Brazilian artist Henrique Oliveira brings his incredible installations based on nature to Australia. Fairy Tales is an exhibition at Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art that brings together the work of international visual storytellers and invites them to ruminate on the stories that influence our youth. For the show, Oliveira was tasked with transforming the entryway and did so by creating a twisted, gnarled forest that brings visitors into the realm of fairy tales.

The installation, titled Corupira, takes its name from a mythical creature of the Brazilian forest. In folklore, this devilish creature from the Tupi-Guarani myth has red hair that can ignite into flames. It also has backward feet, so when it walks, it makes false footprints to confuse people moving through the woods. For Oliveira's installation, enormous trunks burst forth from the white walls of the gallery and sprawl across the room. The twisting branches create a maze designed to appeal to the senses and force visitors to watch their steps.

“I’ve tried to create an environment that you have a different relationship with the space and somehow you are back to watch(ing) out. If you don’t look up, you’re gonna hit your head on a branch,” he shares. “Get back to your senses. I think that’s something the world misses today.”

Created using plywood, tapumes—or fencing—veneers, and tree branches, Corupira is a fitting welcome to the exhibition. Oliveira's interest in wood developed out of his painting practice as he slowly became curious about three-dimensional works and how they shape space.  As he broke down pieces of wood, the splintered edges reminded him of brushstrokes. Now, he uses that technique to build up installations that are impressive in their size and scale.

You can catch Corupira at the Gallery of Modern Art until the closing of Fairy Tales on April 28, 2024.

Brazilian artist Henrique Oliveira transformed the entrance of a group exhibition called Fairy Tales into a twisted forest.

The exhibition is taking place at Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art.

Titled Corupira, the work is inspired by an impish forest devil from Brazilian folklore.

Learn more about how Oliveira developed the incredible art installation.

Watch this timelapse to see the gallery completely transform.

Henrique Oliveira: Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Henrique Oliveira.

Related Articles:

Tree Trunks Burst Through Gallery Walls

Surreal Tree Branches Sprout Out from Indoor Support Beams

Incredible Man-Made Tunnels Formed with Wires & Repurposed Wood

READ: Artist Transforms Gallery Into a Fairy Tale Forest of Twisted Trees

Photographer James Kerwin is known for his images documenting abandoned buildings worldwide. His latest series, The Sanctuary, takes him to Turkey, where he explores the abandoned mosques present in small villages across the country. Many of the structures are over 500 years old and have been left in favor of more modern spaces for worship. Thanks to Kerwin, we're able to appreciate their beauty and architectural detail.

To create the series, Kerwin, who is based in Istanbul, passed through approximately 18 towns and cities and visited over 40 villages, covering five of Turkey's seven vast regions. Each visit was truly an adventure, as Kerwin didn't know what he would find until he arrived at his destination.

“I never scouted the places prior in the flesh but tried to make sure there was at least some fairly recent news,” the photographer tells My Modern Met. “However, it failed with four of my top targets—I arrived, and they had vanished.”

Luckily, even with this hit-and-miss strategy, Kerwin found plenty of architecture to spark his creativity. As he's particularly inspired by color, he was pleasantly surprised to find many mosques retaining their vibrant interiors. His photography reminds us of the incredible artistry and craftsmanship that went into these religious structures and is an important testament to their existence.

Through this series, Kerwin hopes to share the rich heritage of Turkey and its architecture. To him, it's particularly important given that most tourists only visit a small fraction of the country.

Check out some of our favorite images from the series below and see the full gallery on Kerwin's website.

James Kerwin is known for his photography of abandoned spaces.

For his new series, The Sanctuary, he traveled across Turkey searching for abandoned mosques.

He visited over 40 villages and found some mosques that were over 500 years old.

Many of these spaces have been left behind in favor of modern places of worship.

But through his photographs, we can appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of the interiors.

Abandoned Mosque in Turkey by James Kerwin

James Kerwin: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by James Kerwin.

