Sculpture
December 9, 2021

49-Foot-Tall Three-Headed Dragon Statue Breathes Real Fire in Russia

From medieval fairytales to the recent Game of Thrones series, dragons have fascinated people for centuries. Many cultures from around the world have their own interpretation of this mythical creature, and in Russia and Ukrainian folklore, it is a monstrous dragon called Zmei Gorynich (meaning “Dragon, the Son of the Mountain”). In fact, fantasy fans have the opportunity to see a life-size version of the villain at the Russian theme park Kudykina Gora.

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Oil Painting
December 8, 2021

Kehinde Wiley Painting of Young Black Man Honors Classical Techniques and Challenges Cultural Values

For decades, Thomas Gainsborough's The Blue Boy has been a hallmark of European portrait traditions. It depicts a young boy somewhere in his teenage years wearing a luxurious azure outfit and carrying a feathered cap in one hand. The iconic painting has been on display at The Huntington in San Marino, California since Henry and Arabella Huntington acquired the piece in the 1920s.

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Food Art
December 7, 2021

Healthcare Worker Creates Beautiful Buttercream Cakes That Look Like Embroidery and Macramé

For some folks, food is a form of artistic expression. Cakes, in particular, offer an unconventional canvas from which creative bakers can craft edible sculptures. Lauren Wodnicki, aka Lauren Loves Cake, creates confections that are as beautiful as they are tasty. Inspired by handicrafts like macramé and weaving, she uses buttercream to fashion an array of amazing desserts. When complete, they look like tapestries that are complete with intricate knotting and even beading.

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Architecture
December 6, 2021

Bamboo Bungalows in Thailand’s Turtle Bay Eco-Tourism Destination Celebrate Local Folklore

Located on the waters of Hua Hin’s Khao Tao Reservoir in Thailand, there is a hotel made up of five bamboo bungalows, all constructed with local materials. These series of guest houses in the eco-tourism destination—aptly known as Turtle Bay—are a bit more exciting than your average hotel room, though. The design itself harkens back to local folklore.

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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.