Best Art, Photography, and Culture Books - https://mymodernmet.com/category/books/ The Big City That Celebrates Creative Ideas Wed, 20 Dec 2023 01:03:30 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.1 https://mymodernmet.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-My-Modern-Met-Favicon-1-32x32.png Best Art, Photography, and Culture Books - https://mymodernmet.com/category/books/ 32 32 Book Reveals Hundreds of Frida Kahlo’s Fascinating Personal Photography Collection https://mymodernmet.com/frida-kahlo-her-photos/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} Tue, 19 Dec 2023 21:15:56 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=645414 Book Reveals Hundreds of Frida Kahlo’s Fascinating Personal Photography Collection

Frida Kahlo was not only a great painter, but she was also a collector. When she died, much of this collection was placed into storage after certain objects were selected for display in her home-turned-museum, La Casa Azul. This included over 6,000 photographs that show Kahlo's interests, tastes, and the people she held most dear. […]

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Book Reveals Hundreds of Frida Kahlo’s Fascinating Personal Photography Collection
Frida Kahlo Painting

Frida painting a portrait of her father Guillermo, 1951 by Giséle Freund. (Photo: © 2010 Banco de México in its capacity as Trustee in the Trust relating to the Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo Museums)
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.

Frida Kahlo was not only a great painter, but she was also a collector. When she died, much of this collection was placed into storage after certain objects were selected for display in her home-turned-museum, La Casa Azul. This included over 6,000 photographs that show Kahlo's interests, tastes, and the people she held most dear. Now, thanks to a newly reissued publication, the public can gain even more insight into her life.

Frida Kahlo: Her Photos, was originally published by Editorial RM in 2010 and had gone out of print. In the reissue, art lovers can once again enjoy hundreds of black-and-white images, many of which are annotated or contain notes. Given that Kahlo's father, Guillermo, was one of the most important photographers in early 20th-century Mexico, it should come as no surprise that she was meticulous about collecting images.

While many of the photographs were likely taken by Kahlo herself, and some of them are even signed by her, her collection consists of many great names in photography. This not only includes her father, but images by Man Ray, Edward Weston, Giséle Freud, Martin Munkacsi, Pierre Verger, and many others.

From intimate looks at her life with Diego Rivera to photos of her working on her art, Frida Kahlo: Her Photos is an incredible way to get to know the famed Mexican painter in a holistic way. The book is available in both English and Spanish on Bookshop, as well as on the Editorial RM website.

Frida Kahlo: Her Photos is a look at the Mexican painter's vast photographic collection.

Adolfo Best Maugard, María Luisa Cabrera de Block and Frida Kahlo, ca. 1945. (Photo: © 2010 Banco de México in its capacity as Trustee in the Trust relating to the Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo Museums)

Frida Kahlo - Her Photos

Her personal collection shows her interests and tastes, as well as intimate glimpses of daily life.

Portrait of General Emiliano Zapata in 1916

General Emiliano Zapata, with written dedication by him to Colonel Felix Rojas. November 1916 by H. J. Gutiérrez (Photo: © 2010 Banco de México in its capacity as Trustee in the Trust relating to the Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo Museums)

Frida Kahlo - Her Photos Frida Kahlo - Her Photos

Frida Kahlo - Her Photos

Revolutionaries (Photo: © 2010 Banco de México in its capacity as Trustee in the Trust relating to the Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo Museums)

The collection of over 6,000 photographs was shut away in storage following Kahlo's death.

Diego Rivera

Diego Rivera, 1933 by Esther Born (Photo: © 2010 Banco de México in its capacity as Trustee in the Trust relating to the Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo Museums)

Frida Kahlo - Her Photos

Diego Rivera's Eye

The Eye of Diego in 1936. (Photo: © 2010 Banco de México in its capacity as Trustee in the Trust relating to the Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo Museums)

Frida Kahlo - Her Photos

Diego Rivera with his models Nieves Orozco and Inesita(Photo: © 2010 Banco de México in its capacity as Trustee in the Trust relating to the Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo Museums)

Thanks to a reissue of its 2010 publication, Editorial RM is allowing the public to gain deeper insight into the painter's life.

Frida Kahlo - Her Photos

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Editorial RM.

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READ: Book Reveals Hundreds of Frida Kahlo’s Fascinating Personal Photography Collection

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Illustrator Draws Floor Plans of Iconic Locations From Dozens of Beloved TV Series https://mymodernmet.com/floor-plans-tv-book-behind-the-screens/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} Wed, 01 Nov 2023 13:50:13 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=634105 Illustrator Draws Floor Plans of Iconic Locations From Dozens of Beloved TV Series

In some of TV's most iconic sitcoms, the place where the story unfolds is so unique that it almost feels like an additional character. Despite how often we see them, it can sometimes be hard to make sense of the layout of these places. Thankfully, interior-designer-turned-illustrator Iñaki Aliste Lizarralde has devoted his time and skill […]

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Illustrator Draws Floor Plans of Iconic Locations From Dozens of Beloved TV Series
floorplan from the Friends apartment by Iñaki aliste lizarralde

‘Friends'
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.

