Art

April 11, 2021

6 Ai Weiwei Artworks That Bravely Call Attention to Social Issues in China

Artist Ai Weiwei is undoubtedly the most well-known living Chinese creative today, but his country’s government doesn’t exactly give him the recognition he deserves. In communist China—where freedom of speech is tightly regulated—Ai’s varied portfolio of work doesn’t fetch the highest prices at auctions, and critics don’t sing his praises. Instead, the activist is viewed as a threat to the “harmonious society.

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April 9, 2021

Photorealistic “Double Exposure” Portrait Paintings Reflect the Complexities of Life Itself

These images might look like double exposure photographs, but they’re actually works rendered in oil paint. Spanish artist Cristian Blanxer expresses his subjects’ movements, inner thoughts, and environments by painting them as surreal, multi-layered portraits. In some works, Blanxer captures the movements of his subjects, showing both their past and present positions at once. One painting depicts a dancer as she bends her body towards a chair and kicks her leg upwards.

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April 8, 2021

Plein Air Paintings Seamlessly Blend In With the Real Landscapes That Inspired Them

Painting en plein air, or “in the open air,” was first adopted by the French Impressionists in the 1800s. But, the tradition lives on today, and many contemporary realist artists around the world are still taking the great outdoors to paint. With a deep admiration for the natural world, Los Angeles-based artist Richard Oliver captures California's stunning landscapes in oil paint.

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April 2, 2021

Enchanting Animations Use LEGOs as the Ingredients for Entire Meals

Those who love to cook know that every ingredient counts when it comes to whipping up your favorite meal. However, Japanese stop motion animation artist tomosteen is able to create an entire menu using just one ingredient: LEGOs. They might not be edible, but tomosteen’s meals are oddly tantalizing. The clever animator is able to make the solid plastic pieces appear just like delicious chocolate, frosting, rice, eggs, and more.

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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.