Discover the Best of Today's Art World - https://mymodernmet.com/category/art/ The Big City That Celebrates Creative Ideas Fri, 22 Mar 2024 08:05:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://mymodernmet.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-My-Modern-Met-Favicon-1-32x32.png Discover the Best of Today's Art World - https://mymodernmet.com/category/art/ 32 32 Zaria Forman’s Latest Pastel Drawings Highlight the Fragility of Polar Ice https://mymodernmet.com/fellsfjara-iceland-zaria-forman/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} Wed, 20 Mar 2024 19:20:59 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=662137 Zaria Forman’s Latest Pastel Drawings Highlight the Fragility of Polar Ice

For two decades, artist Zaria Forman has committed herself to creating art that speaks to Earth's changing climate. Specifically, her enormous pastel drawings of polar ice and the Arctic landscape highlight the urgency needed to counteract the warming of the planet. In her new exhibition Fellsfjara, Iceland, Forman looks closely at the polar ice that […]

READ: Zaria Forman’s Latest Pastel Drawings Highlight the Fragility of Polar Ice

]]> Zaria Forman’s Latest Pastel Drawings Highlight the Fragility of Polar Ice
Fellsfjara, Iceland by Zaria Forman at Winston Watcher New York

Photo: Ben Rosser

For two decades, artist Zaria Forman has committed herself to creating art that speaks to Earth's changing climate. Specifically, her enormous pastel drawings of polar ice and the Arctic landscape highlight the urgency needed to counteract the warming of the planet. In her new exhibition Fellsfjara, Iceland, Forman looks closely at the polar ice that has accumulated on Iceland's black sand beaches.

Her large-scale drawings show this ice under a magnifying lens and render it in magnificent detail. The work is reminiscent of classic still-life art in that it honors an inanimate object and highlights its inherent characteristics. At the same time, it also addresses its fragility.

During her trips to Fellsfjara, which is located on Iceland's southeastern coast, Forman stumbled upon ancient, compressed ice. Enthralled by its complexity and clarity, she set about immortalizing all of the cracks, bubbles, and distortions that tell the story of its history.

“In close-up views of glacial ice set against the velvety richness of churning Arctic waters and black sand, these works add to Forman’s career-long contemplation of light and ice; of humanity and nature; of time spent and time left,” shares gallery Winston Wächter, which is hosting the show in its New York location. “Forman offers a nuanced clarion call, encouraging viewers to notice, appreciate, and protect the earth’s most vulnerable landscapes.”

The work, which was first previewed in Reykjavik last year, is a stunning evolution of Forman's art and a continued demonstration of how artists can work to effect change. Fellsfjara, Iceland, is currently on view in New York City at Winston Wächter Fine Art until May 4, 2024.

Fellsfjara, Iceland is a new set of large-scale pastel drawings by artist Zaria Forman.

Fellsfjara, Iceland by Zaria Forman at Winston Watcher New York

Fellsfjara, Iceland by Zaria Forman at Winston Watcher New York

Polar ice by Zaria Forman

Based on the polar ice she found washed up on Iceland's black sand beaches, the drawings show the ice's fragility.

Pastel Drawing of Polar Ice

Pastel Drawing of Polar Ice

Pastel Drawing of Polar Ice

This is the latest evolution of Forman's art, which has, for two decades, focused on climate change and the Arctic landscape.

Zaria Forman Drawings

Pastel Drawing of Polar Ice

Fellsfjara, Iceland by Zaria Forman at Winston Watcher New York

Zaria Forman: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Winston Wächter Fine Art.

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Hyperrealistic Pastel Drawings Reveal How Climate Change Is Making Arctic Ice Move

READ: Zaria Forman’s Latest Pastel Drawings Highlight the Fragility of Polar Ice

]]> Female Space Pioneer Makes History By Sending Jeff Koons’ Art to the Moon [Interview] https://mymodernmet.com/4space-chantelle-baier-jeff-koons/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} Wed, 20 Mar 2024 13:50:05 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=658995 Female Space Pioneer Makes History By Sending Jeff Koons’ Art to the Moon [Interview]

In late February 2024, history was made when the first female-led space company, 4SPACE, took Jeff Koons‘ art to the Moon. The successful launch makes Koons the first artist to have authorized artwork on the lunar surface and everything came together thanks to the vision of 4SPACE founder Chantelle Baier. Baier founded 4SPACE as a […]

READ: Female Space Pioneer Makes History By Sending Jeff Koons’ Art to the Moon [Interview]

]]> Female Space Pioneer Makes History By Sending Jeff Koons’ Art to the Moon [Interview]

Jeff Koons and Chantelle Baier from 4SPACE

In late February 2024, history was made when the first female-led space company, 4SPACE, took Jeff Koons‘ art to the Moon. The successful launch makes Koons the first artist to have authorized artwork on the lunar surface and everything came together thanks to the vision of 4SPACE founder Chantelle Baier.