Related Articles:

Photographer Explores the Beauty and Decay of Abandoned Churches in Italy

Incredible Photos Show the Scars That War Left Behind on Beirut’s Architecture

Photos of Abandoned Churches Display the Decadent Beauty Left Behind in Ruins

Photographer Preserves the Forgotten Beauty of Abandoned Sites Around the UK

READ: Photographer Docuements Turkey’s Decadent Abandoned Mosques

Left: Private Richard Oliver of the 20th USCT (Picture courtesy of the Miller family) | Right: Jared Miller, the direct descendant of Richard Oliver

Photographer Drew Gardner has spent the last two decades on his ongoing series, The Descendants. In it, Gardner photographs people whose ancestors made an impact on history. By posing and styling them in the manner of their descendant, Gardner creates a bridge between past and present. While the series began in Europe, Gardner started focusing on North America after Smithsonian Magazine commissioned him to photograph the descendants of Thomas Jefferson, Frederick Douglass, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

This inspired him to delve deeply into the history of the United States and, in particular, the Civil War period. In doing so, he also aimed to balance the genders and races represented in the series. Rather than solely focusing on big names, Gardner has also started highlighting lesser-known figures, using the acclaim that his project receives to spotlight their contributions to history.

“So many families have stories to tell, and to try and bring those to the public's attention is important, I feel,” he tells My Modern Met. Many of the people featured in the Civil War series have ancestors who were members of the United States Colored Troops, or USCT. These regiments were an important part of the Union army and were mainly comprised of Black soldiers, many of whom were former slaves. By the end of the Civil War, there were 175 USCT regiments, and 16 members were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

As with all images in The Descendants, Gardner is meticulous in recreating the time period that he is capturing. Each descendant is outfitted with period-appropriate clothing and, in this case, photographed with a tintype camera to recreate the look and feel of the original photo. The results are a striking reminder of our past and an invitation to delve into our history in order to embrace both the good and the bad.

“Curiosity. Nothing more, nothing less,” states Gardner when asked what he hopes people will take away from these images. “If my work encourages others to ask questions about the past and how our society has been built, if only to themselves, then I feel that is a small success.”

Scroll down to see more Civil War descendants, as well as short videos explaining their roles in history and a behind-the-scenes look at the photo shoot.

Photographer Drew Gardner has been creating his ongoing series The Descendants, for two decades.

Left: Harriet Tubman | Right: Deanne Stanford Walz, great-niece of Harriet Tubman

Most recently, he's focused on highlighting Civil War descendants.

Left: Sgt. Major Lewis Douglass of the 54th Massachusetts USCT | Right: Austin Morris, direct descendant of Frederick Douglass (father of Lewis)

Left: David Miles Moore Jr., drummer boy in the 54th Mass | Right: Neikoye Flowers, direct descendant of David Miles Moore

The tintype photography mimics the original images, with Gardner focused on the contributions of lesser-known figures in history.

Left: Andrew Jackson Smith, who was awarded a Congressional Medal of Honor | Right: Kwesi Bowman, the direct descendant of Andrew Jackson Smith

Left: Private Louis Troutman of the 108th USCT (Image courtesy of Drew Gardner and used with permission of the Thomas Harris Collection) | Right: Christopher W. Wilson, the direct descendant of Louis Troutman

Through short videos, he shares a bit more about these people from the past and shows his creative process.

Drew Gardner: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Drew Gardner.

Related Articles:

DNA Researchers Discover 14 Living Relatives of Leonardo da Vinci

Woman Recreates Portraits of Ancestors From Over the Last 100 Years

Man Goes to Great Lengths to Accurately Recreate Portraits of His Ancestors

Historic Images Superimposed on Present-Day Landscapes Of Norwegian Fishing Villages

READ: Powerful Side-by-Side Portraits of Civil War Heroes and Their Descendants

As the spring season starts to bloom, My Modern Met Academy is offering a special 10% discount on all of its creative online courses. And while the sale has almost come to an end, there is still a little under 48 hours to take advantage of this special offer. Whether you want to see how fresh flowers can be transformed into works of art or learn how to draw a realistic portrait, there is something for everyone.

