In Tessere: Reviving Ancient Roman Mosaic Traditions

Raphael Karanikos undertook an ISS Institute Fellowship in Italy to study traditional Roman mosaic techniques. Training at the In Tessere Scuola di Mosaico in Narni under master mosaicist Tiziana Mondini, he learned the Ravenna, direct, and indirect methods while developing a deeper understanding of mosaic materials and processes. Fieldwork across Italy and Tunisia offered an insight into the history, aesthetics, and context of ancient mosaics. The fellowship shifted his practice from self-taught experimentation to a more grounded engagement with tradition. Raphael now aims to bring these skills into contemporary Australian art, sharing them through exhibitions, teaching, and advocacy