Baier founded 4SPACE as a vehicle to bridge non-traditional space companies with the space industry. Under her leadership, 4SPACE has achieved the first authorized art gallery to be sent to the Moon in 2024, a significant milestone in the footprints on the Moon. And it seems fitting that Koons, a pioneer of the contemporary art world, would be the first creative to hold this honor.

Jeff Koons: Moon Phases comprises 125 unique artworks, each consisting of three components: a sculpture that was installed on the Moon, a sculpture that stays on Earth, and an NFT that corresponds with the sculptures on the Moon and the Earth. The 125 miniature stainless steel Moon Phase sculptures are currently displayed on the Moon in a cube, which was designed and built by 4SPACE in consultation with Koons.

“The Moon Phase artworks are associated with individuals who made important accomplishments in human history,” 4SPACE revealed in a written statement. “The list of names is universal, from various cultures throughout the world, fields, and time periods. Displayed in front of each artwork, the names memorialize the figures. In this way, Koons honors some of the greatest achievements of the past to inspire future generations.”

The work made its way into space via the Intuitive Machines Nova-C lunar lander, Odysseus, named after the hero of Homer's Greek epic. The Nova-C is part of NASA's CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) initiative and was launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Center.

When Odysseus touched down on the lunar surface, it became the first successful U.S. moon landing since Apollo 17 in 1972. And it is the first time that a privately owned spacecraft has successfully landed.

We had a chance to speak with Baier about this momentous occasion and what it means to her, as well as what it took to make this outer space art gallery come to life. Read on for My Modern Met's exclusive interview.

Chantelle Baier Assembling Jeff Koons Art Cube

What sparked your initial love of space?

I was born in the land of the living sky in Canada, where there was no light pollution, and I was surrounded by the vastness of trillions of twinkling stars in the sky. We would spend a lot of time stargazing, so naturally I dreamt of going to the Moon since I was a kid. I began to realize NASA has led to wonderful advancements that help us here on Earth, and I began to learn how important space is for our future. The idea of exploration beyond Earth’s gravity and traveling the Moon and Mars ignited my curiosity to learn more about space and the earth.

Falcon 9 rocket taking off

Photo: David Bellman

What motivated you to start 4SPACE?

I was encouraged by a mentor of mine, Dr. Chris McKay, to set up 4SPACE to hone in on my diverse skillset that ranges from technical knowledge to the entertainment/fashion industry. 4SPACE was set up as a vehicle to bring non-traditional space companies into the space industry. With this non-linear way of thinking, our focus is on commercializing the space industry by incorporating branding, marketing, and outside-of-the-box ways of approaching traditional industries.

Odysseus with the Moon in the Background

What accomplishment are you most proud of since 4SPACE was founded?

We just became the first woman-owned company on the Moon. We also became the first company to place a clear art gallery with Jeff Koons Moon Phases statues on the Moon on board the Intuitive Machines Lunar Lander that successfully landed on February 22, 2024.

Jeff Koons with art cube in front of Odysseus lander

Photo: Chris Farina

How did you become involved in the Jeff Koons project?

In 2021, I contacted a small company that had just won an award from NASA to go to the Moon. Their mission had scientific NASA payloads, and I had an idea for a project to be placed on the Moon. The lunar lander didn’t have enough power for our payload, so I had to redesign a powerless payload. My investor had a great relationship with Jeff Koons' son Sean, and we commissioned him to design 125 statues.

What type of research went into creating the display for his art?

Extensive work in many different areas spanning material research, adhesives that would survive the trip to the Moon, space radiation, lunar environment, and analysis.

Jeff Koons Art Cube Attached to Moon Lander

What type of work went into getting permission to leave something like this on the Moon?

Currently, there aren’t any permissions per se. It is our ethos to think of sustainability, scientific relevance, marketing, commercializing, and the return on investment in a circular way of thinking in every project. We understand the rare opportunity we have, we know these projects will be placed on the Moon and remain there forever, so we want them to have scientific relevance, paired with new ways of marketing, branding, and connecting our everyday lives to the Moon. Our approach is to ensure multiple facets of success in each project that positively support the space industry, NASA objectives, and what’s relevant to our partners whether it be artists, brands, you name it.

Odysseus landing on the Moon

How does it feel to have 4SPACE involved in such a groundbreaking project?

Out of this world. It’s truly an honor to be a part of this historic mission to the Moon and to have had such a cultural impact and footprint.

What do you hope that people take away from this work?

