Inspired by the natural forms surrounding him, Finnish artist Antti Laitinen works with his environment to create visually stunning works of art. The multidisciplinary artist has been creating his Broken Landscape series since 2017, taking advantage of his home in the countryside to find the perfect trees for his installations.

While the final product, most often seen as a still photograph or video, may look like the work of clever photo editing, it most certainly is real. Laitinen spends hours crafting his work, using steel, wire, and other materials to carve out the desired shapes within the tree's tangle of branches. Combining surrealism and whimsy, these pieces evolve over time as seasons and weather change.

Even prior to Broken Landscape, nature has played a fundamental role in Laitinen's art. In a 2014 interview with the Fotografisk Center, he discusses his choice to incorporate it into his artistic practice: “It is kind of a big playground, and you can do bigger works there. There was a lot of space, and there were a lot of material I could use. A lot of my works are happening in nature; I don’t think of myself as a nature artist; the works are telling about other ideas. They are not necessarily telling about the nature.”

Scroll down to see more from the Broken Landscape series, and follow Antii Laitinen on Instagram.

Multidisciplinary artist Antti Laitinen is known for his land art inspired by the Finnish countryside.

Laitinen spends hours manipulating trees into stunning sculptures.

Combining surrealism and whimsy, these pieces evolve over time as seasons and weather change.

Antti Laitinen: Website | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Antti Laitinen.

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READ: Finnish Artist Manipulates Trees To Create Incredible Land Art

South African sculptor Daniel Popper has been busy. Over the past 12 months, the artist, known for his monumental public sculptures, has created multiple temporary and permanent installations that play on common themes of nature and human relationships.

Popper finished out 2024 with Aeonium, a 16-foot-tall sculpture inspired by the rosette-shaped form of the Aeonium succulent. Installed at EDC Orlando, the sculpture shows a woman covered in succulents. The plants, with their large waxy leaves, creep up her torso and cover her eyes. At night, the piece takes on a different guise. As with many of Popper's sculptures, when the sun sets, projection mapping brings the sculpture to life with patterns and colors. According to the studio, this interplay of light and form is intended to evoke the resilience of nature.

Projection mapping was an important element of another 2024 sculpture by Popper. Permanently installed at the entrance of Miami's Society Wynwood apartment complex, LUMEN is the fruit of two years of work. The stunning sculpture, covered in cracked mosaic tile, is a triumph that emphasizes the emotional impact of handcrafted art. The serene face, surrounded by vine-like sculptures, welcomes residents as they make their way home, projecting an air of calm. During the opening, residents were also treated to a light show, as dazzling array of colors and effects were projected onto the sculpture.

Popper's two other 2024 sculptures also found a permanent home, this time in Alabama. Hallow and Heartwood are displayed on part of the newly established Freedom Monument Sculpture Park in Montgomery, Alabama. This 17-acre park, which opened to the public on Juneteenth, is a unique monument that honors the lives of enslaved people.

Within this context, Popper designed two monumental sculptures that capture the array of emotions felt by these people. With Hallow, Popper tackles sorrow and remembrance through a sculpture of a woman opening a hole in her chest. “The figure’s open chest signifies vulnerability, divine acceptance, and healing, rather than despair,” shares Popper. Installed in the middle of a path, visitors can walk through the sculpture and, in doing so, immerse themselves in these feelings.

Popper's other sculpture for the park, Heartwood, shows a woman cleaved in half, with each part of her body bordering another path through the park. This break is intended to symbolize fracture and resilience. The title of the piece is a nod to the heartwood of a tree, its central core that is resistant to decay, an apt symbol for the resilience of the enslaved people that the park honors.

As we look forward to what Popper has in store for us in the coming year, we can't help but be impressed by his ability to create emotionally and visually striking sculpture that is perfectly adapted to its environment.

South African sculptor Daniel Popper, known for his monumental public art, has had a busy year.

Photo: Karli Evans

Photo: Jonx Pillemer

Popper finished out 2024 with Aeonium, a 16-foot-tall sculpture inspired by the rosette-shaped form of the Aeonium succulent.

Permanently installed at the entrance of Miami's Society Wynwood apartment complex, LUMEN is covered in cracked mosaic tile.

Photo: Karli Evans

Photo: Karli Evans

Photo: Karli Evans

During the opening, projection mapping brought the sculpture to life.

Popper also installed two sculptures at the newly opened Freedom Monument Sculpture Park in Montgomery, Alabama.

Photo: Jonx Pillemer

Photo: Jonx Pillemer

Photo: Jonx Pillemer

This 17-acre park, which opened to the public on Juneteenth, is a unique monument that honors the lives of enslaved people.