To get the discount, simply enter spring10 at checkout. The discount is not cumulative and cannot be applied to bundles. You have until March 27, 2024, at 7:59 pm EDT to take advantage of the discount.

Thanks to the fact that the courses are online, there's no pressure to start or finish at a predetermined time. Simply press play whenever and wherever you like, and watch all of the lessons at your own pace. Once you are finished, the course will stay on your student dashboard, so you can watch and review the lessons again and again.

If you aren't sure where to start, scroll down for a little more information about some of our favorite classes.

There is still time to save 10% on all of My Modern Met Academy's online creative courses.

Simply enter SPRING10 at checkout to receive the discount.

Aren't sure where to start? Here are some of our seasonal favorites.

Acrylic Painting Masterclass: Explore Color & Abstract Landscape Painting

Want to expand your painting skills? Join artist Luiza Niechoda as she creates two contemporary abstract landscapes. Along the way, you'll explore working with a limited color palette, create crisp lines using acrylic paint, and even learn how to stretch your own canvas.

• Learn to stretch your own canvas.
• Create a hue matrix that will last for years.
• Discover how you can paint crisp lines using acrylic paint.
• Work alongside the artist to make two unique abstract landscape paintings.

Enroll now

Beyond Bouquets: Turning Pressed Flowers Into One-of-a-Kind Art

Get ready to transform pressed flowers into one-of-a-kind works of art. Pressed flowers allow us to save our favorite blooms and enjoy their beauty forever. In this class, you'll learn the secrets to creating flawless pressed flowers and using them as the basis for original artwork.

• Learn secrets to beautiful pressed flowers.
• See how to press a rose and other popular blooms.
• Understand how to create aesthetic arrangements.

Enroll now

• Get acquainted with essential drawing tools.
• Discover how to transfer your inspiration image.
• Learn how to create different textures.
• Gain the confidence to create your own portraits.

Enroll now

My Modern Met Academy: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

Related Articles:

Learn Why People Love These Online Art Classes

Learn How To Turn Summer Flowers Into Pressed Art in This Online Class

Captivating Abstract Paintings Capture Nature’s Beautiful Fleeting Moments

This Trio of Abstract Painting Classes Will Transform You Into a Master of the Art

READ: Last Chance To Save 10% on These Online Art Classes

Acclaimed photographer Ami Vitale is extending a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for one female photographer. Organized by the non-profit Vital Impacts, which Vitale founded, the contest is giving one lucky winner a chance to travel to Antarctica on a 22-day Polar Latitudes expedition. Locations visited on the trip will include the Falkland Islands/Malvinas, South Georgia, and Antarctica.

The exceptional opportunity includes the 22-day trip (valued at $28,000), one roundtrip economy ticket to the departure point, airport transfer, shipboard food, and accommodations. Throughout the trip, the winner will be exposed to incredible photographic opportunities and learn about how Vital Impacts uses art to affect change.

“The decision to offer a trip to Antarctica to a female photographer stemmed from a deep-seated belief in the power of representation and inclusivity within the photography community,” Vitale tells My Modern Met. “Recognizing the field's historically male-dominated nature, I felt compelled to provide a platform specifically tailored to empower and showcase the remarkable talents of women photographers.

“This initiative is about more than just capturing stunning images—it's about sparking meaningful dialogue, fostering connections, and igniting a collective call to action for the preservation of our planet.  My goal is to equip participants with the essential storytelling tools needed to advocate for environmental conservation. In a world facing unprecedented challenges, it's crucial to harness the unique perspectives and voices of women in photography to amplify the urgency of our planet's plight.”

The trip departs on November 1, 2024, and the contest is open to anyone female identifying with a demonstratable interest and history in visual storytelling. The winner must also be at least 18 years old by October 31, 2024. Entrants who can show a specific leaning toward environmental stories will be given preference. For the full list of requirements, expenses—like insurance—and details, please see the contest page on Vital Impacts' website.

