Posts by Kelly Richman-Abdou

Kelly Richman-Abdou

Kelly Richman-Abdou was a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met. An art historian living in Paris, Kelly was born and raised in San Francisco and holds a BA in Art History from the University of San Francisco and an MA in Art and Museum Studies from Georgetown University. When she’s not writing, you can find Kelly wandering around Paris, whether she’s leading a tour (as a guide, she has been interviewed by BBC World News America and France 24) or simply taking a stroll with her husband and two tiny daughters.
Art History
March 12, 2022

How Artists Have Kept Still Life Painting Alive Over Thousands of Years

Édouard Manet once called still life “the touchstone of painting.” Characterized by an interest in the insentient, this genre of art has been popular across movements, cultures, and periods, with major figures like Paul Cézanne and Pablo Picasso sharing the Impressionist artist‘s view. Here, we explore the age-old genre, tracing its history and looking at well-known works to answer the questions: what is still life painting, and how has it evolved over time?

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Modern Art
March 2, 2022

Exploring the Experimental and Avant-Garde Art of Surrealism

With its imaginative imagery, experimental artistic approach, and subconscious-inspired subject matter, Surrealism may seem like a difficult genre to grasp. After all, even the movement's pioneer, André Breton, referred to the genre as an “invisible ray,” while iconic Surrealist Salvador Dalí noted that “people love mystery, and that is why they love my paintings.

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Art History
February 12, 2022

Discover 10 Famous Portrait Paintings and the Real Life People Who Inspired Them

No matter the scope of their favorite subjects, most artists have dabbled in the age-old art of portraiture. Defined by portrayals of people, this genre has been practiced by art history's most influential painters, culminating in an extensive collection of world-famous portraits. While the artists behind these pieces are universally well-known, the subjects are often less obvious.

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Creative Products
October 18, 2021

25 Charming Gifts to Creatively Celebrate Japan’s “Culture Day”

Since 1948, Japan has celebrated Culture Day, or Bunka No Hi, on November 3. This national holiday is held to honor the nation's cultural traditions, from its art history to its academic accomplishments. In order to commemorate this special day, we've put together a list of creative products inspired by Japanese design. There's something for every Japanophile in this treasure trove of gifts.

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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.