Renaissance Art
December 31, 2020

What Is a Reliquary? Here’s a Short Introduction To the Bejeweled Medieval Vessels

The veneration of saints was a fundamental feature of medieval Christianity. The remaining relics of these holy people took on new religious significance in the early Middle Ages. As objects of veneration and pilgrimage, the physical remains of the holy and their belongings required some of the finest works of medieval metallurgy and artistry: reliquaries. These purpose-built containers were typically constructed of precious materials and often depicted scenes from the saint's life and Biblical history.

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Illusion
December 31, 2020

Mind-Bending Optical Illusion Makes Static Figures Appear to Run and Jump Off Stairs

Another incredible optical illusion is taking the internet by storm. Twitter user Jagarikin created the illusion, which appears to show a set of figures running up and then jumping off a set of stairs. Dubbed the Super Illusion Brothers, the image is actually static. If you're asking yourself how that's possible, it's actually quite simple. Jagarikin's work is a reverse-phi illusion. That means it uses light and dark colors to create a sense of movement.

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Street Art
December 30, 2020

Giant Tiger Mural Roars a Colorful Bouquet of Flowers and Glistening Gems

Mixed-media artist Naomi Haverland merges realistic portraiture with surrealist whimsy in her latest project. The Florida-based painter was commissioned by a business in Tampa to create a mural that would convey “diversity and empowerment.” After a few brainstorming sessions, Haverland proposed a magnificent tiger whose roar released a waterfall of flowers and sequins.

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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.