I hope to inspire a new way of thinking. I hope to show the world that you can dream and achieve your goals no matter what challenges you face. I came from very modest roots, and I believe we need to support each other and work together to create a better world here on Earth. Utilizing the new opportunities that the Space Industry has to offer, everyone brings hope to us here on Earth. New ways of exploring that open up new jobs and hopefully a bright future.

If I can take a world famous artist and put his work on the Moon… please take my word, there is a new industry coming and it’s the space industry.

4SPACE: Website

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by 4SPACE.

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READ: Female Space Pioneer Makes History By Sending Jeff Koons’ Art to the Moon [Interview]

]]> New Banksy Mural in London Brings a Pruned Tree Back to Life With Green Paint https://mymodernmet.com/banksy-tree-mural-london/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} Tue, 19 Mar 2024 17:30:06 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=661802 New Banksy Mural in London Brings a Pruned Tree Back to Life With Green Paint

  Ver esta publicación en Instagram   Una publicación compartida por Banksy Archive (@banksy_archive) The north London neighborhood of Finsbury Park woke up to an artsy surprise on St. Patrick's Day. Elusive artist Banksy struck again, creating a mural on the side of an otherwise unremarkable building. Mostly made up of cleverly placed drips of […]

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]]> New Banksy Mural in London Brings a Pruned Tree Back to Life With Green Paint

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Banksy Archive (@banksy_archive)

The north London neighborhood of Finsbury Park woke up to an artsy surprise on St. Patrick's Day. Elusive artist Banksy struck again, creating a mural on the side of an otherwise unremarkable building. Mostly made up of cleverly placed drips of green paint on a wall, the work interacts with a severely pruned tree in the foreground, making it look like it's been brought back to life.

Banksy confirmed the authenticity of the mural via Instagram after crowds began to gather around the piece of street art. The artist shared a “before” image of the tree with its sawed off branches against the wall behind it with gray painting peeling off. The “after” photo dramatically alters the scene, making the tree look like a thriving willow.

Like most Banksy pieces, the mural features a stencil. Here, a person holding a sprayer wand and covered in green paint gazes upwards towards the tree. James Peak, creator of The Banksy Story, told the BBC that the green paint used in the mural matches the shade used by Islington Council for signs in the area—a testament to Banksy's eye for detail.

“When you step back it looks like the tree is bursting to life, but in a noticeably fake and synthetic way,” Peak explained. The expert believes that Banksy must have noticed the tree and, seeing its desolate appearance, decided to give it back its leaves in the lead up to spring. “If you go way back to the beginning of his work, he is always looking for something he can do with minimum effort to make something look really cool.”

As with other Banksy works, the public has found different meanings to it. While some have seen it as a message about the role of mankind in restoring nature, others have perceived the artificiality of the tree as a commentary on greenwashing, a practice in which large corporations offer incomplete or misleading information about their environmental impact.

While other Banksy works have been stolen shortly after their authenticity is confirmed, this one seems to be safe from theft. The placement of the tree is key to the mural, making it not that worthy without one of its parts. As for the building's owner, he has said that he plans to keep the mural up, and that the building is currently vacant and available for rent.

Ultimately, those who call Finsbury Park home are thrilled that the artist chose their neighborhood to house one of his works. According to Islington councillor Flora Williamson, the mural is located in one of the poorest parts of the borough, and its addition has brought life to the area. For Wanja Sellers, who lives just a few buildings down from the mural, this development has been delightful. “It feels like a personal message to us residents,”she said. “We just feel so proud.”

Banksy has revealed a new mural in London, in which he brings a pruned tree back to life with green paint.

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Banksy Archive (@banksy_archive)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Banksy Archive (@banksy_archive)

The artist confirmed the authenticity of the mural with an Instagram post.

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Banksy (@banksy)

As for the building's owner, he has said that he plans to keep the mural up, and that the building is currently vacant and available for rent.

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Banksy Archive (@banksy_archive)

Banksy: Website | Instagram
h/t: [NPR]

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READ: New Banksy Mural in London Brings a Pruned Tree Back to Life With Green Paint

]]> Clever Social Media Account Matches Top Sport Moments of 2024 So Far With Works of Art https://mymodernmet.com/art-but-make-it-sports-2024/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} Wed, 13 Mar 2024 19:20:08 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=660499 Clever Social Media Account Matches Top Sport Moments of 2024 So Far With Works of Art

Madonna and Child, by Sassoferrato, 17th century, by @brilewerke pic.twitter.com/5jrpS0auEo — ArtButMakeItSports (@ArtButSports) March 10, 2024 We may be less than 100 days into 2024, but the world of sports has already seen some things that are going straight into the history books. And all the while, an art lover with a keen eye continues […]

READ: Clever Social Media Account Matches Top Sport Moments of 2024 So Far With Works of Art

]]> Clever Social Media Account Matches Top Sport Moments of 2024 So Far With Works of Art

We may be less than 100 days into 2024, but the world of sports has already seen some things that are going straight into the history books. And all the while, an art lover with a keen eye continues to match these moments to fine art pieces, much to the delight of their followers. After its breakthrough in 2023, Art But Make It Sports is stronger than ever, finding uncanny resemblances between two areas that can feel so disconnected at times.

