“Lycopersicum III” © Uli Westphal 2013

At your local supermarket or grocery store, you can expect to find typical produce like tomatoes and peppers that all look about the same. So why are “ugly” fruits and vegetables excluded? German artist Uli Westphal became interested in this question after visiting local street markets in Berlin, finding an abundance of irregular produce for the first time. This encounter ultimately prompted his ongoing series of flat-lay photographs entitled the Cultivar Series, which highlights crop diversity that is frequently neglected.

Each image from the project showcases a single species or crop type and its cultivated variations, arranged by color and shape into large ovals. Pears, potatoes, peppers, and more are seen in a multitude of shapes and hues. “I try to rediscover and document the biodiversity that is excluded from the commercial markets,” Westphal says. “At a certain point, I started to realize that it is not only the natural occurrence of morphological irregularities in the growth of single plant varieties that is being suppressed and filtered out by our food system. In fact, only a tiny fraction of high-yielding, ‘good-looking' varieties are being grown and distributed today, even though there are literally thousands of varieties of any domesticated fruit or vegetable.”

You can purchase prints of Westphal's photos via his website, and keep up to date with the artist's latest work by following him on Instagram.

German artist Uli Westphal highlights biodiversity in his series of flat-lay photos.

“Zea mays II” © Uli Westphal 2022

The ongoing project, titled Cultivar Series, features arrangements of irregular produce.

“Solanum tuberosum II” © Uli Westphal 2020

“Purus I” © Uli Westphal 2018

The fruits and vegetables featured in the photos are not what is seen in supermarkets.

“Capsicum I” © Uli Westphal 2016

“Cucurbita I” © Uli Westphal 2014

“Cucumis sativus I” © Uli Westphal 2014

“Brassica oleracea I” © Uli Westphal 2018

“Phaseolus vulgaris I” © Uli Westphal 2013

Uli Westphal: Website | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Uli Westphal.

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Photo: “M.C. Escher: Journey to Infinity”

While reading biographies is a great way to learn about famous figures from history, seeing their lives played out in films can offer a fresh perspective. Now, anyone interested in discovering more about their favorite artists, musicians, and cultural icons, can check out a playlist of documentaries from film distributor Kino Lorber. All 80 films—ranging from an hour to two hours long—are free to watch on YouTube.

Among this diverse collection of documentaries are features dedicated to much-loved creative figures like M.C. Escher. Directed by Robin Lutz and narrated by Stephen Fry, this film, titled M.C. Escher: Journey to Infinity, includes excerpts from the Dutch artist's letters and correspondence and insight into his legacy of tesselation art. Similarly, the program titled Hieronymus Bosch: Touched by the Devil offers a look at one of art history's more elusive painters responsible for creating the incomparable The Garden of Earthly Delights.

In addition to artists, this collection of documentaries also has content dedicated to world-renowned musicians like Elvis Presley. The hour-and-a-half-long film, titled Elvis: Return to Tupelo, walks through the entertainer’s humble beginnings in the South to his transformation into the “King of Rock and Roll.” Alternatively, the film Captured on Films: The True Story of Marion Davies, shines a light on the life and performances of 1920s comedy actress Marion Davies, narrated by Charlize Theron.

You can check out Kino Lorber's full playlist of documentaries on YouTube.

Film distributor Kino Lorber has made 80 documentaries free to watch on YouTube, covering art, music, and more.

Some of the videos cover artistic icons like M.C. Escher, Hieronymus Bosch, and Hilma af Klint.

You can find the full playlist of films available on YouTube.

h/t: [Open Culture]

All images via YouTube.

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Photo: Jian-Cheng Lai, Bao Research Group @ Stanford University

Waiting for a wound to heal can feel like forever. And as you wait, cuts and scrapes are vulnerable to infection, which can delay the healing process. However, soon there may be a solution that can help speed things up. Researchers at Stanford University debuted a “smart bandage” that not only helps treat wounds but also monitors their healing status.

Although it is the same size as your average bandage, this new piece of technology is actually composed of wireless circuitry that uses electrical stimulation to accelerate tissue closure and reduce the chances of infection. The entire electronic layer—which includes biosensors and a microcontroller unit (MCU)—is layered with hydrogel, which acts as a courier for the electrical stimulation to the injured tissue. In addition, all of the healing processes are monitored through the bandage and can be checked via a smartphone.

“In sealing the wound, the smart bandage protects as it heals,” says Yuanwen Jiang, the first co-author of the study and a post-doctoral scholar in the lab of Zhenan Bao, the K.K. Lee Professor in Chemical Engineering in the Stanford School of Engineering. “But it is not a passive tool. It is an active healing device that could transform the standard of care in the treatment of chronic wounds.”

