Modern Art
October 31, 2022

Mondrian Masterpiece Has Been Hanging Upside Down for 75 Years

Dutch painter Piet Mondrian is a master of abstract art and has been carefully studied by art historians for nearly a century. Known for his use of primary colors and simplified lines, he was a founding member of De Stijl, a vanguard Dutch art movement. So could it really be possible that an artist so famous could have one of his artworks hung upside down?

Read Article

Technology
October 31, 2022

19th-Century Portraits Restored With AI Gives a Glimpse of What the Original Photographer Saw

AI technology has proven to be a useful tool for some artists; from creating portraits of historical figures like Cleopatra to generating images that capture what deceased pop icons would look like if they were still alive today. For the creators behind the YouTube channel Mystery Scoop, AI is used to render lifelike movement, enhancing their incredibly restored portraits.

Read Article

History
October 30, 2022

Japan’s “Tsunami Stones” Have Been Warning Residents of the Dangers of Earthquakes for Centuries

Sadly, due to its location in the Pacific Rim, Japan is prone to devastating earthquakes and tsunamis. While modern catastrophes usually come to mind, the local population's knowledge and expertise regarding these events date back centuries. One of the best examples of this is the so-called “tsunami stones”— slabs with inscriptions that warn residents about building their homes on low ground in case a big wave hits.

Read Article

Design
October 29, 2022

Elegant Terracotta Air Conditioner Uses Traditional Methods To Cool Without Electricity

Staying cool in summer can be a real challenge, especially with the high cost of air conditioning. Luckily, designer Yael Issacharov has circumvented our guilt of having the AC on all day by designing a system that needs no electricity at all. Issacharov has pulled inspiration from traditional Palestinian cooling systems and Egyptian architecture to bring us elegant and ecological air conditioning that adds an element of timeless grace to the idea of cooling down.

Read Article

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.