The clever account is run by LJ Rader, who is clearly gifted at pairing a sports photo with art he's seen before. The accuracy in the matches is so unbelievable that many fans have wondered if there is any use of AI involved, but Rader assures there isn't. The speed and brilliance with which he finds visual and thematic pairs is a testament to his deep art knowledge.

Among the 2024 sports moments that have been art-ified is the rise of Caitlin Clark as the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division I. Rader expertly matched an image of the celebrations to a procession of Queen Elizabeth I. Clark also led Iowa to victory in the Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament. Her Kobe Bryant-inspired picture was then compared to a painting of the Virgin Mary.

At Art But Make It Sports, athletes are not the only ones that inspire comparisons. Rader matched an image of a soccer referee bewilderingly giving two cards at the same time to a Miró painting, while the image of a fan carrying his baby (who looks like he's drinking from a can of beer) was compared to an artwork featuring an infant Jesus drinking wine.

Ultimately, few events sparked as many funny moments as the NFL playoffs and the Super Bowl. From Patrick Mahomes' broken helmet to Travis Kelce's Kusama-like shiny outfits, the Kansas City Chiefs games were full of quirky scenes. Still, nothing beats winning the Super Bowl—well, maybe one thing does. Kelce's brother, Jason, starred in a roaring celebration that will live forever in the memories of fans as a modern version of The Feast of Bacchus.

To stay up to date with Art But Make It Sports, follow them on Instagram and Twitter.

After their breakthrough last year, Art But Make It Sports is stronger than ever, finding uncanny resemblances between two areas that can feel so disconnected at times.

We may be less than 100 days into 2024, but the world of sports has already seen some memorable moments.

And all the while, LJ Rader, who runs the account, continues to share spot-on matches between sports photos and art.

Ultimately, few events sparked as many funny moments as the NFL playoffs and the Super Bowl.

Art But Make It Sports: Website | Instagram | Twitter

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READ: Clever Social Media Account Matches Top Sport Moments of 2024 So Far With Works of Art

]]> RIP Akira Toriyama: Commemorating the Beloved Creator of the ‘Dragon Ball’ Series https://mymodernmet.com/akira-toriyama-rip/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} Tue, 12 Mar 2024 14:45:56 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=660154 RIP Akira Toriyama: Commemorating the Beloved Creator of the ‘Dragon Ball’ Series

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Goku (@goku.ig) Akira Toriyama, the creator of the Dragon Ball manga, has died at 68. According to the official Dragon Ball account on X (formerly Twitter), Toriyama “passed away on March 1st due to acute subdural hematoma,” a type of blood clot in his […]

READ: RIP Akira Toriyama: Commemorating the Beloved Creator of the ‘Dragon Ball’ Series

]]> RIP Akira Toriyama: Commemorating the Beloved Creator of the ‘Dragon Ball’ Series

 

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A post shared by Goku (@goku.ig)

Akira Toriyama, the creator of the Dragon Ball manga, has died at 68. According to the official Dragon Ball account on X (formerly Twitter), Toriyama “passed away on March 1st due to acute subdural hematoma,” a type of blood clot in his brain.

Toriyama was born in Nagoya, Japan, in 1955, located in central Honshu. His entry into the world of comics was through his 1980s gag manga called Dr. Slump, which featured a little girl robot and the scientist who created her. However, Dragon Ball remains his most popular and well-known creation to date.

The Dragon Ball manga series debuted in 1984 and stars a boy named Son Goku as he goes on a quest to collect “dragon balls” to give him magical powers. The series would later spawn the Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super series, both of which were immensely popular and have enjoyed international acclaim ever since their creation. Toriyama's work also inspired the creative minds behind other classic manga series such as One Piece, Bleach, and Naruto.

Toriyama revolutionized the manga and anime industries, as his creations led to the popularization of Japanese comics and animation in the Western world. With the earliest animated adaptation of Dragon Ball being split into 153 episodes, there was certainly no lack of content for students looking for after-school entertainment. The news of his passing has generated an international outpouring of kind words and messages as fans around the world grapple with the passing of the manga giant.

