Art History
December 28, 2018

Older Versions of Hokusai’s ‘Great Wave’ Show Its Surprising Evolution Over Time

Hokusai's The Great Wave off Kanagawa is a staple of Japanese art. Created using traditional woodblock printing techniques, the work typifies the ukiyo-e practice. Given its prominence and popularity, you may think that The Great Wave that we know and love is the only one of its kind. However, Katsushika Hokusai actually depicted this subject matter several times throughout his life, culminating in a collection of four similarly themed canvases.

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Creative Products
December 26, 2018

Kinetic Toy Transforms From a Pinecone to a Helix with the Simple Flick of a Wrist

Designer John Edmark specializes in toys with a twist. Pairing an appreciation for playful movement with an interest in eye-catching design, Edmark has crafted a collection of kinetic creations, including the hypnotizing Helicone. Edmark studied the connection between math and the natural world to create the Helicone. Specifically, he translated numerical, nature-based concepts like Fibonacci Numbers and the Golden Ratio into a plaything that shape-shifts into two natural forms right before your eyes.

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Drawing
December 25, 2018

Charming Illustrations Capture Under-Appreciated Moments of Solitude

Los Angeles-based illustrator Jenny Yu captures the under-appreciated transient moments of life through her ever-growing collection of digital art. From golden morning light filtering through the curtains to walks through rain-slicked city streets, Yu’s atmospheric illustrations capture moods that we can all relate to. She explains, “It’s in these idle, solitary moments I sometimes feel most human and contemplative, and I think those are the feelings I’m trying my best to depict.

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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.