Although the data looks promising, researchers still have to address how they will scale up the smart bandage to other larger sizes, reduce the cost of production, and take into consideration the possible negative effects the hydrogel will have on the skin, causing irritation in some. Even so, the hope is that the smart bandage will offer a new standard of care to those who are afflicted by recurring ailments.

Scientists at Stanford University have created a “smart bandage” that can help heal wounds faster and monitor their healing process.

Photo: Jian-Cheng Lai, Bao Research Group @ Stanford University

h/t: [DesignTAXI, EurekAlert!]

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Artist MaiYap explores her identity as an Asian woman in the series Reflection on Awakening. Her experience living as a minority in Panama, and then later, in Florida, formed a fear of being different. Then, when racism and hate crimes against Asian Americans began to increase—particularly during the pandemic—she turned to painting to rediscover her identity. This resulted in a collection of abstract oil paintings featuring the steadfast lily pad.

This subject holds special meaning to MaiYap. “Lily pads represent all that I love about Chinese culture: beauty and perseverance,” MaiYap tells My Modern Met. “As you notice I decided to portray only lily pads but not the flowers. In choosing so, I wanted to bring awareness to the Chinese community’s struggles past and present. This flower can grow even in mud and adverse conditions, so the absence of it means that my own personal self-discovery is still in process, emerging slowly from inside me.”

MaiYap used a palette knife to add numerous layers and textures to the canvas. The lily pads are not just green, but also yellow, white, and red. Even their reflections in the water possess an array of colors. The inherent loveliness of these renderings highlights the grace of Chinese culture while also drawing attention to the importance of nature. “My work is about finding ways to bring awareness,” MaiYap adds. “Is a soft art activism. Soft, because I always prefer to lure with beauty as means to bring a message.”

Scroll down to see more paintings, and follow MaiYap on Instagram to keep up to date with her latest work.

Artist MaiYap creates dreamy depictions of lily pads.

She renders each piece using a palette knife and oil paint.

In this way, she captures the textures and colors of a lily pond.

These paintings of lily pads represent the beauty and perseverance of Chinese culture.

MaiYap uses her art to explore her identity as an Asian woman living as a minority in the U.S.

MaiYap: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by MaiYap.

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Animals become one with their environment in Sujay Sanan‘s watercolor paintings. The South Africa-based artist uses the silhouettes of foxes, birds, and other creatures as the frames for realistic depictions of natural landscapes, reversing the way animals blend into their habitats.

You can purchase limited edition prints via Sanan's website.

South Africa-based artist Sujay Sanan creates stunning watercolor paintings inspired by nature.

He artfully merges landscapes with the silhouettes of animals.

These unique pieces reverse the idea of an animal blending in with its habitat.

These paintings also highlight the connection between animals and their environment.

Sujay Sanan: Website | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Sujay Sanan.

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Photo: Stock Photos from Simone Arruda/Shutterstock

Want to get a leg up on the new year? Whether you have big plans or several small goals that you'd like to achieve, getting organized is key to seeing them through. That is why we've put together a selection of the best planners to help you make 2023 your most fulfilling year yet.

There are many different styles of planners to select from, whether you just want a minimalist planner to keep track of appointments or wish to have your to-do lists, goal planning, and important dates all in one place. There are small, portable planners or large binders that also act as journals. Many also have pockets to tuck away keepsakes or business cards you don't want to lose. Thanks to the wide variety of planners available, you're sure to find something that will suit your needs.

Want a planner that gives you enough room for extra notes and scribbles? The Hobonichi Techo Planner features graph paper spreads so you can add appointments, personal notes, or doodles. It also includes the moon phase for each day and inspirational quotes. Similarly, the One Day at a Time Planner is an aesthetically-pleasing pastel-colored notebook that helps you focus on your goals with helpful sections like “monthly reflection,” “highlights,” and “how did I do this week?”

If you are looking to keep track of your achievements, the Full Focus planner has detailed pages for breaking down your goals, as well as and weekly layouts. Those who are eco-conscious may want to try Seedlings' 2023 planner, which has packaging that can be planted, resulting in beautiful blooms.

Or, if you're not a fan of paper planners, there's also a variety of digital templates you can download for your iPad and iPhone. ByInma's Digital Planner is compatible with Goodnotes, Notability, and Noteshelf on the iPad, and can also be used with the Apple Pencil or other styluses to write in as if it were a normal notebook.

Scroll down to check out our list of the best planners to use for 2023. And if you prefer a calendar, check out our favorite 2023 calendars, as well as 2023 calendars and planners made by independent artists on Etsy.

Get ready for the new year with these beautiful planners!

