Art
January 17, 2019

What If People from Famous Paintings Were Modern-Day Instagrammers Taking Selfies

Before the invention of photography, portraits were rendered using oil paint and were reserved for those wealthy and powerful enough to afford the artist commission. Nowadays, anyone can take an instant photo of themselves on their smartphones. It’s so common, in fact, that the act of doing so has been given its own well known term—the selfie.

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Portrait Photography
January 14, 2019

Andy Warhol’s Iconic Polaroid Portraits Will Have Their Own Exhibit in London

Before the digital age of smartphones and selfies, there was nothing more immediate than a Polaroid. And there is perhaps no other artist who is better able to bridge the gap between the artistry of analog photography and the instant gratification of digital photography than Andy Warhol. This pioneer of pop art used photography as a basis for all his artwork and was rarely seen without his trusted SX-70 Polaroid camera.

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Art
January 14, 2019

Interview: Artist Hand-Cuts Intricate Illustrations from Single Sheets of Paper

Having practiced her craft for almost a decade, British paper cutting artist Pippa Dyrlaga is truly a master. The talented artist creates intricate nature-inspired illustrations hand-cut from single pieces of white paper. “There is nothing as ordinary as a blank sheet of paper,” says Dyrlaga. “But it has so many possibilities.” Each complex design is a testament to Dyrlaga’s expert skill and admirable patience, not to mention her steady hand.

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Painting
January 11, 2019

Interview: Museum’s Artist-in-Residence Promotes Conservation with Wildlife Watercolors

Painter Peggy Macnamara is no ordinary watercolorist. As the Chicago Field Museum‘s artist-in-residence, Macnamara's muses include ancient vases, animal specimens, and other priceless artifacts that surround her on a daily basis. This fascinating career has led to an even more unique opportunity, as Macnamara's art now aids in the crucial conservation efforts of the museum's Keller Science Action Center.

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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.