The creator allegedly had unfinished works when he passed away, the most recent of which being the character designs for Dragon Ball Daima, a spin-off series due to release sometime in the fall. Even though Toriyama has passed away, he continues to live on in the minds and hearts of millions of fans worldwide.

Akira Toriyama, best known as the creator of the hit manga Dragon Ball, has died at 68.

He revolutionized the manga industry by making Japanese comics and animation popular in the Western world.

His characters have become immortalized in pop culture across the world, and even though Toriyama is gone, his legacy lives on through his work.

h/t: [BBC]

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READ: RIP Akira Toriyama: Commemorating the Beloved Creator of the ‘Dragon Ball’ Series

]]> This Book Is a Step-By-Step Guide To Creating Stunning Architectural Illustrations Like a Pro https://mymodernmet.com/demi-lang-architectural-drawing-book/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} Tue, 12 Mar 2024 09:55:59 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=659825 This Book Is a Step-By-Step Guide To Creating Stunning Architectural Illustrations Like a Pro

Self-taught artist and illustrator Demi Lang teaches the most popular class at My Modern Met Academy, Architectural Illustration for Everyone. In it, she takes students along with her as she completes an illustration using colored pencils and ink. Now, she's revealing even more of her tips and tricks in her book, Drawing and Illustrating Architecture. This step-by-step […]

READ: This Book Is a Step-By-Step Guide To Creating Stunning Architectural Illustrations Like a Pro

]]> This Book Is a Step-By-Step Guide To Creating Stunning Architectural Illustrations Like a Pro
Demi Lang Architectural Drawing Book

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Self-taught artist and illustrator Demi Lang teaches the most popular class at My Modern Met Academy, Architectural Illustration for Everyone. In it, she takes students along with her as she completes an illustration using colored pencils and ink. Now, she's revealing even more of her tips and tricks in her book, Drawing and Illustrating Architecture.

This step-by-step guide includes over 200 pages of instruction that will allow anyone to learn architectural illustration. Filled with informative illustrations and encouraging words, readers will discover how to organize their workspace, select the correct materials, and build a photo reference library.

From there, Lang dives into techniques for achieving realistic tone, value, texture, shadow, and light in drawings and how to add layer upon layer of color, lines, details, and highlights to create works that leap off the paper with exciting dimensionality and life. The second half of the book is dedicated to projects, with Lang demonstrating how to render textures and architectural elements like windows, doors, and chimneys. Everything then culminates in the final chapter, where Lang details her creative process for a full-color drawing with gold details.

This book is sure to become an important reference for anyone who is interested in drawing architecture and it's a wonderful complement to Lang's online course on My Modern Met Academy, which contains over three hours of lessons. Drawing and Illustrating Architecture is now available for pre-order and will be released on March 19, 2024.

Illustrator Demi Lang has written a step-by-step guide to architectural illustration.

Architectutal Illustration by Demi Lang

 

Demi Lang Architectural Drawing Book

Across more than 200 pages, she demonstrates how to create realistic architectural elements using colored pencil and ink.

Demi Lang Architectural Drawing Book

Demi Lang Architectural Drawing Book

Demi Lang Architectural Drawing Book

Demi Lang Architectural Drawing Book

The book is an excellent complement to her online architecture drawing class on My Modern Met Academy.

Drawing and Illustrating Architecture is now available for pre-sale.

Demi Lang Architectural Drawing Book

Demi Lang: Website | Instagram | Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Rocky Nook.

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READ: This Book Is a Step-By-Step Guide To Creating Stunning Architectural Illustrations Like a Pro

]]> Artist Transforms Home With Giant Zentangle Mural of a Lion https://mymodernmet.com/danilo-oliveira-zentangle-murals/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} Mon, 11 Mar 2024 14:45:46 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=658191 Artist Transforms Home With Giant Zentangle Mural of a Lion

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Danilo Oliveira (@danroots) Brazilian street artist Danilo Oliveira, also known as Danilo Roots, paints impressive art that brightens up any wall. He works on both interiors and exteriors to create pieces that look like giant zentangles. With thick black lines and geometric patterns, his […]

READ: Artist Transforms Home With Giant Zentangle Mural of a Lion

]]> Artist Transforms Home With Giant Zentangle Mural of a Lion

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Danilo Oliveira (@danroots)

Brazilian street artist Danilo Oliveira, also known as Danilo Roots, paints impressive art that brightens up any wall. He works on both interiors and exteriors to create pieces that look like giant zentangles. With thick black lines and geometric patterns, his pieces boldly stand out. Oliveira often posts videos of his creative process on Instagram, and we were particularly captivated by one video.

