Resources
October 24, 2017

Medieval Illuminated Manuscript Exploring the Majesty of Animals Digitized and Placed Online

No, an illuminated manuscript is not a book that lights up, but rather a visual way of articulating letters and inserting imagery into text. Especially popular during the medieval period, religious texts were the primary recipients of decorative borders and letters tinged with gold and silver. However, increasingly over time, secular texts were also illuminated and now one of the most intriguing illuminated manuscripts, The Aberdeen Bestiary, has been digitized for close examination.

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Street Art
October 24, 2017

3D Zebra Stripe Crosswalk in Iceland Slows Traffic with Stunning Optical Illusion

The use of illusion in art is nothing new, but a small town in Iceland is using the effect to help with public safety and traffic issues. In the small fishing village of Ísafjörður, a 3D pedestrian crossing was painted last month in an effort to slow traffic on a narrow street. The eye-popping illusion gives the effect of walking on air as pedestrians move from one side of the street to the other.

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Tattoos
October 23, 2017

Illustrated Poster Reveals the Meanings Behind Traditional Sailor Tattoos

Have you ever wondered about the meanings of traditional sailor tattoos? You can now decode what the diving swallows, crossed anchors, and nautical stars signify with a helpful illustration by “Adventure Cartoonist” Lucy Bellwood. She’s created The Art of the Sailor, a diagram that depicts a tattooed sea traveler whose body art is both named and defined. From the sailor's hands to his feet, the symbols tell the stories of journeys made along the open water.

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Street Art
October 21, 2017

Street Artist Turns Buildings into Gigantic Butterfly Specimen Cases

France-based street artist Mantra transforms multi-story buildings into gigantic butterfly specimen cases in a series of clever, trick-of-the-eye 3D murals. The enormous, hyper-realistic butterflies appear to be set within wooden-framed boxes, recessed into the side of each building. Long shadows and subtle details, which suggest a transparent glass surface, create a convincing level of depth that helps to enforce the head-turning optical illusions.

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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.