Photo: Jonx Pillemer

Photo: Jonx Pillemer

Photo: Jonx Pillemer

Photo: Jonx Pillemer

Daniel Popper: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Daniel Popper.

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READ: Daniel Popper’s Evocative Public Sculpture Speaks to Human Relationships and Nature

Nina Valkhoff

Believing in the ability of art to create a positive environment for learning, aWall Mural Projects has produced over 150 murals at schools across Miami Dade County since 2018. Founded and directed by artist Sergio Arce, who paints under the name Registered Artist, this year's round of murals reached a peak during Miami Art Week. During that time, about 30 international artists descended on Miami to transform bleak school walls into something special.

For Arce, this period is the culmination of hard work that not only involves selecting artists and coordinating their murals, but begins much earlier through fundraising and working with schools to select walls in need of art. For the 2024 edition, he also mentored two college students in the art of mural-making and allowed them to contribute to his two finished pieces.

“The aWall Mural Projects is an incredible example of the positive power of art,” says Eugene Kim, co-founder and editor-in-chief of My Modern Met. “I was honored to meet some of the participating artists while providing media coverage for My Modern Met during Miami Art Week and Art Basel Miami. They are such good-hearted people with amazing talents.

“The stunning large-scale murals they created, at multiple schools across Miami, will impact thousands of children’s lives and I’ve seen comments on social media where students, past and present, are excited and proud that these artworks are being displayed at their schools. Imagine how this will impact their attendance, participation, education, and overall future. Kudos to Sergio (Registered Artist) and all of the participating artists for their massive contributions.

Arce's hard work and dedication to bettering these schools, which are primarily located in low-income areas, is undoubtedly commendable. Drawing on a wide array of skills, he's been able to steer aWall into a shining example of the transformative power of public art. “My Modern Met is proud to donate to the aWalls GoFundMe campaign,” Kim adds. “Our hope is that the community will support them as well so that they can continue to grow and do their important work.”

We had the chance to speak to him about the impetus behind aWall, what it's like managing the festival, and his hopes for the future. Scroll down for My Modern Met's exclusive interview and support future aWall murals through their GoFundMe.

Registered Artist

How long have you been painting and creating your own work out in the street?

I have been painting for over 15 years now and putting my work out in the streets for about maybe 13 years now.

How did aWall come about?

What inspired me to create aWall was seeing some of my peers creating their own art projects. At first, I just wanted to bring more art to blighted areas, but I soon found an opportunity to bring that art to public schools.

Shane Grammer

How does it feel to be on the other side as an organizer and director of a festival, rather than strictly an artist?

Before tackling this task of being an organizer and director of a mural festival, I was a charge nurse at the University of Miami Hospital. This gave me the opportunity to build on my leadership skills, manage a team, and work for a common goal. The biggest challenge I faced at first was just figuring how to start. I think that’s the hardest thing, taking that first step. You learn as you go, and there will always be difficulties and challenges, but without taking the initiative to even start, you will never know what you’re capable of. I believe that the fear of failing holds so many back from doing something great.

Congo

My Dog Sighs

What was the process for getting walls? Did you feel that schools were receptive?

With our first project, the walls were selected for us. The schools were receptive to the project but also weary, as there was no evidence of any previous projects. They really put their faith in us to do a good job and deliver on our promises. Since then, they have placed more trust in the process and have allowed us more freedom to create.

How do you think that street art can enhance public space?

I have first-hand seen how public art can transform public space with the rise of the Wynwood Art District in Miami, FL. It went from a blighted area of Miami to an art mecca recognized worldwide. Most of the schools we partner up with are in low-income areas, and these buildings have this institutional influence, which some find dreary. In all the years we have been doing this project, one of the takeaways we’ve noticed is that students, staff, and parents have all taken more pride in their schools. This has led to more community involvement and increased attendance in these schools.

Natalie Robinson

Wing Chow

What type of curatorial considerations did you make when selecting artists for the project?

The process we take to curate these schools is first finding artists who share the same passion and understanding of the importance of how art programs are to early education. Therefore, we do have a screening process where sketches are submitted, and a panel reviews each submission, ensuring it will have a positive impact on the students and staff of each school. Safety is also a big priority, so we perform background checks and lightly screen social media presence to get a feel for the artist's personality.

What was the biggest challenge during Miami Art Week in getting such a large number of walls pulled off?

Currently, the biggest challenge we face during Miami Art Week is just getting through the traffic. It sounds silly, but when you have multiple schools in various areas in Miami, traffic plays a huge factor in being able to successfully complete all these murals.