Filmed in 2021, it shows Oliveira painting a large lion on the wall of a living room. The short clip demonstrates how he expertly uses spray paint and paint markers to bring his creation to life. His crisp lines and perfectly placed shadows work together to bring dimension to the mural.

Toward the end of the video, the artist pans the room and allows us to see the effect of the mural in the space. Surprisingly, as detailed as it is, Oliveira's lion doesn't overwhelm the space. This could perhaps be owed to the monochromatic palette, with the only pop of color coming from the yellow eyes.

In another video, we see how Oliveira creates a black and white mandala to enhance an outdoor space. But he's also not afraid of color, as shown in another clip revealing the before and after transformations that his art brings.

Check out Oliveira's feed for more incredible work, and scroll down for a look at some of his more creative videos.

Brazilian street artist Danilo Oliveira creates murals that look like giant zentangles.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Danilo Oliveira (@danroots)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Danilo Oliveira (@danroots)

He often posts videos of his creative process, including this reel of him painting a giant lion in a living room.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Danilo Oliveira (@danroots)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Danilo Oliveira (@danroots)

His ability to transform interior spaces with his art is incredible.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Danilo Oliveira (@danroots)


Danilo Oliveira: Facebook | Instagram

All images via Danilo Oliveira.

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READ: Artist Transforms Home With Giant Zentangle Mural of a Lion

]]> Large-Scale Oil Paintings Capture the Duality of the Ocean’s Power and Tranquility https://mymodernmet.com/katharine-burns-ocean-paintings/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} Mon, 11 Mar 2024 13:50:49 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=657980 Large-Scale Oil Paintings Capture the Duality of the Ocean’s Power and Tranquility

For Canadian artist Katharine Burns, the sea is an endless source of inspiration. In her highly detailed, large-scale paintings, Burns captures the duality of the ocean; a feisty entity with towering waves, and a calming companion, peacefully reflecting sunlight in turquoise waters and shiny wet rocks. “The ocean provides not just life, but comfort, solace, […]

READ: Large-Scale Oil Paintings Capture the Duality of the Ocean’s Power and Tranquility

]]> Large-Scale Oil Paintings Capture the Duality of the Ocean’s Power and Tranquility

Hyperrealistic painting of the ocean by Katharine Burns

For Canadian artist Katharine Burns, the sea is an endless source of inspiration. In her highly detailed, large-scale paintings, Burns captures the duality of the ocean; a feisty entity with towering waves, and a calming companion, peacefully reflecting sunlight in turquoise waters and shiny wet rocks. “The ocean provides not just life, but comfort, solace, and a profound sense of wonder,” she tells My Modern Met. “Its vastness evokes tranquility, while its crashing waves remind us of its immense strength.”

Based out of Nova Scotia, Burns has a front row seat to the domineering beauty of the coast. “Nova Scotia is a wellspring of inspiration, especially for marine artists,” she says. “The east coast of Canada has such variety in its natural beauty, from rugged granite shorelines, to beautiful sandy beaches. There is so much to discover here.”

Burns has been passionate about art since she was a little girl. After earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts from NSCAD University, the artist works primarily with oil paint on canvas, favoring larger canvases that allow her to capture the power of the ocean. “My intention behind this choice is to create artworks that carry a significant impact, immersing the viewers in the experience of standing at the edge of the shoreline, face-to-face with the water,” she shares. “My aim is to forge a sense of intimacy between the viewer and the ocean, providing them with a closer, more enduring look at something familiar. I want the audience to connect with the ocean in a way that goes beyond fleeting moments, allowing them to gaze into the artwork and experience a lasting connection.”

Artist Katharine Burns poses in front of ocean painting

Although she does most of her painting in a studio due to the scale of her work, she relies on her personal experience—either through her camera or her own explorations—to truly depict her subject. “Observing the way water ebbs and flows is important in depicting it in a realistic way,” Burns says. “I am not simply replicating reference photos pixel-by-pixel. The reference photo is a helpful tool in creating the composition, but it is the firsthand experience in those moments that inform and guide my artistic process.”

For all the intricate details of her paintings, Burns confesses that she wouldn't describe her work as hyperrealistic. “I admire those artists who do, but I am an impatient painter. My paintings are certainly considered to be realism, but I rarely use tiny brushes, and in person I would say my paintings have a more painterly quality,” she explains. “That said, water is an inherently challenging subject to realistically depict. Starting out I was completely intimidated by the subject. I think it’s one of those subjects in the art world that is particularly challenging to capture; water is not solid, it's constantly in motion, it is transparent, reflective, and heavily influenced by its environment. Realism artists can spend their entire careers trying to perfect it, which I am still trying to do.”

