By Kelly MacConomy
On exhibit at the spacious, elegantly-appointed offices of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Old Town is the artwork of Alexandria Living Legend Nina Tisara. Nina, the treasured photographer laureate of the City, who established Tisara Photography now in partnership with her son Steven Halperson, who also has photographs on display here, turned to mosaics following years of capturing the interface of light and shadow with her camera lens.
The intricate interplay of shape and color painting with broken, irregular-shaped and sized tiles proved to be an engaging new enterprise for Nina. It’s not as easy as it may appear. Nina beckons experimentation and holds steadfast facing any challenge. Despite her petite, unassuming stature, Nina conveys a disposition firmly grounded in a spiritual fortress of strength. When she stands akimbo a charging bull would reconsider its mark.
Circulating around the bright office space and in glass-walled conference rooms, the mosaics are displayed in an inviting ambient light. New works amid fan favorites are intimately spotlighted as if decorating the walls. You can readily imagine them in your own home. There is a meditative solitude expressed in these works. Reminiscent of her photography, the organic mosaic “etudes” sing eloquently to both nature and the soul.
Nina Tisara’s art work will be on display at the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage at 310 King Street in Old Town through October 29. She also has a piece currently on view at the Art League in the Torpedo Factory and three mosaics for sale at Queen Bee Designs in the Bradlee Shopping Center.