MORAZUL

Patrick Maxcy

What do you hope that people take away from aWall?

What I would like people to take away from the work we are doing here with aWall is that art programs and initiatives do have a big impact on our communities. We hope to find more organizations supporting these types of initiatives.

Dodici

Registered Artist

What's next for you and for aWall?

I’m hoping to take a few weeks off to reflect on this year’s project and see how we can improve and build a bigger impact for the upcoming year.

Registered Artist: Instagram | Facebook
aWall Mural Projects: Instagram | Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Registered Artist.

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The art of painting reaches back in time across history, whether used to decorate ancient artifacts or spread across canvases by famous artists. Today, painting still represents one of the highest forms of art, and whether you are a beginner or a seasoned creative, there is always more to learn. That is where My Modern Met Academy comes in.

As an online creative learning platform, we're all about helping all levels of artists reach their potential. And when it comes to painting, we've tapped skilled artists to share their knowledge. From working with acrylics to discovering how to create mixed-media artwork, there's something for everyone.

In every one of our courses, you'll walk step by step through lessons on materials and techniques and then work with the instructors to complete your own paintings. All classes are on-demand, which means that you can start and stop whenever you want and go at your own pace.

Scroll down to see five of our favorite painting courses.

Here are 5 online painting classes from My Modern Met Academy to get started and/or further your skills.

Abstract Realism: Introduction to Mixed Media Painting

In this intermediate mixed-media painting class, artist Dimitra Milan shares techniques to create your own piece of abstract realist art. She will show you step-by-step how to create a canvas in a style she calls “abstract realism.” Start with an abstract background, draw out your subject, and then use acrylics to bring it to life. Once you start, you won't want to stop.

Acrylic Painting Masterclass: Explore Color & Abstract Landscape Painting

Dive into contemporary landscape painting using acrylics with artist Luiza Niechoda. Designed for intermediate learners or intrepid beginners, there's a lot of information packed into this three-hour class. Learn to stretch your own canvas, paint crisp lines, and create a hue matrix that will last for years to come. Then, work with Niechoda to bring everything together and create two abstract landscape paintings.

Dappled Light: Learn Abstract Painting with Acrylics

This abstract painting course uses paint-along lessons to create beautiful art using acrylics. Megan Elizabeth believes that working abstractly can be quite enjoyable and relaxing with the right mentality. Through her course, you will find inspiration in both nature and light and turn them into beautiful art. You will then come away with your very own abstract acrylic painting inspired by dappled light.

Dream Your Own Abstract Acrylic Floral Paintings

Appreciate the beauty of flowers in a whole new way when you learn how to paint them using an abstract style and acrylic pigment. Through in-depth video lessons, Nitika Ale will teach you how to curate inspiration images, break down the essential techniques, and craft your own dreamy floral imagery.

Introduction to Watercolor Painting

Botanical artist Victoria Beyer breaks down everything you need to know about this much-loved medium, from the type of paper to use to different special effects you can achieve.  Discover everything from wet-on-wet to dry brushing and create two watercolor paintings—a landscape and a still life.

My Modern Met Academy: Website | Facebook | Instagram

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READ: 5 Online Painting Classes To Grow Your Skills as an Artist

Conservation photographer Ami Vitale is no stranger to lending a helping hand. From shining an international spotlight on the plight of endangered rhinos to co-founding Vital Impacts, a non-profit that uses fine art photography to raise funds for environmental organizations, Vitale is always thinking of what she can do to assist others. And, in light of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, she continues to be an example by doing what she can to help fire victims.

Currently, she is offering a free print of her image A Hopeful Sign to anyone who has lost their home in the LA fires or were impacted by other devastating climate events like the recent floods in Ashevilla, North Carolina. The image shows a black rhino resting under a rainbow at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. One thousand copies are currently available to those who reach out to 1000prints@vitalimpacts.org, and will be shipped as soon as the person is ready to receive it. Anyone who loves the print but was not impacted by the fire, can purchase it as part of the Vital Impacts annual print sale, with proceeds going toward the protection of the Amazon.

Vitale's thoughtful gesture comes from a personal place. “My sister lost her house in the Ventura fire in 2016 and the thing that upset her the most was losing her art,” the photographer writes on Instagram. In doing her part to give back, Vitale is stepping up and showing that even the smallest gestures can have a great impact.

When someone loses their home, they not only lose the physical place but all of the items and the memories that are attached to them. This image will perhaps go a long way in making whatever new space these homeowners lost a calm, comforting space to create new memories.