Burns is aware of the challenges of making a living as an artist, and acknowledges that she is fortunate to get to do it. “It may sound cliché, but I really am living my dream.” And what better way to live life than to share an artistic practice with a subject she loves so deeply. “The ocean is a constant source of fascination,” she concludes, “a dynamic force that is a testament to nature’s incredible power. I don’t think I will ever tire of painting it.”

Canadian artist Katharine Burns captures the duality of the ocean in highly detailed, large-scale paintings.

Hyperrealistic painting of the ocean by Katharine Burns

“The ocean provides not just life, but comfort, solace, and a profound sense of wonder”, she tells My Modern Met. “Its vastness evokes tranquility, while its crashing waves remind us of its immense strength.”

Hyperrealistic painting of a tide pool by Katharine Burns

Based out of Nova Scotia, Burns has a front row seat to the domineering beauty of the coast.

Hyperrealistic painting of the ocean by Katharine Burns

Working primarily with oil paint on canvas, Burns favors larger canvases the allow her to capture the power of the ocean.

Hyperrealistic painting of the ocean by Katharine Burns

“My intention behind this choice is to create artworks that carry a significant impact, immersing the viewers in the experience of standing at the edge of the shoreline, face-to-face with the water,” she shares.

Hyperrealistic painting of the ocean by Katharine Burns

Although she does most of her work in a studio due to the scale of her work, she relies on her personal experience—either through her camera or her own observations—to truly depict her subject.

Hyperrealistic painting of the ocean by Katharine Burns

For all the intricate details of her paintings, Burns confesses that she wouldn't describe her work as hyperrealistic. “I admire those artists who do, but I am an impatient painter.”

Hyperrealistic painting of the ocean by Katharine Burns

“[Water is] one of those subjects in the art world that is particularly challenging to capture; water is not solid, its constantly in motion, it is transparent, reflective, and heavily influenced by its environment.”

Hyperrealistic painting of the ocean by Katharine Burns

“I want the audience to connect with the ocean in a way that goes beyond fleeting moments, allowing them to gaze into the artwork and experience a lasting connection.”

Artist Katharine Burns poses in front of ocean painting

Katharine Burns: Website | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Katharine Burns.

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READ: Large-Scale Oil Paintings Capture the Duality of the Ocean’s Power and Tranquility

]]> Incredible Young Creatives Win World Wildlife Day Art Contest https://mymodernmet.com/ifaw-youth-art-contest-2024/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} Fri, 08 Mar 2024 15:36:45 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=659766 Incredible Young Creatives Win World Wildlife Day Art Contest

Over 3,000 children from around the world showed off their artistic talent in support of wildlife conservation. The World Wildlife Day International Youth Art Contest is organized every year by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) to honor the world's biodiversity. In this sixth iteration of the contest, children from 141 countries submitted art […]

READ: Incredible Young Creatives Win World Wildlife Day Art Contest

]]> Incredible Young Creatives Win World Wildlife Day Art Contest
World Wildlife Day 2024 International Youth Art Contest

Left: Isaac Alvin Lam, 4, Hong Kong. Winner, Traditional art medium and Best of ages 4-6 | Right: Noh Sangeun, 18, Singapore. Winner of Digital art medium

Over 3,000 children from around the world showed off their artistic talent in support of wildlife conservation. The World Wildlife Day International Youth Art Contest is organized every year by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) to honor the world's biodiversity. In this sixth iteration of the contest, children from 141 countries submitted art in line with the theme, “Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation.”

The theme aimed to showcase the importance of digital technology to safeguard biodiversity, and as such, many entries featured species that benefit from technology, such as camera traps, and tracking devices. Art from 15 semifinalists were selected by a panel of experts that included last year's winner, Poonyisa Sodsai.

“This was a record-breaking year for global submissions, and the talent displayed in the art pieces is extraordinary,” said Danielle Kessler, U.S. Director of the International Fund for Animal Welfare.

“The world’s biodiversity is sadly disappearing at alarming rates, and the passionate submissions gathered from around the world reinforce a dedication to wildlife conservation from future generations, which is exactly what the world needs. It is an honor to continue hosting this global contest that provides them with a platform for such expression.”

The contest, which is divided between traditional and digital art, as well as different age groups, named two overall winners. Four-year-old Isaac Alvin Lam won the top prize for traditional art medium thanks to his delightful painting of snakes. Eighteen-year-old Noh Sangeun topped the digital art medium category for his beautiful composition featuring cranes.

“UNDP would like to warmly congratulate Isaac and Noh,” said Midori Paxton, Head of Ecosystems and Biodiversity at the United Nations Development Programme. “Their paintings capture how a young person can be inspired despite the enormity, in a variety of ways, to help protect and conserve species.”

Scroll down to see all the talented finalists, and then visit IFAW's website to learn more about the important work they do to protect our planet's biodiversity.