In some of TV's most iconic sitcoms, the place where the story unfolds is so unique that it almost feels like an additional character. Despite how often we see them, it can sometimes be hard to make sense of the layout of these places. Thankfully, interior-designer-turned-illustrator Iñaki Aliste Lizarralde has devoted his time and skill to recreating the floor plans of some of TV's most famous locations, like Gilmore Girls‘ family home and Dunder Mifflin's building from The Office. Now, his works have been compiled in a book titled Behind the Screens: Illustrated Floor Plans and Scenes from the Best TV Shows of All Time, published by Chronicle Books.

Aliste Lizarralde began illustrating floor plans from TV locations almost 15 years ago. The first one he created was Frasier‘s fictitious apartment in Seattle. “Many years ago I made the floor plan of Frasier as a personal treat,” the artist tells My Modern Met. “I really liked the show and his elegant apartment, so I wanted to see it modeled.” He decided to to share it on social media for other fans to enjoy, but that was as far as he expected it to go.

“A couple of years, later a friend told me that I should do the Friends floor plan, so I did it,” Aliste Lizarralde recalls. “She was also a big fan of Sex & the City so she then asked me to draw Carrie Bradshaw's apartment. And then I made another, and then another… until now.” So far, he has made 150 floor plans, of which around 80 are from TV shows and the rest are from movies, including some updated versions or makeovers.

The artist explains that movie floor plans are usually easier to draw, as they have more coherent and stable sets than sitcoms and shows with multiple seasons. “In long-running series, it is common for the sets to change and adapt according to the plot,” he explains. He lists The Simpsons house as an example, as the rooms and features can switch places from one episode to another. Despite his vast portfolio, he has ditched some TV floor plans as it was impossible to create a coherent layout. He says, “I could cheat and come up with a lot of shortcuts by betraying what was shown on the screen, but surely the fans of that show would not accept or forgive it… and neither would I.”

Aliste Lizarralde creates each detailed floor plan on paper with color pencils and markers. “For my work as an interior designer I have used design software for both the plans and rendering, but for this project, I prefer to keep it old school.” On top of the actual time it takes him to draw, there are hours upon hours of research, from rewatching the series, to taking notes and establishing the measurements of each element. “It's something very similar to making a puzzle, since there are usually empty areas that must be located and interconnected, fitting them within other spaces.”

Ultimately, his work has paid off, as the book is a testament to the great locations that have shaped our favorite stories throughout the years. You can find Behind the Screens: Illustrated Floor Plans and Scenes from the Best TV Shows of All Time on Bookshop and Amazon. To stay up to date with Aliste Lizarralde, you can follow him on Instagram.

Interior-designer-turned-illustrator Iñaki Aliste Lizarralde has created the floor plans of some of TV's most famous locations, like Gilmore Girls‘ family home and Dunder Mifflin's building from The Office.

floorplan from the Gilmore Girls house by Iñaki aliste lizarralde

‘Gilmore Girls'

Now, his works have been compiled in a book titled Behind the Screens: Illustrated Floor Plans and Scenes from the Best TV Shows of All Time.

floorplan from the Gilmore Girls house by Iñaki aliste lizarralde

‘Gilmore Girls'

Aliste Lizarralde creates each detailed floor plan on paper with color pencils and markers.

floorplan from the Simpsons house by Iñaki aliste lizarralde

‘The Simpsons'

On top of the actual time it takes him to draw, there are hours upon hours of research, from rewatching the series, to taking notes and establishing the measurements of each element.

floorplan from the Simpsons house by Iñaki aliste lizarralde

‘The Simpsons'

Ultimately, his work has paid off, as the book is a testament to the great locations that have shaped our favorite stories throughout the years.

floorplan from the Office by Iñaki aliste lizarralde

‘The Office'

Iñaki Aliste Lizarralde: Instagram | Tumblr | Facebook | Etsy

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Chronicle Books.