If you want to help those who have been affected by the fires in the LA area, check out this list of wildfire relief initiatives. For those affected by the fires, please refer to this updated list of resources for shelter, food, clothing, pet care, and more.

Ami Vitale: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Vital Impacts: Website | Instagram | Facebook

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

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“Dancing White Tips” by Eduardo Labat. Overall Winner and Winner, Black & White
Location: Roca Partida. Revillagigedo, Mexico
“It was our last dive of the day, in the afternoon with sunlight fading. At Roca Partida, most white tip sharks congregate in small groups at various ledges throughout the rock formation. On this particular afternoon, a large aggregation of white tips started forming some distance from the rock. Dozens of sharks formed a tight group at an approximate depth of 25 feet. The sharks were not hunting or exhibiting aggressive behavior. After witnessing this rare event from the periphery of the formation, I slowly ascended to hover just above it. That is where I took this picture. From above, the sharks seemed to be swimming in synchrony in a circular motion. It was beautiful to witness. I decided to use black and white for this picture both because of how the geometry of the formation looked in this style and also because of the natural contrast one can appreciate in black and white regarding the shark tips in relation to the rest of their bodies.”

Whether its capturing the moment babies are hatched from a fishes mouth or a moment of squid cannibalism, the winners of the 2024 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Contest show us a side of the seas we never knew existed. This year's contest, which is organized by the Underwater Photography Guide, broke records with participants from over 90 countries. Each photographer entered their best underwater imagery across 14 distinct categories, but it was Eduardo Labat who came out on top.

Labat's black and white photo of white tip sharks, taken in Mexico, is hypnotic. The sharks' swirling bodies almost form a spiral and Labat's choice to forgo color provides a fascinating contrast between the water, the animals' bodies, and the white tips of their fins. This strong composition also won the Black & White category, in addition to being named the overall winner.

Other standouts include Yoichi Sato's documentation of an incredible moment when a male Cardinalfish released a swarm of freshly hatched babies from its mouth. This photo, captured in Japan, won the Marine Life Behavior category. Kyungshin Kim also captured a stunning display of behavior in his winning photo from the Blackwater category. What the photographer initially believed was a squid mating ritual turned out to be a larger squid feasting on a smaller member of the species.

“This year’s Ocean Art competition was nothing short of extraordinary,” said Nirupam Nigam, organizer of the contest and president of Bluewater Photo & editor-in-chief of the Underwater Photography Guide. “The talent and vision displayed by our participants have set new benchmarks for underwater photography. These images do more than win awards; they captivate hearts and minds, reaching millions globally and reminding us of our shared responsibility to protect the ocean’s beauty. It’s an honor to see the competition grow in scope and impact every year.”

Scroll down to see more winners and then head over to the Underwater Photography Guide for the full winners and finalists gallery.

Here are the incredible winners of the 2024 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Contest.

“Exceptional Shipping” by Stefano Cerbai. Winner, Portrait
Location: Australia
“I was on my honeymoon in Australia, and among the many incredible places we visited was Southern Australia, where I had the chance to dive and search for the elusive sea dragon – an animal I had dreamed of seeing for years. I was incredibly lucky not only to find and observe one but also to capture a photograph of it carrying its eggs, which it was protecting on its back near its tail. This unforgettable experience was truly a dream come true.”

“Blue Sun Rising” by Julian Gunther. 2nd Place, Wide Angle
Location: Chubut Province, Patagonia, Argentina
“This photo was taken under a professional photography permit issued by the Argentine government and under direct supervision of Argentine authorities. This was shot using ambient light as strobes can disturb the animals and often will blow-up suspended particulate anyway. For this particular shot, I was free-diving in about 30ft (9m) of water looking for whales to photograph when this adult took a keen interest in me. It spent well over 30 minutes with me, doing a few close passes, but mostly swimming around me and doing underwater acrobatics such as going inverted or swimming around me while at a 90-degree angle to the seafloor. I wasn't sure if it was doing it for fun or to amuse/impress me (I'm probably anthropomorphizing, but I like to think that's what I might have been doing).”

“Juvenile Batfish” by Adam Martin. Winner, Macro
Location: Tulamben, Bali, Indonesia
“This juvenile batfish was found at 85′ depth in Tulamben, Bali, Indonesia. A snoot was used to try and isolate the flash to the subject, without lighting up too much of the background. The lighting highlights the texture and structure of the fish's body, emphasizing its graceful lines and vivid coloration.”