If you are interested in entering the contest, don't wait. Entries are being accepted until March 28, 2024. If you'd like to skip the contest and secure your spot with a 10% off early bird special, visit Polar Latitudes and use the code travelwithami.

“When women see others like them succeeding in photography, it inspires confidence and ambition, encouraging them to pursue their own creative aspirations without reservation,” shares Vitale when asked why she felt it was important to support women in the industry.

“We need diverse perspectives to enrich the art of photography. Women bring unique insights and experiences to their work, and by amplifying these voices, we ensure that a wider range of narratives is represented in visual media.

“Ultimately, supporting female photographers is not just about gender equality—it's about recognizing and celebrating their immense talent, creativity, and contributions to the world. It's about creating a more equitable and inclusive industry where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

Renowned photographer Ami Vitale is offering one female identifying photographer the trip of a lifetime.

Her non-profit Vital Impacts is offering an opportunity to travel to Antarctica on a 22-day expedition.

The trip, valued at $28,000, is open to anyone over 18 who is interested in visual storytelling.

“Women bring unique insights and experiences to their work, and by amplifying these voices, we ensure that a wider range of narratives is represented in visual media.”

Anyone interested has until March 28, 2024, to enter the contest on Vital Impacts.

Vital Impacts: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Vital Impacts.

Related Articles:

Wildlife Photographers Unite in New Book To Highlight Beauty of Endangered Animals

100 of the World’s Top Photographers Use Their Art to Help the Environment [Interview]

New Film Follows Endangered Rhinos and Explores How Technology Can Bring the Species Back

Photographer Shares How a Community in Kenya Came Together to Help Orphaned Elephants [Interview]

READ: Win the Trip of a Lifetime and Travel to Antarctica With a Professional Photographer

“I love you with every atom. You are the tranquility of a calm stream and the excitement of a waterfall. You bring me all my favorite feelings. Forever isn’t long enough with you.” Hope (she / her / he / him), 16, and Kurt (he / him), 17 Homer, Alaska.
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.

Photographer Barbara Peacock has spent the last seven years traveling across the United States to get a glimpse inside our most intimate space—the bedroom. By photographing people from all walks of life in a room where they are their most vulnerable, Peacock paints a picture of modern America. Her forthcoming book, American Bedroom, is the culmination of this project.

My Modern Met first covered Peacock's series in 2017, just one year after she started her adventure. At the time, she was discovering the importance of listening to people and being let into their homes, and hoped to expand her work to the entire nation. Nearly a decade later, she accomplished her goal.

“I am learning that there are a lot of lonely people. I am learning that people have stories they want to share if someone will listen,” she shared at the time. “I am learning that people are fragile and conversely very strong.”

Published by Kehrer Verlag, American Bedroom incorporates quotes by the people Peacock photographed. This is a testament to the strong collaboration and bond between Peacock and the participants and to the photographer's belief in the power of their stories. Broken into five sections, the book shows the wide variety of people Peacock photographed. Americans of all ages, genders, races, and sexual orientations sat for Peacock and, in doing so, opened themselves up to demonstrate the many faces of the country.

Peacock's work also shows that home means different things to many people. A school bus and the great outdoors are just some of the spaces where people have carved out their bedrooms. But regardless of where people's bedrooms are located, Peacock's work shows that we aren't so different from one another. Many of us carry the same hopes, dreams, and struggles and use the bedroom as a sanctuary to rest and recharge.

“I believe the bedroom is not just a private place, but a sacred place,” Peacock shares. “We build it as a shrine to our lives (even if houseless) and spend nearly one-third of our lives in it. It exemplifies our being; it is a place to rest, to love, to comfort, to be, to give life, to restore, to recover, to grieve, to lay sick, and to die. The one thing I know for certain is that all lives are important, and everyone has a story to tell.”

American Bedroom by Barbara Peacock will be released on May 14, 2024, and is now available for pre-sale.

For seven years, photographer Barbara Peacock traveled across the U.S. to photograph people in their bedrooms.