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READ: Illustrator Draws Floor Plans of Iconic Locations From Dozens of Beloved TV Series

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Hokusai’s Book of 19th-Century Woodblock Prints Celebrates Japanese and Chinese Warriors https://mymodernmet.com/edo-period-woodblock-prints/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} Sun, 29 Oct 2023 13:50:32 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=624426 Hokusai’s Book of 19th-Century Woodblock Prints Celebrates Japanese and Chinese Warriors

The definition of a hero ranges widely depending on the place, time, and who you ask. For children, it might be their mom, a firefighter, or an athlete. In nineteenth-century Japan, warriors were idolized, inspiring the book Wakan ehon sakigake. Translated as “Picture Book of Chinese and Japanese Warriors,” this stunning work was illustrated by […]

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Hokusai’s Book of 19th-Century Woodblock Prints Celebrates Japanese and Chinese Warriors
Explore These Stunning Edo-Period Woodblock Prints of Warriors

Photo: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Public domain

The definition of a hero ranges widely depending on the place, time, and who you ask. For children, it might be their mom, a firefighter, or an athlete. In nineteenth-century Japan, warriors were idolized, inspiring the book Wakan ehon sakigake. Translated as “Picture Book of Chinese and Japanese Warriors,” this stunning work was illustrated by the Japanese Edo-period artist Katsushika Hokusai. Although he is remembered today for his woodblock print The Great Wave off Kanagawa, Hokusai's Book of Warriors is impressive for having been created during the artist's later, turbulent years.

Hokusai was born in 1760 in Edo or modern-day Japan. He began drawing at the young age of six and completed thousands of works throughout his life. Although he is best known by the name Hokusai, the artist also went by Shunrō, Iitsu, Manji, and Gakyō Rōjin. The latter was a pseudonym he chose in later life, essentially meaning “old man crazy to paint.” The Book of Warriors was created in this elderly period, at age 76.

Hokusai created the volume at the request of his publisher Sūzanbō who asked that he “fill three volumes with ‘wisdom’ [chi], ‘humanity’ [jin] and ‘bravery’ [yū], using examples of widely celebrated mighty heroes as reminders of military arts even in times of peace,” according to the work itself. A sequel would shortly follow. In the volume, heroes such as Hirai Yasumasa (958–1036 CE) fight monsters like the giant spider, Tsuchigumo. While Hokusai executed these details in brushed strokes, Egawa Tomekichi and Sugita Kinsuke engraved them into blocks ready for the printing process. Some of the detailed figures may be less legible to those not well-versed in Japanese and Chinese history and myth. However, the skill of the artist and his desire to keep painting—even as Japan faced famine and he personally struggled with finances—is apparent. The skill and passion ran in the family, and his daughter Ōi continued his artistic legacy.

Katsushika Hokusai, the famous Japanese artist behind The Great Wave off Kanagawa, created a stunning book of illustrations featuring heroic Japanese and Chinese warriors.

Explore These Stunning Edo-Period Woodblock Prints of Warriors

Photo: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Public domain

It was titled Wakan ehon sakigake, which translates to “Picture Book of Chinese and Japanese Warriors.”

Explore These Stunning Edo-Period Woodblock Prints of Warriors

Photo: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Public domain

This 1836 volume was a collaboration between Hokusai and master carvers who created the woodblocks necessary for printing.

Explore These Stunning Edo-Period Woodblock Prints of Warriors

Photo: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Public domain

In the volume, heroes such as Hirai Yasumasa (958–1036 CE) fight monsters like the giant spider, Tsuchigumo.

Explore These Stunning Edo-Period Woodblock Prints of Warriors

Photo: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Public domain

Hokusai created this amazing collection of illustrations at the age of 76.

Explore These Stunning Edo-Period Woodblock Prints of Warriors

Photo: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Public domain

h/t: [Open Culture, The Public Domain Review]

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READ: Hokusai’s Book of 19th-Century Woodblock Prints Celebrates Japanese and Chinese Warriors

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Artist Documents Her Stays At Different Japanese Hotels in Carefully Rendered Illustrations https://mymodernmet.com/japanese-hotel-illustrations-kei-endo/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} Thu, 19 Oct 2023 19:20:52 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=623144 Artist Documents Her Stays At Different Japanese Hotels in Carefully Rendered Illustrations

If you're someone who frequently stays at hotels, you likely take note of the different design choices in each place. One artist has turned her hobby of chronicling different hotel layouts into an illustrated book. Japanese artist Kei Endo frequently visits various hotels in the Tokyo area (and sometimes beyond). Every place she stays at […]

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Artist Documents Her Stays At Different Japanese Hotels in Carefully Rendered Illustrations
Illustrations of Japanese Hotels by Kei Endo

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.

If you're someone who frequently stays at hotels, you likely take note of the different design choices in each place. One artist has turned her hobby of chronicling different hotel layouts into an illustrated book. Japanese artist Kei Endo frequently visits various hotels in the Tokyo area (and sometimes beyond). Every place she stays at gets transformed into a colorful series of paintings documenting the layout and interiors, highlighting the similarities and differences at these numerous accommodations.