Here are the talented youth artists who were named finalists of the World Wildlife Day 2024 International Youth Art Contest.

Twelve year old's drawing of an elephant

Jaxon Theodore Rhoads, 12, USA. Traditional art medium finalist, ages 11-14

Teenager's drawing of a pack of wolves

Yanjun Mao, 15, China. Best of ages 15-18

World Wildlife Day 2024 International Youth Art Contest

Panayiota Livitzii, 14, Cyprus. Best of ages 11-14

Teenager's painting of a penguin

Alika von Holdt, 16, South Africa. Traditional art medium finalist, ages 15-18

World Wildlife Day 2024 International Youth Art Contest

Noh Sangeun, 18, Singapore. Winner of Digital art medium

Toddler's painting of snakes

Isaac Alvin Lam, 4, Hong Kong. Winner, Traditional art medium and Best of ages 4-6

Six year old's painting of penguins swimming underwater

Aadhyarudra Arun, 6, Ireland. Traditional art medium finalist, ages 4-6

Over 3,000 children from 141 countries entered the sixth edition of the art competition.

Toddler's painting of a elephant and baby elephant

Ridhaan Agarwal, 4, India. Traditional art medium finalist, ages 4-6

World Wildlife Day 2024 International Youth Art Contest

Kantapat Phanpom, 10, Thailand. Best of ages 7-10

Child's painting of two elephants

Shaurya Mehra, 8, India. Traditional art medium finalist, ages 7-10

Child's award winning drawing of a giraffe

Edré De Jager, 9, South Africa. Traditional art medium finalist, ages 7-10

World Wildlife Day 2024 International Youth Art Contest

Kelly Young, 14, Singapore. Traditional art medium finalist, ages 11-14

Teenager's artistic painting of a gorilla

Ashbert Tashinga Muteiwa, 18, Zimbabwe. Traditional art medium finalist, ages 15-18

Digital drawing of a leopard

Faith Jazel R. Reyes, 16, Philippines. Digital art medium finalist

Digital drawing of a wolf

Petros Koutousis, 17, Cyprus. Digital art medium finalist

International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW): Website | Facebook | Instagram

All images via IFAW.

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READ: Incredible Young Creatives Win World Wildlife Day Art Contest

]]> “Lost” Banksy Mural is Restored and Placed for Auction https://mymodernmet.com/banksy-holywell-row-happy-choppers-auction/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} Thu, 07 Mar 2024 17:12:01 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=659597 “Lost” Banksy Mural is Restored and Placed for Auction

  A Banksy mural that a building owner painted over has been restored and is coming up for auction. Auctioneers Anderson & Garland will place Holywell Row Happy Helicopters on the auction block this month. According to the Newcastle-based auction house, the work is expected to fetch anywhere from £500,000 to £700,000 ($637,00 to $890,000). In […]

READ: “Lost” Banksy Mural is Restored and Placed for Auction

]]> “Lost” Banksy Mural is Restored and Placed for Auction

 

Banksy Holywell Row Happy Chopper Stencil Auction

Photo courtesy of Anderson & Garland

A Banksy mural that a building owner painted over has been restored and is coming up for auction. Auctioneers Anderson & Garland will place Holywell Row Happy Helicopters on the auction block this month. According to the Newcastle-based auction house, the work is expected to fetch anywhere from £500,000 to £700,000 ($637,00 to $890,000).

In 2006, Banksy painted the stencil of the Apache choppers adorned with pink on the side of a building in London's Shoreditch neighborhood.  Also known as Happy Choppers, the work caused an immediate buzz when it appeared on the side of an office building. Crowds gathered to photograph the stencil, and their daily presence caused the security lights to turn on continuously. The building owner became increasingly frustrated after the disturbance began affecting the workers' performance, so he covered Banksy's work with black paint. A year later, he sold the building.

The current building owner wasn't aware of the valuable artwork below the black paint. It wasn't until years later, when he picked up his son's Christmas present—a book about the location of Banksy's art in London—and leafed through the pages that he realized that he had a Banksy on his building.

When he went to look, he simply saw a mass of black paint on the wall where the mural was meant to be. But, upon closer inspection, he noticed a black propellor at the top of the wall. This discovery sparked a journey to restore the piece. Specialists eventually determined that the best way to do so was to remove the work piece by piece, and now, Happy Choppers will take center stage at the Spring Fine Art Auction at Anderson & Garland on March 20.

But first, the public can get one last glimpse of it, as the Banksy will go on view in its city saleroom on March 15, 16, and 18.

h/t: [Robb Report]

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READ: “Lost” Banksy Mural is Restored and Placed for Auction

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