trencadís

Trencadís is a type of mosaic artwork made from broken ceramic tiles or pottery shards. The term trencadís is Catalan, derived from the verb "trencar," meaning "to break." This technique involves arranging these broken pieces, often irregularly shaped, to form a decorative surface. It is a characteristic element of Catalan Modernism, particularly associated with the work of Antoni Gaudí and his contemporaries in Barcelona.

The trencadís technique was popularized by artists like Gaudí and Josep Maria Jujol, who utilized it extensively in their architectural projects. Gaudí famously employed trencadís in iconic structures such as Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and Sagrada Familia, where it adorned benches, walls, sculptures, and other architectural features. The use of salvaged and inexpensive materials like broken tiles was also an economical approach, allowing for vibrant and intricate designs without the high cost of traditional mosaics.

Unlike traditional mosaics that use precisely cut tesserae, trencadís embraces the imperfections and unique shapes of broken fragments. This results in a distinctive, organic, and textured appearance. The irregular edges of the broken pieces create subtle variations in depth and light reflection, contributing to the dynamic visual quality of the artwork. The process typically involves cementing the broken ceramic pieces onto a surface, often over a layer of concrete or plaster. The grout lines between the pieces further emphasize the fragmented nature of the design. Trencadís has since been adopted and adapted by artists and designers worldwide, becoming a recognized decorative art form.