The book, titled Tokyo Hotel Sketch, features a large selection of these watercolor layouts from different corners of the Japanese metropolis. Endo's thorough investigation of these spaces notes the measurements of the rooms, the placement of furniture, as well as the color schemes. Not only that, but she also takes a look at the smaller details, including the complimentary toiletry kits and coffee mugs.

After examining so many hotels, Endo's illustrations reveal common themes in the lodgings and where they differ. The way the beds are prepared, for instance, seems to be the same across the board; however, the dining nook varies from room to room. For those who can read Japanese, Endo's jottings offer more information. However, even without understanding the notes, the artwork still provides plenty of insight into the way hotels are designed.

You can purchase Endo's book for ¥2,750 (about $18.69). Scroll down to see more fascinating drawings by Endo, and follow the artist on Instagram to make sure you never miss an update.

Japanese artist Kei Endo documents the architecture and design of different hotels in the Tokyo area in a series of illustrations.

Illustrations of Japanese Hotels by Kei Endo

Endo's illustrations were collected into a book called Tokyo Hotel Sketch.

Illustrations of Japanese Hotels by Kei Endo

It includes numerous depictions of hotel interiors and layouts from across Japan.

Illustrations of Japanese Hotels by Kei Endo

Each of these works is carefully rendered in delicate colors with added descriptions.

Illustrations of Japanese Hotels by Kei Endo

In systematically recording all of these hotel rooms, Endo highlights what these accommodations have in common and what makes each of them unique.

Illustrations of Japanese Hotels by Kei Endo

Some appear to be more typical in appearance, whereas others stand out for more unique design choices.

Illustrations of Japanese Hotels by Kei Endo

Watch this video for more insight into Endo's creative process:

Kei Endo: Website | Instagram | Twitter

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Kei Endo.

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READ: Artist Documents Her Stays At Different Japanese Hotels in Carefully Rendered Illustrations

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12 Excellent Drawing Books Recommended by Artists and Illustrators https://mymodernmet.com/drawing-books-academy-instructors/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} Tue, 17 Oct 2023 10:55:35 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=631065 12 Excellent Drawing Books Recommended by Artists and Illustrators

Learning to draw is a lifelong journey, but there are plenty of resources to gain inspiration and help you meet your creative goals. Luckily, the drawing and illustration experts at My Modern Met Academy are also happy to share their knowledge. At the end of their online art courses, each instructor shares a few of […]

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12 Excellent Drawing Books Recommended by Artists and Illustrators
My Modern Met Academy Drawing Book Recommendations

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.

Learning to draw is a lifelong journey, but there are plenty of resources to gain inspiration and help you meet your creative goals. Luckily, the drawing and illustration experts at My Modern Met Academy are also happy to share their knowledge. At the end of their online art courses, each instructor shares a few of their favorite drawing books to help students continue to learn and grow.

Since we've been celebrating drawing this month with our Drawing Challenge Bundle class bundle, we've decided to share some of these drawing resources with the world. When you enroll in the bundle, you'll receive three of our popular drawing courses—Portrait Drawing for BeginnersArchitectural Illustration for Everyone, and Write Out Your Future: Hand Letter an Inspiring Phrase. With a special price of $95 for all three courses, you'll get a discount of over 20% off what you'd pay if you purchased each separately.

Whether you are interested in drawing people, animals, or architecture, there's a little something for everyone. These books, which are helpful for both beginners and advanced artists, will hold a place of pride on your bookshelf and become valued reference material for years to come.

Scroll down to see all the suggestions from our instructors, and then head over to My Modern Met Academy to sign up for in-depth drawing lessons today.

Anna Sokolova

Colored Ink Tips by Anna Sokolova

Anna Sokolova is a talented illustrator who teaches Animal Portraits in Colored Inks: Tell a Visual Story That Conveys Emotion. Drawing is the foundation of her work, and she enhances her illustrations with colored inks to great effect. In particular, Sokolova finds inspiration in animals and the natural world. Her resource list is the perfect guide for any artist looking to incorporate new elements into their artwork.

 

Demi Lang

Demi Lang Architectural Illustration Class

As our resident expert in architecture drawing, Demi Lang‘s list is filled with resources to help you draw the urban environment. From a detailed look at perspective to inspirational pen and ink drawings, these books are valuable tools for anyone who loves sketching buildings.

 

Margherita Cole

Drawing by Margherita Cole

Drawing 101: Learn the Building Blocks of Sketching is a great course for beginners, and instructor Margherita Cole has put together a wide-ranging list of drawing books to help get your creative journey off to a good start.

