Street Photography
March 19, 2018

Interview: Woman Discovers Over 30,000 Secret Photos Left Behind by Her Mother

Asya Ivashintsova-Melkumyan always knew her mother was taking photographs, but never fully understood just how deep this passion ran until recently. When Masha Ivashintsova passed in 2000, she left behind boxes of belongings and memories, which remained untouched until late 2017. It was only then that Asya discovered over 30,000 negatives and undeveloped film—as well as personal diaries—in an attic, all of which detailed the turbulent details of her mother's life.

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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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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.