Topics

Apr

Liu Bolin’s Out of Sight Optical Illusions

by Janine Boylan on April 29, 2013

Optical Illusion from Liu Bolin, showing the artist's creative process of hiding himself

Hiding in the City No. 71 – Bulldozer, 2008 Photograph
Courtesy Eli Klein Fine Art, © Liu Bolin

A Layer of Paint Hides This Invisible Man

A photo of a bulldozer seems pretty unremarkable.

What about a wall full of toys?

Hiding in New York No. 7 – Made in China, 2012 Photograph
Courtesy Eli Klein Fine Art, © Liu Bolin

Look again.

Did you say, “Oh, I see!”?

Over the past several years, artist Liu Bolin has been creating a photo series, “Hiding in the City,” in which he becomes an invisible man of sorts. Read more...

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China/The World's Photography

Apr

Claudio Garzón’s Recycled Art: It’s Full of Trash

by Janine Boylan on April 22, 2013

Claudio Garzón at work, showing his creative idea for recycled art

Claudio Garzón carefully paints one of his sculptures.
© Claudio Garzón

A Creative Idea for Ocean Plastic

Claudio Garzón cherishes the waterways around his home. He walks along the L.A. River nearly every day and collects things that catch his eye. But he’s not picking up colorful rocks or interesting shells—he’s picking up plastic garbage.

Ocean Plastic Facts

Most of the trash in the ocean and on the beaches is plastic. Unlike paper or wood debris, most plastic never completely biodegrades. Instead it breaks into smaller and smaller and smaller pieces until it isn’t easily seen. But it’s there. Read more...

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Making a Difference/The World's Art & Design

Apr

Sunny with a Chance of Cherry Blossom Petals

by Janine Boylan on April 15, 2013

Japantown Cherry Blossom Festival, showing Japanese cultural traditions

The Beauty in Japanese Traditions

This time of year, many families in Japan are not checking weather sites for weather but for sakura, which are cherry blossom forecasts. This is the season for hanami, or picnics under the pale pink blossoms.

The Cherry Blossom Custom

Centuries ago, emperors and elite began the practice of cherry blossom viewing. Over the years, more and more people adopted the custom, and, in the 1700s, Shogun ruler Tokugawa Yoshimune planted cherry trees specifically to encourage the tradition. Now viewing cherry blossoms is a deeply-rooted part of the Japanese culture. Read more...