 

Melissa de Nobrega

Portrait Drawing by Melissa De Nobrega

If you want to master the art of drawing the human figure, artist Melisssa de Nobrega has an excellent list of resources. As the instructor of our class, Portrait Drawing for Beginners: Learn How to Draw Anyone You’d Like, her list rightly focuses on mastering the ins and outs of drawing anatomy.

 

Want more drawing tips? Sign up for our monthly Drawing Club newsletter.

 

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READ: 12 Excellent Drawing Books Recommended by Artists and Illustrators

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New Book Celebrates 100 Years of Disney Animation and Shows How to Draw Their Most Beloved Characters https://mymodernmet.com/100-years-disney-wonder/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} Mon, 02 Oct 2023 13:50:44 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=616063 New Book Celebrates 100 Years of Disney Animation and Shows How to Draw Their Most Beloved Characters

Disney is celebrating 100 years of incredible animation with a book that not only shares the company’s rich creative history, but also teaches you how to draw some of its most iconic characters. Drawing 100 Years of Disney Wonder celebrates beloved animated characters through step-by-step drawing projects, character sketches, and vintage artwork from the Disney […]

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New Book Celebrates 100 Years of Disney Animation and Shows How to Draw Their Most Beloved Characters
100 Years of Disney Wonder

This post is sponsored by The Quarto Group. Our partners are handpicked by My Modern Met’s team because they represent the best in design and innovation.

Disney is celebrating 100 years of incredible animation with a book that not only shares the company’s rich creative history, but also teaches you how to draw some of its most iconic characters. Drawing 100 Years of Disney Wonder celebrates beloved animated characters through step-by-step drawing projects, character sketches, and vintage artwork from the Disney archives. Each section of drawing lessons is categorized by decade in Disney history, along with historical context and interesting anecdotes and facts sprinkled throughout.

Each chapter represents an iconic decade of Disney creations, starting with the 1920s and Disney icons Mickey and Minnie Mouse. The pages move through beloved princesses—including Snow White, Cinderella, and Aurora—and Disney’s unforgettable villains like Cruella De Vil.

Cruella DeVil Layout in Disney Book

“This beautiful book combines Walter Foster’s well-known art instruction in a high-end coffee table book that delves deep into Disney animation history. It really is a must-have collector’s item that celebrates the world’s most beloved animated characters with vintage artwork from the Disney archives,” shares Walter Foster Group Publisher Anne Landa. “We were incredibly fortunate to persuade Andreas Deja—an iconic Disney legend—and renowned Disney historian Jim Fanning, to partner with us on this project.”

In his foreword, former Disney animator Andreas Deja gives a unique insight into the world of Disney. Deja, whose animation work includes Gaston in Beauty and the Beast, Jafar in Aladdin, and Scar in The Lion King, is a longtime lover of Disney and began working at just 20 years old.

Donald Duck Layout in 100 Years of Disney Wonder

“Some people assume that there is only one ‘Disney style’ and one exclusive way to draw Disney characters. Large eyes, big hands and feet, and a type of caricature that is associated with hand-animation,” he writes. “As you’ll see from the vintage artwork in this book, much of which is from my drawn personal collection, the Disney approach to drawing and animating characters has gone through many changes over the years—and is still evolving to this day.”

Deja’s commentary runs throughout the book, which is authored by esteemed Disney historian Jim Fanning. Fanning’s passion for Disney is clear, and his commentary anchors the drawing lessons with salient facts about the films and their beloved characters.

By taking us from the 1920s to the 2020s, Drawing 100 Years of Disney Wonder doesn’t just show us the evolution of Disney, it also makes us want to pick up a pencil and start sketching today.

Published by Walter Foster Publishing, Drawing 100 Years of Disney Wonder is now available to purchase online and in bookstores.

Drawing 100 Years of Disney Wonder is an instructional coffee-table book that celebrates Disney's iconic animation.

Cover of Drawing 100 Years of Disney Wonder

There are over 200 pages of information and step-by-step lessons on how to draw some of your favorite characters.

Lion King Page Layout in 100 Years of Disney Wonder

Drawing 100 Years of Disney Wonder

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Walter Foster Publishing.