Personalized Kraft Planner

zany | $29.28

Hobonichi Techo Original Planner

Hobonichi | $42

One Day at a Time Planner

TheLamare | $43.86

Moleskine Weekly Planner

Moleskine | $23.57

Palette Pigments Planner

TFPAPERGOODS | $19.51

Undated Planner

LetterKey | $24.40

Japanese Art Weekly and Monthly Planner

Kokonote | $22.90

2-in-1 Planner Notebook

Blue Sky | $12.99

Yearly Achievement Planner

Full Focus | $42

Undated Seed Paper Planner

Seedlings | $9.10

18-Month Planner with Stickers

Artfan | $19.99

Self-Care and Gratitude Planner

Lauren Ashley Vanover | $9.99+

Digital Planner for the iPad

byInma | $16.97

The article has been edited and updated.

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Years before we had cameras, people relied on artists and their work to capture the world around them. This resulted in a tradition of exquisite botanical illustrations, in which painters and draftspeople painstakingly rendered every detail that they saw into two-dimensional form. The book Fungi Collected in Shropshire and Other Neighbourhoods is an example of this art form. Created in the 19th century by a woman author, it faithfully follows her archival journey of England and Wales's numerous fungi species—traveling much further than the title initially suggests.

The project itself is divided into three dense volumes. Lewis—whom we know very little about—spent over 40 years (from 1860 to 1902) wandering her country and sketching the mushrooms that she came across. It should come as no surprise that she ended up with hundreds of illustrations from her efforts, all made with pencil and filled in with delicate layers of watercolor. Sometimes, just two drawings are placed on a page, while other spreads feature several fungi that have been collaged together. Accompanying each piece is a hand-written note of what species it is.

Despite the incredible efforts that went into this book, it appears as though it was a self-initiated project which Lewis worked on across her lifetime. The only known volumes are hand-drawn and hand-bound, suggesting they were the only copies made. Even so, historians believe that Lewis likely had some formal training in decorative illustration, most likely in an unrelated field, and then applied her passion for plant life and science to her carefully crafted books.

You can browse all volumes of Lewis's book on the Internet Archive.

A vintage 19th-century book titled Fungi Collected in Shropshire and Other Neighbourhoods documents the biodiversity of mushrooms in England.

It was written and illustrated by a female author named F.M. Lewis over the course of over 40 years (1860–1902).

The watercolor and ink illustrations capture fungi that Lewis found across Endlang and Wales.

The project is divided into three densely packed volumes. Many pages include several species collaged together.

The only known copy of the book belongs to the Cornell University Library and the Biodiversity Heritage Library.

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

All images via the Internet Archive.

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Sometimes the greatest muses are just a hike away. England-based artist Olivia Seetim finds the subjects for her paintings in the varied beauty of her natural surroundings. From verdant forests to open meadows, these acrylic landscape paintings immortalize a certain time and place.

Although Seetim has a background in numerous types of media, she gravitated towards acrylics in 2020 and began sharing her work soon after. Her small canvases contain tender portrayals of places devoid of people, offering immersive visual escapes for the viewer. “The feelings conjured by nature are a great source of inspiration for me,” Seetim explains to My Modern Met. ‘For me, this includes a sense of safety and familiarity, but also adventure and curiosity. These are things I like to make sure are always present in my work.”

While many of these paintings depict daytime with a bright blue sky, others are accompanied by starry nights and a full moon. “The landscapes that inspire me the most range from dense forests to vast expanses of ocean,” she continues. “Also, astrophotography is something I deeply admire, and is where I get a lot of my ideas for galaxy landscapes.” Each of these pieces, though different, communicates the power and grandeur of the environment, and the respect we should have for it.

You can purchase original paintings via Seetim's website, and keep up to date with her latest projects by following the artist on Instagram.

England-based artist Olivia Seetim captures idyllic landscapes in acrylic.

Her colorful paintings depict bucolic forests and meadows during the day as well as at night.

Olivia Seetim: Website | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Olivia Seetim.

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As one of the most famous artists in history, Pablo Picasso left an important mark on modern art. Famous for more than one style, he dabbled in numerous art movements, including Cubism, Surrealism, and Neoclassicism, to name a few. And while we may have a preconceived idea of what Picasso's art looks like, a glimpse at his teenage years shows something completely different.

Born in 1881 to two artistic parents, Picasso was immersed in formal drawing techniques from an early age. As he reached adolescence, he graduated to oil painting and quickly mastered a realistic style, reminiscent of old masters. When he was 14, his younger sister Lola died from diphtheria, having a profound effect on the artist. This event likely influenced the painting he created just one year later, at the age of 15. Entitled First Communion, it depicts a young child—most likely representative of the late Lola—dressed in a white veil and gown receiving their First Communion at the church.

Unlike Picasso's most well known works like Les Demoiselles d‘Avignon and Guernica, which explore diverse aesthetics, this early piece demonstrates his skills of observation and rendering human figures that are true to life. Overtime he relinquishes this approach in exchange for the styles that we now know, but it makes looking back at his first paintings all the more illuminating to Picasso's journey as an artist. He was even quoted as saying, “It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.”

