Art
January 1, 2022

What Is Kawaii? Discover What Led to Japan’s Culture of Cuteness

Roughly translated as “cuteness,” kawaii is one of the most frequently used Japanese words. In a broader sense, it describes the culture of celebrating all things adorable and embracing fictional characters as the embodiment of positivity. Originating as a distinctly Japanese cultural trend, the concept soon evolved into the worldwide phenomenon it is today, spreading through many aspects of modern life, including art, fashion, technology, and even food.

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Modern Art
December 31, 2021

Picasso and ‘Guernica’: Exploring the Anti-War Symbolism of This Famous Painting

As one of the most famous artists in Western art history, Pablo Picasso is known for his remarkably prolific career that spanned 79 years and included multiple disciplines. In particular, his paintings went through several stylistic evolutions like Cubism and Surrealism, reflecting the artist's lifelong need to push boundaries. And while many of Picasso's paintings are remembered for their trailblazing appearances, only one is known for its powerful anti-war message: the 1937 painting, Guernica.

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Architecture
December 30, 2021

Hidden ‘Desert Rock’ Resort Is Tucked Away in the Mountains of Saudi Arabia

A wondrous resort called Desert Rock is the latest tourist project from the Red Sea Development Company (RSDC) in Saudi Arabia. Embedded in the mountains of Riyadh, Desert Rock is designed by Oppenheim Architecture with the intention to provide an unparalleled nature experience for visitors to the area. “We wanted to create a destination that allows guests to experience Saudia Arabia’s untouched beauty,” says John Pagano of Red Sea Development Company.

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Photography
December 29, 2021

Dramatic Photos of Modernist Church Interiors Capture the Beauty of “Sacred Spaces”

Photographer Thibaud Poirier has been making his way across Europe to capture the incredible interiors of churches and temples. In a continuation of his series Sacred Spaces, Poirier explores 15 more modernist places of worship through photographs. In each photo, he carefully preserves the same composition—a perfectly centered image with the focal point at the front of the pulpit.

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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.