READ: New Book Celebrates 100 Years of Disney Animation and Shows How to Draw Their Most Beloved Characters

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Famous Artists Are Reimagined as Whimsical Cat Illustrations https://mymodernmet.com/a-portrait-of-an-artist-as-a-young-cat-nia-gould/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} Fri, 15 Sep 2023 11:55:39 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=622672 Famous Artists Are Reimagined as Whimsical Cat Illustrations

Illustrator Nia Gould is proving that art history and cats might be the most “purrfect” combination. Her series of enamel pins merged famous artists with various cats, named with clever puns like Vincat van Gogh and Keith Hairball. But Gould's love of mixing and matching is not limited to accessories. She has also created an […]

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Famous Artists Are Reimagined as Whimsical Cat Illustrations
A Portrait of An Artist as a Young Cat

Nia Gould | $16.95

Illustrator Nia Gould is proving that art history and cats might be the most “purrfect” combination. Her series of enamel pins merged famous artists with various cats, named with clever puns like Vincat van Gogh and Keith Hairball. But Gould's love of mixing and matching is not limited to accessories. She has also created an illustrated book of some of her favorite feline characters.

A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Cat includes more than 20 influential artists reimagined as creative kitties. Gould's expressive style captures each historical figure's likeness in cat form and gives them new names, like Frida Catlo, Yayoi Catsama, Wassily Catdinsky, and Henry Catisse.

In addition to the captivating illustrated element of this book, there is also some fun reading to do. Each of Gould's charming characters is accompanied by a clever tongue-in-cheek biography so you can learn the stories behind their artwork. It makes an ideal gift for anyone who enjoys art history, cats, and humor.

Scroll down to see pages from inside the book, and head on over to My Modern Met Store when you want to pick up a copy.

Have you ever wondered what Pablo Picasso would look like as a cat? This whimsical book will answer that question and other kitty queries!

 

A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Cat

A Portrait of An Artist as a Young Cat

Nia Gould | $16.95

A Portrait of An Artist as a Young Cat

Nia Gould | $16.95

Shop more books in My Modern Met Store!

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READ: Famous Artists Are Reimagined as Whimsical Cat Illustrations

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Explore the Diamond Sūtra: The World’s Earliest Dated and Printed Book in Existence https://mymodernmet.com/diamond-sutra-book/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} Sat, 02 Sep 2023 13:50:22 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=617395 Explore the Diamond Sūtra: The World’s Earliest Dated and Printed Book in Existence

Like its namesake stone, the Diamond Sūtra was found underground. In 1900, a Buddhist monk in the Gansu province of China stumbled upon a sealed entrance leading to a series of 492 connected caves. The site had been closed off to the world since the start of the 11th century. Once a major Buddhist center, […]

READ: Explore the Diamond Sūtra: The World’s Earliest Dated and Printed Book in Existence

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Explore the Diamond Sūtra: The World’s Earliest Dated and Printed Book in Existence
Explore the Diamond Sutra, the World's Earliest Dated, Printed Book

The Diamond Sūtra, printed on May 11, 868, resides at The British Library. (Photo: The British Library, Public Domain)

Like its namesake stone, the Diamond Sūtra was found underground. In 1900, a Buddhist monk in the Gansu province of China stumbled upon a sealed entrance leading to a series of 492 connected caves. The site had been closed off to the world since the start of the 11th century. Once a major Buddhist center, the area is known as Mogao (“Peerless”) Caves or the Caves of a Thousand Buddhas. Among the treasures recovered from the caves is the Diamond Sūtra—the earliest dated, printed book in existence.

The Diamond Sūtra is a scroll stretching about 16 feet long. It was made through ancient Chinese woodblock printing, a craft that long predated the European printing press. A single woodblock would be used to print, and then the individual pieces of the scroll were connected into one. The start of the scroll, or frontispiece, is an elaborate print of the historical Buddha with his disciple Subhūti and other figures gathered under trees. The text is a sacred one, and while this copy is the earliest extant, many others were printed over the intervening centuries.

The book is also dated. A colophon at the end reads: “On the 15th day of the 4th month of the 9th year of the Xiantong reign period, Wang Jie had this made for universal distribution on behalf of his two parents.” On the Western calendar that is May 11, 868. Wang Jie seemingly financed the scroll's creation by artisans in honor of his parents. At some point, it made its way to the caves, where it may have been studied before it was sealed away for hundreds of years. After the caves' unsealing in 1900, the book was removed. It was brought to England by Sir Aurel Stein, an Englishman traveling abroad, in 1907. The scroll is now conserved and preserved in The British Library and can be explored in its entirety online.

The Diamond Sūtra is an ancient scroll known to be the oldest complete, printed, and dated book in existence.

Explore the Diamond Sutra, the World's Earliest Dated, Printed Book

The text comes from a series of Buddhist Caves which were sealed for hundreds of years. (Photo: The British Library, Public Domain)

It was found among other precious Buddhist manuscripts in ancient caves sealed for hundreds of years.

