodiversity” mosaic project?
Together with two colleagues, I am currently collaborating with hbs Tirana on a large-scale mosaic dedicated to biodiversity in Albania. It is an exciting challenge, especially considering the scale of the work and the limited time frame. Our role is to translate the artist’s design into a physical mosaic.
What kind of challenges does a project like this involve?
There are many challenges, from selecting the right colors and tonal scales to preparing the patterns and ensuring the materials behave correctly during installation. Each mosaic reveals its own technical questions during the process — every work hides its own secrets.
What does working with mosaic give you as an artist?
Mosaic helps ground my ideas. The process requires focus, discipline, and attention to every gesture. All energy is directed toward creating the final work, and that concentration makes mosaic a powerful and transformative practice.
What inspires you outside of mosaic work?
Music is essential for me and gives me energy every day. Nature is another fundamental source of inspiration. Although much of my work currently takes place in urban environments, I hope to spend more time immersed in nature in the future.