“Light” by Hwanhee Kim. Winner, Wide Angle
Location: Mexico, Rancho Viejo, Carwash
“LIGHT is nature's greatest gift. The week before I captured this shot, heavy rains fell in Cancun. Sediment and nutrients from the nearby CARWASH were washed into the cenote, creating stunning colors due to the difference in concentration. Rain is typically a challenge for underwater photography, but in this instance, it produced vibrant hues rarely seen underwater. Sunlight, with its strong vitality, pierced through the reddish waters, revealing a magical moment. The light served as a connection between the land and the underwater world, as well as between nature and humans. I felt privileged to witness this beauty and fortunate to have been able to document it.”

“Patterned Safe Haven” by Imogen Manins. 2nd Place, Macro
Location: Rye Pier, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia
“In the cold, dark of night mid-winter waters of Port Phillip Bay, I decided to go in search of small creatures that may be living on sessile invertebrates. On examining a Ladder Ascidian I found this Pygmy Leatherjacket of approximately 20mm, its highly compressed body with cryptic pattern of ocelli matching perfectly to its host. Most often I have seen these timid fish residing close to similarly colored sargassum seaweeds, so this was a special sighting for me.”

These fascinating photos captured everything from rare animal behavior to conservation efforts.

“Born From Mouth” by Yoichi Sato. Winner, Marine Life Behavior
Location: Minamisatsuma, Kagoshima, Japan
“I was fortunate to capture the irreplaceable moment of a tiny creature hatching. On a midsummer night, while most creatures were fast asleep, a male Ostorhinchus properuptus, having completed a week-long incubation period, summoned all its energy and, with a trembling motion, released a swarm of larvae from its mouth. To minimize stress on the fish, I observed the process under a dim red light. During the hatch-out moment, I used red lighting with a special setting that turned off the red light as soon as the strobe's pre-flash was detected. This setup effectively eliminated red light interference in the photograph, ensuring the image captured the moment as naturally as possible.”

“Hunting” by Kyungshin Kim. Winner, Blackwater
Location: Anilao, Philippines
“I captured this shot during a blackwater dive in Anilao last November. At first, I noticed two squids stuck together and assumed they were mating. However, upon closer inspection, I realized they were not mating, one squid was eating the other, a smaller squid. Squids are known to engage in cannibalism, but it's rare to witness small squids eating each other during a blackwater dive. I carefully followed and observed them, managing to capture a few photos. After about 10 minutes, the color of the smaller squid, which was being consumed, began to fade. Finally, it released a spurt of black ink. Shortly after, the squid that had finished eating slowly disappeared into the distance, while the squid that became its prey sank into the dark depths of the sea.”

“Turtle Consevation” by Tom Vierus. 2nd Place, Underwater Conservation
Location: Dravuni Island, Kadavu Province, Fiji
“As part of a photographic assignment to document the turtle conservation program implemented by WWF Pacific in Fiji, I joined WWF staff & turtle monitor volunteers at three locations in the country. Besides monitoring and recording data from known nesting beaches, the teams also monitored adult turtle populations in the waters surrounding the islands. During one such scouting trip through the waters near Dravuni Island in Fiji's southern part, one of the villagers spotted a green turtle from the boat at about 20m depth. He was a skilled freediver and carefully slid into the water. I joined him shortly after and followed him down with my housing, freediving as far as I could with my skills and the housing with attachments. It was impressive to witness: He dove down, approached the turtle, caught it with his hands, and brought it to the boat, where he passed it to the team for a number of measurements. This is the moment you see in this photo. Time is of the essence, and everything has to go as fast as possible, so I knew I didn't have a lot of chances to capture this moment. I tried to get as close as possible while framing an over/under shot, minding the wave action, making sure the settings were on point and everything was in focus. After a few minutes, the turtle was released back into the water unharmed and swam off. The data will help to formulate robust conservation plans for the turtles in the waters of Fiji, an urgent necessity given that the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies green turtles as' Endangered'.”

The competition named winners across 14 diverse categories.

“Longnose Hawkfish” by Naomi Springett. Winner, Compact Macro
Location: Great Barrier Reef, Australia
“For our honeymoon, we joined a liveaboard dive trip to the Great Barrier Reef. This photo was taken on one of the nicest dives of the trip; a thriving coral bommie with abundant macro life. Perched proudly on the Black Sun Coral (Tubastraea micranthus), this Longnose Hawkfish (Oxycirrhites typus) was not too concerned with my presence and, much to my delight, sat still long enough for me to get a few photos before it swam away. With so many tropical fish being camera shy, this was a rare treat. Black Sun Coral is among my favourite corals; the rich green colours provided a contrasting background for this striking fish, making this one of my favorite moments from a very special diving trip.”