Explore the Diamond Sutra, the World's Earliest Dated, Printed Book

The scroll is the earliest printed example of a dated, printed book. (Photo: The British Library, Public Domain)

h/t: [Open Culture]

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READ: Explore the Diamond Sūtra: The World’s Earliest Dated and Printed Book in Existence

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Photographer Spent Eight Years Capturing Life on the Gritty New York Subway in the 1970s and 1980s https://mymodernmet.com/willy-spiller-hell-on-wheels/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} Wed, 30 Aug 2023 20:15:44 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=620784 Photographer Spent Eight Years Capturing Life on the Gritty New York Subway in the 1970s and 1980s

Over the course of eight years, Swiss photographer Willy Spiller documented life on the New York City subway. From 1977 until 1984, Spiller amassed nearly 2,000 images of the subway. And in doing so, he was able to create a visual time capsule of this critical moment in the city's history. His collection, called Hell on […]

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Photographer Spent Eight Years Capturing Life on the Gritty New York Subway in the 1970s and 1980s
New York City Subway Street Photography by Willy Spiller

Grand Central Station, New York, 1983, Getting To The Office, Subway New York, Subway New York, Unguided Tour Hell on Wheels, NY, 1977–1985

Over the course of eight years, Swiss photographer Willy Spiller documented life on the New York City subway. From 1977 until 1984, Spiller amassed nearly 2,000 images of the subway. And in doing so, he was able to create a visual time capsule of this critical moment in the city's history.

His collection, called Hell on Wheels, is a highly sought-after visual that shows the good and bad of the era. The images were first published in 1986 and then rereleased to big acclaim in 2016. However, that edition is now out of print and is difficult to find. Thankfully, Bildhalle has published a redesigned edition of Hell on Wheels that also included previously unseen images.

The book includes a text by former LIFE magazine editor-in-chief Bill Shapiro, who provides important context for Spiller's street photography. While many focus on the dangerous aspect of Spiller's photographic undertaking, given the high crime rate on the subway at the time, Shapiro sees something different. He realizes that 40 years removed, these photographs show a far more subtle vision of life in New York City. Spiller's work no longer inspires fear. Instead, it provokes nostalgia for a time gone by.

New York City Subway Street Photography by Willy Spiller

Jerome Avenue IRT Line, New York 1980, Unguided Tour 1977–1985

“Forever a lover of fairy tales, I was always enthralled when I plunged into that rattling world of these mobile metal living rooms, like Alice in Wonderland, never knowing whether the next moment would be threatening, violent or funny, frightening or delightful,” shares Spiller. “Here, I could blithely observe and capture the vast human menagerie of the metropolis. Communication between passengers, if any, was subtle. People randomly crammed together for the length of a ride appeared as though they’d rather ignore all differences: status, culture, ethnicity, religion, gender, and age. They seemed equally exposed and uninhibited—as if they’d checked their private lives above ground—curiously indifferent to me and my camera.”

Signed and unsigned copies of Hell on Wheels are now available on the Bildhalle website. For true fans of street photography, there is also a limited edition that includes a signed print. With a 1,000-copy print run, act fast before Spiller's work once again becomes hard to find.

Starting in 1977, Swiss photographer Willy Spiller spent eight years documenting the New York subway.

Photo of the New York City Subway in the 80s

Rush Hour on Lexington IRT, Subway New York, Unguided Tour Hell on Wheels, NYC, 1977–1985

Beat Cop Patrolling New York City Subway in the 80s

Subway New York, Hell on Wheels, Police Control, 72nd St. Station West Side IRT Line, NY, 1977–1985

Schoolgirls in the subway in New York City in 1978

Schoolgirls on the A-Train to Far Rockaway, Subway New York, 1978, Unguided Tour Hell on Wheels, NY, 1977–1985

New York City Subway Street Photography by Willy Spiller

Riding Together, Subway New York, Unguided Tour Hell on Wheels, NY, 1977–1985

His gritty photos of life on this “Hell on Wheels,” as it was then called, have a cult following.

Willy Spiller Street Photography

Downtown Express 72nd St. Station, Women Waiting on Platform West Side IRT, Subway New York, Unguided Tour Hell on Wheels, Subway New York, NY, 1977–1985

Willy Spiller Street Photographer

Ghettoblaster Man Waiting, 72nd St. Station West Side IRT Line, Subway New York, Unguided Tour Hell on Wheels, NY, 1977–1985,

Willy Spiller Street Photography

Dangerous Ride, Boy Clinging Outside A Subway Car, Subway New York, Unguided Tour Hell on Wheels, NY, 1977–1985,

Willy Spiller Street Photographer

Conversation on the A-Train, Subway NY 1982, Unguided Tour 1977–1985

Now, the series has been republished in a new edition of Hell on Wheels.

