Painting
March 18, 2018

Interview: “Maximalist” Painter Plays With Pattern and Texture to Create Feminist Art

Proving that “pretty can be powerful,”Australian artist Jessica Watts produces floral paintings with a feminist focus. In her series, Wallflower, Watts employs playful patterns and brightly-colored blooms to accentuate the strength and beauty of the self-possessed woman. Each expressive painting in this series features an anonymous female figure standing before a backdrop inspired by a real-life wallpaper pattern. In most depictions, the subject's nudity is concealed by bouquets bursting with textured blossoms.

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Art History
March 16, 2018

How Flowers Blossomed Into One of Art History’s Most Popular Subjects

Throughout the history of art, certain subjects have resonated particularly strongly with artists and audiences alike. Ranging from cats to Cupid, these revisited trends reveal art's most popular muses, with flowers at the forefront. Rooted in ancient art and still prevalent today, depictions of blossoms, blooms, and other botanical elements can be found in many of the most significant art movements, whether carved into clay or starring in a still-life.

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Travel
March 16, 2018

New Travel Guide Features Japan’s Most Beautiful Inns and Hot Springs

Coupling a minimalist aesthetic with a focus on achieving zen, Japan is renowned for its distinctive design style. On top of its beautiful landscaped gardens and tranquil tea houses, this exquisite approach can be found in its traditional spas, as outlined in Japanese Inns and Hot Springs, a new Japan travel guide by Tokyo-based author Rob Goss. Known as ryokan, these historic Japanese inns have attracted travelers for centuries.

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Photojournalism
March 14, 2018

Photos of Post-War Europe Captured by Italian Photographer Traveling by Motorcycle

As a pioneer of Italian photojournalism, Piergiorgio Branzi captured a pivotal moment in European history—following the end of World War II. Starting with a motorcycle voyage down the Italian coast less than a decade after WWII and continuing with reportages in Spain and Moscow, his work blended documentary and fine art photography to great effect. Now 89 years old, he finds himself part of a legacy of early Italian photography that inspired generations to come.

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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.