“Face to Face” by Sylvie Ayer. 2nd Place, Black & White
Location: Alimatha in Vaavu Atoll, Maldive
“One of my favorite place in the Maldives is Alimatha. This is a great place to do a night dive with a lot of nurse sharks. I could spend hours to dive there. This nurse shark was just laying on the floor and I moved the slowest I can to approach a maximum to this shark. It took time but at the end I was really close to it.”

“Fight” by Reiko Takahashi. 2nd Place, Marine Life Behavior
Location: Japan, Area Kitakoura, Sado, Nigata dive site – Akaiwa
“I took this photo in Sado, Japan. This diving point is called “Akaiwa” and is a sacred place for the Asian Sheepshead Wrasse. This photo shows two males fighting over territory. On the right is the winner with a wider mouth, the boss of this Akaiwa. He has a name and is called “Yamato.””

“Feast and Fornication” by Jenny Stock. 2nd Place, Nudibranchs
“Here, two nudibranch use their extended gonophors to mate, whilst simultaneously enjoying the delights of a good meal of green tendrils. Nudibranchs are hermaphrodites, meaning they have both male and female reproductive organs but they can't fertilize themselves, so they need to find a partner to mate with. After cross-fertilisation (and finishing their meal) they would both go onto lay their own egg spiral. Thanks to dive guide Regie Casia and Rutherford Parutanin for their assistance with this dive at Kirby's Rock.”

“Long Live the Queen!” by Lucie Drlikova. Winner, Underwater Fashion
Location: Swimming pool, 8 meters deep, Aquapalace Praha, Czech Republic, Europe
“Long Live the Queen: Underwater Photography of Evil Queen, lifted by her demons, from Snow White fairytale. This photo is part of my personal project Once Upon a Dream in Waterland, which I've been working on for 7 years. This project represents a return to my childhood dreams. All costumes, scenes and props are hand made by myself.”

“Hooded nudibranchs” by Borut Furlan. Winner, Nudibranchs
“This was my first visit to Vancouver Island in October 2024 and my first visit to Canada at all. I didn't have much knowledge about the area; therefore, I decided to use a wide-angle zoom lens on most of my dives because of its diversity. It turned out that this was a good idea since I had the opportunity to photograph a wide selection of objects (except the smallest ones). When I reached the kelp forest with hooded nudibranchs, I was simply shocked. I have never before seen so many nudibranchs in one spot. There were many thousands of them and they were everywhere, on the bottom, on the kelp and they were even swimming. I shot hundreds of various images of them and this one is one from this series.”

“Hunting in the Night” by Marco Lausdei. Winner, Compact Wide Angle
Location: Maldives – Fish head dive site
“We are at one of the most famous night dive sites in the world: Maya Thila. I noticed a whitetip reef shark moving in cyclical patterns, visibly attracted to a cloud of silverfish positioned along the Thila drop-off. Using a nearby boulder for cover, I carefully hid and minimized my bubbles, trying to get as close as possible without disturbing the predator's behavior. Once the shark grew accustomed to my presence, I waited for one of its cyclical movements to bring it within flash range. I timed the shot to capture not only the shark but also the evasive motion of the cloud of potential prey. The shot was taken from a bottom-to-top angle, intentionally including the surface of the sea to add depth and dimension to the image. Understanding the subject's habits and behavior was essential to the success of this shot.”

“Curious Cormorant” by James Emery. Winner, Cold Water
Location: Metridium Fields, Monterey, California
“During a dive in Monterey, I was photographing the Metridium fields when I noticed a cormorant swimming down towards us. To my surprise, it began pecking at my wife's head, but she was completely unfazed. I quickly swam over to get a few shots, and then the cormorant's attention shifted to the reflection in my camera's dome port. It stayed with us for about 20 minutes, swimming up for air before returning to check us out again. It was a unique and playful moment that gave me a glimpse into the curiosity of the cormorant, and I was lucky enough to capture it.”

It was a record-breaking year, with participants from over 90 countries.

“Fire Babies” by Jenny Stock. 2nd Place, Underwater Digital Art
“Cardinalfish are mouthbrooders. Females release an egg mass close to her chosen male. The male fertilises these eggs, then takes them into his mouth for incubation. Fathers are then unable to eat during the incubation period, although research has shown that they may partake in partial brood cannibalism – eating up to thirty percent of his brood.
On a dive at Atlantis Dumaguete, I slowly approached this egg laden male. I waited patiently until he opened his mouth and aerated his babies. Later, in photoshop, I felt the bright orange of the cardinalfish would work well as licking flames. I got to work and made a smokey fire creation. Many thanks to Norway Luardo for his guiding skills at Atlantis Dumaguete.”