“Endless possibilities and adventure! We sold our home and just about everything we owned three years ago. Little did we know what awaited us on the open road … freedom unlike anything we had ever had while on a quest to find a new place and community to call home.” Stephanie, 37. The Mathews Family Saratoga Springs, Utah.

“With the world moving ever so fast, these apples of my eye remind me to slow down and see the beauty in all things. They are the light.” Jamie, 44. The Seh-Nielsen Family Victor, Idaho.

American Bedroom is an unguarded look at people from all walks of life in their most intimate space.

“Our world revolves around autism and the whole family struggles to keep up. But it’s our hearts that keep us together and our large family bed where every night we reconnect. Nobody can love our family like we do.” Jordan, 35

“Love is accrescent. If you choose to love, there is no end to how big and all-encompassing it can grow. We choose to love each other daily and will keep choosing to love as we push on into the future. Micah, 35, and Kody, 40. Omaha, Nebraska.

“I believe the bedroom is not just a private place, but a sacred place,” Peacock shares.

“In the end, it’s all about love of family and one another.” Francisca, 42, and Lupe, 52, Guadalupe, Arizona.

“Finding love late in life has taught me many lessons, including not to be shy or embarrassed by my body. It is freeing to say I am big, bold, and beautiful. Laverne, 72, and James, 74 Big Stone Gap, Virginia.

Peacock photographed people of all ages, races, genders, and sexual orientations for the series.

“I have buried all seven of my children (sons) from alcoholism or heat stroke. I now live for my grandchildren.” Arlene, 81. Gila River Reservation, Arizona.

“While my physical parts feel safe among my living space, rested against a pillow, my heart yearns for my home, my community, our land. ‘Nunamnni – on our land (Siberian Yupik)'.” Mek, 29 Anchorage, Alaska

By telling their stories, she reminds us that many of us face the same struggles or share the same dreams.

“I’ve been sleeping in the grass between the trees, sky, and by the ocean for six years now. My body and soul are clean. When I go I leave no trace.” Jeremiah, 45. Kauai, Hawaii.

“When I wake in the morning, I try to be quiet so I don’t wake her. Then I remember she is no longer here.” Pepere, 88, Jay, Maine.

American Bedroom by Barbara Peacock is now available for pre-order.

Barbara Peacock: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to use images by Barbara Peacock.

Related Articles:

Kids From Around the World Display All Their Toys

Striking Portraits Shed Light on American Gun Culture

Revealing Photos of People Lying Down in a Week’s Worth of Trash

Insightful Photos Reveal How Differently People Live in Identical Apartments

READ: Intimate Photos Reveal What Different Bedrooms Across America Look Like

A day out exploring nature in coastal Texas with his grandfather turned into a once-in-a-lifetime moment for Jacob Hall. The wildlife photographer was visiting Canada Ranch, which is located close to Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, when he spotted a blue heron in the sky. Hall quickly got out his camera to take a few pictures but wondered why the bird disappeared from the sky after a few shots. It wasn't until he looked at his viewfinder that he understood the incredible reason.

Hall hadn't realized it when he snapped his photographs, but a bobcat was stalking the blue heron. In Hall's first photo, the bobcat is visible in the lower right-hand side behind some vegetation. The feline stares intently at the heron, likely calculating its next move.

The second shot that Hall managed to snap before the heron disappeared shows the bobcat leaping into the sky to snatch the bird. Its legs fly out nearly parallel to the water in a stunning show of athleticism. Once Hall looked at the photographs that he'd taken, he realized the heron's fate and his incredible luck at capturing the moment.

“I was completely in shock and couldn’t believe what I had just done,”  he tells My Modern Met. “Capturing both of those photos is something that I will never forget. I basically didn’t know the bobcat was there until afterward. I was just in the right place at the right time.”

Hall's photograph was even published by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, which pointed out how interactions like this are a fundamental part of how the ecosystem works.

“It can be hard for some of us to witness wildlife interactions like the one this photographer captured in coastal Texas, but it's a key part of the way that our ecosystems work,” the agency wrote. “The great blue heron eats small fish, frogs or mammals; the bobcat eats the great blue heron; and scavengers like black vultures clean up anything the bobcat leaves behind.”

