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.
November 4, 2018

The Whimsical “Composite Heads” of 16th-Century Painter Giuseppe Arcimboldo

There have been many memorable portraits throughout the history of art, including the likes of Leonardo's legendary Mona Lisa and Van Gogh‘s iconic self-portraits. There's no denying that the genre of portrait painting has been a staple for centuries. Most of these portraits offer straightforward depictions of  people. However, in the 16th century, painter Giuseppe Arcimboldo turned the genre on its head with his topsy-turvy Composite Heads. Who is Giuseppe Arcimboldo? Giuseppe Arcimboldo (1526-1593)

Read Article


October 24, 2018

You Can Rent This Refurbished Retro Airstream Trailer For Your Next Groovy Event

For decades, Airstream trailers have been the vehicle-of-choice for people looking to live off the grid. Though these “silver bullets” are intended as mobile homes, Airstream-owner Shelby Wilson has reimagined this purpose, transforming her own vintage model into a versatile events venue. Deemed the Stolen Pony Lounge, this 1974 trailer has been given a new lease on life. Once outdated and stained by cigarette smoke, the vehicle now boasts a Northwest-meets-Mid-Century Modern design.

Read Article


October 22, 2018

Hand-Embroidered Temari Balls Feature Strikingly Intricate Patterns

For centuries, temari balls have been a folk-art favorite in Japan. These exquisitely embroidered orbs are renowned for their eye-catching patterns and bright color palettes. Inspired by this age-old craft, Moscow-based artist Tatiana Vigdorova hand-makes her own Technicolor temari masterpieces. Alternating between embroidery yarn and silk thread, Vigdorova meticulously covers each globe in intricate decorations.

Read Article


October 16, 2018

Repairman-Turned-Artist Crafts an Eye-Catching Dome Using Recycled Bicycle Wheels

In 1994, Vancouver-born bicycle repairman Philippe LeBlond relocated to Yukon, a Canadian territory known for its beautiful scenery. While he made this move to set up shop and enjoy nature, he wound up discovering—and eventually joining—a thriving arts community in the small town of Whitehorse. Merging his mechanical interests with his newfound creativity, LeBlond began crafting sculptures out of old bicycle parts, including a recent dome made out of recycled rims.

Read Article