“Blue Face” by Eduardo Acevedo. 2nd Place, Portrait
Location: Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
“Some days in September and October offer the best opportunities to capture great images of pilot whales. However, it's essential to wait until they are truly calm and relaxed. When the sea is like glass, the sun is in the perfect position between 9:30 and 11:00 a.m., there's zero wind, and the pilot whales are cooperative, it becomes possible to take an exceptional photo. But believe me, achieving all these conditions in the wild is incredibly challenging. I truly appreciated this rare moment as a photographer. This photo was taken with special permission from the Ministry of Ecological Transition in Spain.”

“Blanket Reflection” by Kat Zhou. 2nd Place, Blackwater
Location: Anilao, Philippines
“I spent a week diving in Anilao, hoping to get the chance to photograph an adult female blanket octopus. One of my final nights, we ended up finding two octopuses! One of them swam away when we saw it, but this one stayed around for quite some time. Of course, we found her at the very end of the dive, and I had exactly 0 air left in my tank when she fully unfurled her cape, but luckily she was right at the surface – I keep a snorkel in my pocket when I dive, and this was the first time I've actually had to use it!”

“The Golden Yawn” by Nemer Chua. 2nd Place, Compact Behavior
Location: Anilao, Mabini, Batangas, Philippines
“A once-in-a-lifetime chance and pure luck! After more than 500 dives, I never imagined capturing such a rare moment a yawning Plotosus lineatus, commonly known as the striped eel catfish. I did't even realize it was yawning at first. It was a breathtaking moment, and I felt incredibly fortunate to witness it. This photo was taken in Anilao, Mabini, Batangas, Philippines, using my compact Olympus TG7 and MF2 Snoot. It's a testament to the power of luck, patience, and perseverance!”

“Drowning in Plastic” by Kimber Greenwood. Winner, Underwater Conservation
Location: USA, High Springs, Florida, Jonathan Springs
“This image was created as part of an awareness project for the Florida Springs Council about the impacts of water bottling on the local Florida Springs. Over 300 bottles of water are produced every minute at water bottling plants such as the ones located just minutes from the Spring this image was shot at. Not only are these bottles ending up in landfills and introducing micro-plastics into our environment, the bottling of “Spring Water” is causing a loss of water from the Floridian Aquifer which is reducing water levels and water flow, allowing for deterioration of the Springs and rivers. The bottles used for this image were donated from a local conservation activist who pulled them off the production belt of a local bottling plant. The images created from this campaign are used in on-going social media and print advertising campaigns to encourage individuals to make a better choice to use reusable water bottles over plastic bottles that harm the local Florida environment in many significant ways.”

“Desire” by Unkoo Kim. Winner, Underwater Digital Art
Location: Seogwipo, Jeju Island, South Korea
“The sea at Seogwipo, where I captured this image, is a place close to my heart, filling me with warmth and cherished memories. However, it is far from an ideal environment for underwater photography. The water is often murky, and the currents are strong. While other locations may face similar challenges, Seogwipo's waters have been further impacted by rising sea temperatures, a lack of subjects, and other factors that make photography particularly difficult. I wondered, how could I create images that truly capture the beauty of the sea creatures inhabiting Seogwipo's waters? The idea of using light as a background to highlight these creatures came to mind, and I set out to convey the stunning beauty hidden within Seogwipo's challenging waters. I took this image during the best season of the year. To capture a front-view image of the main subject, the Blue hana goby, I spent countless hours observing and getting close to them. Many shots had to be discarded along the way. Imagining the dynamic interplay of the Blue hana goby with bokeh lights, I used tools I had prepared in advance and a modified vintage lens to combine multiple exposures with firework bokeh images. While capturing firework images is not particularly difficult, it requires meticulous preparation, effort, practice, and, most importantly, time to build a connection with the subjects.”

“Mutualism” by Naomi Springett. Winner, Compact Behavior
Location: Great Barrier Reef, Australia
“This Bluestreak Cleaner wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus) and Variegated Lizardfish (Synodus variegatus) were spotted on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. These fish are an example of mutualistic symbiosis, this means that both species benefit from their association with one another. The cleaner wrasse nibbles dead skin and parasites off the larger fish, providing the cleaner fish with food and leaving the lizardfish clean and healthy. Usually Lizardfish are quite skittish, not tolerating photographers to get too close, but this individual was quite content to pose for photos during its clean. I was amazed to watch the smaller fish dart all over the Lizardfish, even into its mouth, demonstrating incredible trust on the part of the smaller fish, eventually settling right on top of the Lizardfish's head!”