Unbeknownst to Jacob Hall, a bobcat was waiting in the wings to take down this blue heron.

Don't see the feline? We'll help you out.

The bobcat then made an incredible leap and snatched its prey out of the sky.

Detail 

Jacob Hall: Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Jacob Hall.

Related Articles:

Split-Second Photo Captures Osprey With Symmetrical Reflection

Peregrine Falcon Fiercely Defending Her Nest Wins Bird Photography Competition

Photographer Captures Amazing Photo of Two Eagles Locking Their Talons in Mid Air

Photographer Flies Drone To Discover a Once-in-a-Lifetime Shot of 3 Bobcats Sitting on a Log

READ: Jaw-Dropping Photo of Bobcat Leaping up To Snatch a Blue Heron Out of the Sky

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.

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

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

Zaria Forman: Website | Facebook | Instagram

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

Related Articles:

Majestic Pastel Drawings Explore the Beauty of a Glacier in Patagonia

Pastel Artist Captures America’s Most Beautiful Landscapes en Plein Air

New Hyperrealistic Pastel Drawings by Zaria Forman Capture the Spirit of Antarctica

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

“Huli Tribesman” ©Roberto Pazzi. All rights reserved. Finalist, People
“This portrait features a Huli wigman tribesman. The Huli are an Indigenous Melanesian ethnic group who reside in the Hela Province of Papua New Guinea. There are over 250,000 Huli, making them one of the largest cultural groups in Papua New Guinea.”

The 60 finalists of the 21st annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest have been revealed. Selected from more than 30,000 submissions from 128 countries and territories, these finalists are now in the running for the Grand Prize, as well as the Reader's Choice Award. Spread across six categories—Travel, People, American Experience, Natural World, Drone/Aerial, and Artistic—the finalists captured beauty from all corners of the world.

Whether taking portraits of tribesmen in Papua New Guinea or observing a man scaling an enormous palm tree, these photographers were singled out for their technical skill and creativity. Standouts include Olav Thokle‘s image of a cheetah and her four young cubs surveying the landscape and Sritam Kumar Sethy‘s close-up detail of a boy's face covered in yellow powder during Holi.

Scroll down to see more of our favorite finalists, and check out Smithsonian Magazine to see all 60 images. While you are there, don't forget to vote for the Reader's Choice Award. Anyone can cast their vote until March 27, with the overall and category winners, as well as the Reader's Choice winner, being revealed on March 29, 2024.

Here are some of our favorite finalists from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest.

“Burning of the Tower of Babel” © Maria Plotnikova. All rights reserved. Finalist, Drone/Aerial
“Residents celebrate the festival of Maslenitsa in Nikola-Lenivets park, in Russia's Kaluga region.”

“The Family” © Olav Thokle. All rights reserved. Finalist, Natural World
“The cheetah Nashipae and her four three-month-old cubs.”

“Surrounded by Yellow” © Sritam Kumar Sethy. All rights reserved. Finalist, Artistic
“This is a macro shot of a boy's eye caked in yellow powder during the Indian festival of Holi. I saw this boy's face while roaming around and was drawn to it. I asked to take a picture of his eye, and he was very cooperative. The picture shows the real emotions of an individual toward the festival. The culture and tradition behind Holi is an ultimate triumph of good over evil.”

The 60 finalists were selected from over 30,000 photographs.

“The Fast and the Furriest” © Deena Sveinsson. All rights reserved. Finalist, American Experience
“On a cool and dry December day in Grand Teton National Park, these three young bull moose were playing and romping as young bull moose do. They were the smaller bulls of the bunch, and that day, many other photographers were chasing the larger and more mature bulls in the area. I made a choice not to follow my friends, hoping for a rarer photo opportunity if the moose did indeed come to the water’s edge or perhaps got into the water. I did not know what these young bull moose would do, but I had high hopes and made a gamble. After waiting for hours, I finally saw my opportunity as they walked briskly toward the water’s edge, entered the water, and started playing like children. I slowly and deliberately got into the water with my camera and squatted down low, and my muck boots, coat, and pants got completely soaked and covered in mud. But I got this photo, one of my favorites ever from this area.”