Willy Spiller Street Photographer

Conductor Between Subway Cars, Subway New York, Unguided Tour Hell on Wheels, NYC, 1977–1985

Willy Spiller Street Photographer

After the Rehearsal, Columbus Circle, Subway NY 1982, Unguided Tour 1977–1985

New York City Subway Street Photography by Willy Spiller

Elevated Station 180 St, Queens, New York, 1982, Subway New York, Unguided Tour Hell on Wheels, Subway New York, NY, 1977–1985

The book is available for sale via the Bildhalle website.

Vintage New York City Street Photography

Hello! Greeting Women Descending Staircase, Subway New York, Unguided Tour Hell on Wheels,1977–1985

Willy Spiller: Website 

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Bildhalle.

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READ: Photographer Spent Eight Years Capturing Life on the Gritty New York Subway in the 1970s and 1980s

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Offbeat Photographs of Ballet Dancers Honor the Artistry of Analog Photography https://mymodernmet.com/hasselblad-ballet/?adt_ei={{ subscriber.email_address }} Mon, 28 Aug 2023 17:30:58 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=619006 Offbeat Photographs of Ballet Dancers Honor the Artistry of Analog Photography

Armed with a Hasselblad 500CM camera, fine art photographer David Teran traveled the world to capture the beauty of ballet. Now, he's put the results together in a stunning coffee tablebook titled Hasselblad Ballet. Currently available on Kickstarter, the book features over 250 photographs of over 100 ballerinas from 19 different countries. Using his background […]

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Offbeat Photographs of Ballet Dancers Honor the Artistry of Analog Photography
Black and white photo of a ballet dancer

Audrey Billups

Armed with a Hasselblad 500CM camera, fine art photographer David Teran traveled the world to capture the beauty of ballet. Now, he's put the results together in a stunning coffee tablebook titled Hasselblad Ballet. Currently available on Kickstarter, the book features over 250 photographs of over 100 ballerinas from 19 different countries.

Using his background in fine art photography, Teran was also able to capture ballet from a unique perspective. While the techniques of the dance are respected, the quirky photographs aren't solely focused on ballet itself. “This project places photography at the forefront,” Teran tells My Modern Met. “While ballet remains an essential part, it takes a slightly more subtle role, allowing the photograph to shine. Nevertheless, the integrity of ballet's technique is maintained and respected, ensuring a beautiful harmony between the art of dance and the art of photography.”

Teran was attracted to the Hasselblad for its ability to slow him down in an era of digital photography. By limiting himself to just one roll of Ilford HP5 film per photoshoot, he only had 12 frames with each ballerina. This exercise forced him to slow down and really consider each image.

The black and white photos have a whimsical feel that is reminiscent of Rodney Smith‘s work. This makes the book a wonderful purchase for both lovers of fine art photography and lovers of dance. By supporting the project, backers will help bring Teran's vision to life. Among the awards available is an unsigned copy of the book ($85), a digital wallpaper featuring an image from Hasselblad Ballet ($10), as well as a signed limited edition box set ($250) that includes a silver gelatin contact sheet.

The Hasselblad Ballet Kickstarter campaign runs until September 20 and is an all-or-nothing venture, so if you want the make the book happen, don't forget to lend your support.

Hasselblad Ballet is a series of analog photographs of ballet dancers by fine art photographer David Teran.

Hasselblad Ballet by David Teran

Brooke Linford

Black and white photo of a ballet dancer

Elle Macy

Teran traveled the world with his Hasselblad 500CM camera for the project.

Hasselblad Ballet by David Teran

Ysee Bretigniere

Hasselblad Ballet by David Teran

Ysee Bretigniere

The resulting images are a quirky, whimsical marriage of fine art photography and ballet.

Hasselblad Ballet by David Teran

Thea Ratledge

Hasselblad Ballet

Mackenzie Richter

Hasselblad Ballet by David Teran

Ysee Bretigniere

Hasselblad Ballet by David Teran

Isabella Boylston

Now Teran is crowdfunding a book on Kickstarter with over 250 photographs from the series.

Black and white photo of a ballet dancer

Sellers Farley

Hasselblad Ballet by David Teran

Emily Bromberg

Hasselblad Ballet by David Teran

Heloise Jeremy

Hasselblad Ballet by David Teran

Emma Town

Backers have until September 20 to pledge their support for the project.

Hasselblad Ballet by David Teran

Camille Goldsborough

Hasselblad Ballet

Alexandra Farber

Hasselblad Ballet by David Teran

Fiona Lee

Hasselblad Ballet by David Teran

Daniela Gomez

Hasselblad Ballet: Website | Kickstarter | Instagram
David Teran: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by David Teran.

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READ: Offbeat Photographs of Ballet Dancers Honor the Artistry of Analog Photography

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