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.
July 19, 2017

Twinkling DIY Paper Lamp Shades Inspired by the Elegance of Sea Animals

Inspired by the idyllic Dutch seaside, Amsterdam-based Etsy shop VasiliLights crafts paper lamp shades exquisitely shaped like aquatic animals. Specializing in DIY coverings, the shop offers a sea of easy-to-assemble paper creations that add an underwater touch to any room. Featuring geometric contours and an origami-like aesthetic, the paper lamp shades double as functioning fixtures and contemporary works of art. Each piece is made of high-quality and brightly colored paper that has been carefully and creatively pierced.

Read Article


July 15, 2017

Metropolitan Museum of Art Now Offers Over 1,600 Free Art Books Online

In need of some summer reading? If so, look no further than the Metropolitan Museum of Art's website. What once simply provided descriptions of its world-famous permanent collection, information about its exhibitions, and a way to pick up some Met-themed merchandise now offers an extensive and eclectic selection of free online books. With an art historical focus, this comprehensive collection of over 1,600 full-text titles features everything from African to American art.

Read Article


July 12, 2017

Visually Satisfying Photos Capture the Repetition and Symmetry of Swimming

With a preference for portraiture and an artistic attraction to “modern freshness,” Slovakia-based artist Maria Svarbova produces expressive photographs that explore everyday actions and reimagine routine. This interest in repetition is particularly evident in her photos of swimmers, a subject she continues to revisit time and time again. Set in Slovakian swimming pools dating back to the Socialist era, these peculiar photographs span several series, including Swimming Pool, Origins, and The Tribune. Each one illustrates the repeating patterns and incidental symmetry inherent to the sport.

Read Article


July 7, 2017

Fascinating Photos Taken by Lewis Carroll Show the Young Girl Who Inspired ‘Alice in Wonderland’

While Lewis Carroll's most beloved book, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, is renowned for its surreal subject matter and “curiouser and curiouser” plot, its protagonist is actually based on a real-life little girl. Alice Liddell, the daughter of a family friend, inspired Carroll to write the celebrated novel in 1865. In addition to serving as his literary muse, she also often starred in Carroll's photography—another one of his artistic interests—and played a prominent part in the development of his practice.

Read Article