“Among Us” © Tony Van Le. All rights reserved. Finalist, American Experience
“Unseen heroes walk among us every day. These unsung people may not possess superhuman abilities, but they change lives in meaningful ways, embodying strength, compassion, and resilience. This bus-riding Spider-Man serves as a reminder that heroism can emerge from unexpected places.”

“Toddy Palm Climber” © Kyaw Zay Yar Lin. All rights reserved. Finalist, Travel
“In this rural scene, a man is climbing a toddy palm tree to get palm wine. He is climbing with good balance and trying not to fall.”

“The Dance of the Flamingos” © Silke Hullmann. All rights reserved. Finalist, Drone/Aerial
“Thousands of flamingos populate Lake Bogoria and dance on the water. There are always spots that the animals avoid for whatever reason as they form their own patterns.”

The images are up for the overall and category prizes, as well as the Reader's Choice Award.

“Sunset at Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto” © Nina Kloss. All rights reserved. Finalist, Travel
“Kiyomizu-dera, also known as the “Temple of the Pure Water Spring,” is a historic Buddhist temple nestled in Kyoto, Japan. With a rich history spanning over 1,250 years, the temple is situated halfway up Mount Otowa, amid Kyoto’s scenic Higashiyama mountain range. Dedicated to Kannon, a deity symbolizing mercy and compassion, Kiyomizu-dera attracts numerous visitors each year. I was lucky that I managed to time my visit to Kyoto with the peak of sakura season. For one week in spring, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the temple extends its opening hours until dark, offering a mesmerizing view of the pagoda and over 1,500 cherry blossoms set against the setting sun.”

“Archie at Club Ebony” © Rory Doyle. All rights reserved. Finalist, People
“Archie Beckworth looks up at the recently remodeled Club Ebony in Indianola, Mississippi. The club was made famous by Indianola hometown hero B.B. King.”

“Baby Alligator Floating in a Pond” © Kent Stuart. All rights reserved. Finalist, Natural World
“This baby alligator was with a few others and a small adult in a roadside pond in the Everglades.”

Voting is now open for the Reader's Choice Award, with all the winners to be revealed on March 29.

“Rose Walk” © Somenath Mukhopadhyay. All rights reserved. Finalist, Travel
“Children are spreading rose petals to dry in the sun. The dried petals will then be used to make condiments often used in preparing sweets and other culinary delicacies.”

“Hug” © Deniz Kalayci. All rights reserved. Finalist, People
“With this photograph, I summarized the events we experienced and our lost two years during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this moment, a grandmother and her grandson, who had not seen each other for months, reunited through a curtain.”

“Callus Remover” © Robert Berdan. All rights reserved. Finalist, Artistic
“Callus remover smeared on a glass slide and viewed with a polarizing light microscope including a retardation filter.”

“Romanian Kosher Sausage Company” © Jonathan Castillo. All rights reserved. Finalist, American Experience
“This is from my project focusing on immigrant-owned businesses in Chicago. Through portraiture and photographs of interior spaces, this work highlights an essential and often overlooked part of the American economy. My work is a reminder that immigrant-owned businesses are as American as it gets.”

Smithsonian Magazine: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Smithsonian Magazine.

Related Articles:

15 Incredible Finalists of the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest

Awe-Inspiring Winners of Smithsonian’s 15th Annual Photo Contest

Incredible Winners of the 17th Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest

Smithsonian Magazine Announces Winners of Its 19th Annual Photo Contest

READ: 60 Incredible Finalists Announced From the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Related Articles:

Japan Becomes Fifth Country to Successfully Land on the Moon

Watch These “Outtakes” of NASA Astronauts Struggling To Walk on the Moon

Mexico Sends Five Small Robots to Deep Space on Its First Ever Moon Mission

India Makes History as the First Country to Land on the South Pole of the Moon

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