Here, we will learn more about Picasso and his early painting.

Who Was Picasso?

Portrait photograph of Pablo Picasso, 1908 (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Pablo Picasso (1881–1973) was a Spanish child prodigy who began his creative career at the age of 13. As he continued making art, his realist, academic approach to painting waned, while other more imaginative styles became increasingly prominent. His body of work can be traced through eight different periods: realist, the Blue Period, the Rose Period, African, Cubism, Surrealism, Neoclassicism, and later work. Picasso used each of these distinct approaches to explore aesthetics, figurative subjects, emotions, and reality. He is considered to be one of the most influential figures of modern art.

Creating the First Communion

Pablo Picasso, “First Communion,” 1896 (Photo: Wiki Art, Public domain)

During Picasso's early formative years, he learned most of his artistic training from his father, Don José Ruiz y Blasco, who was a professional painter and art teacher. By the time Picasso was 13 years old, Ruiz felt as though his son had already surpassed him in painting, creating naturalistic representations of birds.

After Picasso's younger sister Lola died from diphtheria at the age of 7, he was deeply affected. This personal tragedy also spurred the family's move to Barcelona, where Picasso was enrolled at the School of Fine Arts, taking advanced classes in painting.

Portrait photograph of Pablo Picasso and his sister, Lola, 1889 (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Although he was reportedly not the most diligent student, his natural affinity and passion for painting quickly made him a master of rendering subjects realistically. When the artist was 15 years old, he completed his greatest work at the time, titled First Communion. It features a likeness of his late sister Lola, as well as a portrait of his father, Ruiz, who is portrayed as the parental figure of the child figure kneeling before the altar. Here, every person is carefully modeled, featuring a number of details and a warm color palette.

Though Picasso would quickly grow out of this realistic style, it is interesting to look back on a time when he applied traditional techniques to his paintings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old was Picasso when he painted First Communion?

Picasso was 15 years old when he created First Communion.

h/t: [Open Culture]

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“Watch Your Back”

If you've ever checked out a library book, you may have come across something that belonged to the previous owner—whether it be a scribble or a bookmark. For nearly 10 years, library director Sharon McKellar has been archiving all of the numerous diverse items left behind in books at the Oakland Public Library, creating a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the people in her community. From child-drawn doodles to heartfelt postcards, these artifacts represent the ways people interacted with the library and its books.

This ongoing project is aptly called Found in a Library Book. McKellar was inspired to start blogging about the small collection of items she and other staff members found in 2013, when part of her job was overseeing the Oakland Public Library's website. From there, the idea took off, accumulating more and more interesting items along the way. “The project moved from being an occasional shared blog post to really just being a collection of scanned items on my computer and/or in my office until we moved to a new website that allowed the opportunity to showcase the found items as more of an archive or collection,” McKellar tells My Modern Met. “Some staff members have continually sent me their finds over the years, even when I wasn't doing anything official with them, but now that they are showcased on our website and social media and getting so much attention, the staff is sending me so much more. It's great!”

The project collects items from across Oakland's different library locations, most of which are not found by McKellar herself. “My roles in the library for the past 10 years have had me mostly in an office behind a computer screen, so this is a really fun way for me to remain connected to the branches, staff, and community,” she adds. Since the archive has expanded so much—with new items added regularly—McKellar's favorite finds change all the time. “This amazing one was found, relatively recently, in a VERY old scrapbook in our incredible Oakland History Center and it's brilliant and so cool. [It's] an advertisement for a horse for sale with a hand-drawn horse,” she says about the item “Faithful Old Tom.” Another recent stand-out piece is a hand-drawn bookmark, cataloged under the name “Robot Daddy.” The small pencil-rendered robot is paired with a speech bubble that reads, “Calculating. I love beer.”

Many of the things McKellar and other library staff find are amusing in some way, especially the notes and doodles made by children. However, they also find heartfelt postcards and notes, such as “this is then and this is now,” which states that the sender tried to get in touch with the recipient over 30 times. In addition, the small yellow notebook titled “because more freedom,” features “a young person's notes taken when interviewing their grandmother about her life pre and post-immigration to America.” Together, all of these belongings highlight the diversity of Oakland's community.

You can check out more from the Found in a Library Book archive via Oakland Public Library's website.

Director of the Oakland Public Libary Sharon McKellar archives things that she discovers in library books.

“Faithful Old Tom”

“Robot Daddy”

“that was then and this is now”

“that was then and this is now”

The ongoing project, titled Found in a Libary Book, includes postcards, bookmarks, and notes that people left behind in the books they checked out.

“Have a Toast”

“No Time for This!”

“Main”

“because more freedom”

“Free Will”

“Bodice Ripper”

Sharon McKellar: Website
Oakland Public Library: Website

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Sharon McKellar | Oakland Public Library.

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