Art History
January 19, 2019

The History of ‘The Great Wave’: Hokusai’s Most Famous Woodblock Print

Hokusai's The Great Wave off Kanagawa is one of the world's most celebrated works of art. A prime example of the ukiyo-e practice, this Japanese print has inspired artists and viewers for nearly 200 years. While The Great Wave is instantly recognizable, many may not know of its history, including its surprising evolution, role within a series, and even its lasting legacy. What is The Great Wave off Kanagawa? The Great Wave off Kanagawa is a yoko-e (landscape-oriented)

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Art
January 17, 2019

14 Contemporary Artists Offer a Rare Look at the Pages of Their Private Sketchbooks

Visual magic happens on the pages of an artist’s sketchbook. The creative person will take the blank book and, page by page, transform it into an incredible art object that functions as an intimate handheld gallery featuring their work and writing. Artist Dina Brodsky is one such person, as she has kept a sketchbook since she was 18 years old.

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Music
January 16, 2019

Chinese Opera Singer Masters the Impossible “Diva Dance” Song from ‘The Fifth Element’

Luc Besson’s The Fifth Element was released more than two decades ago and is still considered one of the most iconic sci-fi films ever made. For fans of the cult film, there’s one scene that’s bound to stick out in your mind—the Diva Dance. Performed by an extravagant alien opera singer called Diva Plavalaguna, the blue-skinned, tentacle-headed character wows an audience with her impressive vocal range and otherworldly dance moves.

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Landscape Photography
January 14, 2019

Mystical Photos of the Enchanting English Forests of Wistman’s Wood

Deep within the forests of Dartmoor, England is Wistman’s Wood, an ancient woodland that looks like something from a fairytale. Featuring moss-covered boulders and tangled web of twisted trees, it’s no surprise that the eerie location is associated with a number of supernatural folklore tales—many writers have even described the woodland as “the most haunted place on Dartmoor.

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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.