“Juvenile Pike” by Enrico Somogyi. 2nd Place, Compact Wide Angle
Location: Lake Kulkwitz, Leipzig, Germany
“Last summer, I was snorkeling in Lake Kulkwitz, located near my home. In the shallow water, I discovered many juvenile pikes. This particular pike was very relaxed and allowed me to approach closely. For this shot, I used a macro wide-angle lens from Nauticam with a 160-degree field of view. I zoomed out until I achieved this circular perspective and captured some beautiful shots of the pike near the surface.”

“Plunge” by Kat Zhou. 2nd Place, Cold Water
Location: Shetland, UK
“I took this photo during a trip to dive with Northern Gannets in Shetland. Gannets can hit the water at speeds of up to 60mph, making the experience both exciting and chaotic. The gannets were diving from all directions, and it was hard to choose where to aim my camera! I tried to photograph any bird that zoomed by, and I liked how this photo showed the motion of a gannet slowing down its dive.”

Underwater Photography Guide: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Underwater Photography Guide.

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Photographer Austin Bell takes us on a unique journey through Hong Kong via his images of basketball courts. Bell managed to photograph all 2,549 courts in the city, an impressive feat that took meticulous research and multiple trips to the city. Now, he's celebrating the fruits of his labor with the opening of a solo exhibition and the release of his self-published book.

Shooting Hoops is both the name of his show at Hong Kong's Blue Lotus Gallery and his 356-page book. The Shooting Hoops book, which can be ordered via Bell's website or, for international buyers, the Blue Lotus Gallery, features over 1,000 color images that demonstrate the size, scale, and location of these courts.

Bell's aerial photography not only shows off the surprising beauty of these playing surfaces, but also emphasizes the city's density. Courts are tucked away between skyscrapers or under railway tracks, eager to provide leisure time in the big city. In anticipation of the exhibition, which runs from January 17 to February 23, we had the opportunity to speak with Bell about the inspiration behind his project and discover just how difficult it was to document every court in Hong Kong. Read on for My Modern Met's exclusive interview.

What was the impetus behind this project?

I stumbled upon basketball courts when I was first exploring Hong Kong, in housing estates, on top of car parks, behind school fences… They intrigued me enough that on a future trip, I decided to solely focus on seeking them out, and once I started I decided I needed to try to see all of them in the city, both as a way to make sure I had documented the most interesting ones and as a way to fully explore the city.

How long did it take you to complete the photos, and what were the logistics like?

It took 140 full days of shooting over multiple visits to Hong Kong. I used public transit, which is very efficient in Hong Kong, so there was a little planning in getting from place to place, but most of it was done in advance, figuring out where all the courts were, working around the weather, making sure I had them all organized/labeled and covered.

How did you go about locating all of the basketball courts?

I started by identifying them on Google Maps satellite view, then filled in the holes with further research and looking on the ground at places like schools and housing estates where they would normally be.

What did this series teach you about Hong Kong and its culture?

One of the main things about the basketball courts of the city being everywhere is that you get to see every side of the city, from the skyscrapers of Hong Kong island to the old, gritty buildings of Kowloon to the new uniform estates in the New Territories, courts next to the sea and on top of mountains. The diverse topography of Hong Kong is unparalleled.

How did you go about selecting the images in the exhibition?

We wanted to showcase images that tried to capture the range of topography of the city as well as the different views of courts—groups of them surrounded by buildings looking down from above, uniform shots of them from the ground looking head-on at the basket, courts in nature and courts among the city, as well as examples of the unique designs and color of some of the courts.

What do you hope that people take away from the images?

I hope people see a new side of Hong Kong, whether they have never been here or lived here all their lives, and start noticing the ubiquity and artistry of what some would think of as a mundane sports-playing surface in the city.

What's next for you?

I continue to be fascinated by Hong Kong and its idiosyncrasies—a few other things caught my eye while I was shooting courts all over the city that I may put together into a project, though probably not as intense as this one.

Exhibition Information:
Austin Bell
Shooting Hoops
January 17, 2025 – February 23, 2025
Blue Lotus Gallery in Hong Kong
28 Pound Lane
Sheung Wan
Hong Kong

Austin Bell: Website | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by the Blue Lotus Gallery.

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READ: Photographer Documents Over 2,500 Colorful Basketball Courts in Hong Kong

Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met

Honda is stepping into the future with its sleek, technology-packed 0 series. These electric vehicles signal a new era and rebranding for the car manufacturer, with many new design and technology features. The Honda 0 Saloon and Honda 0 SUV, which debuted at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, are expected to go to market in North America in 2026.

My Modern Met Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief Eugene Kim was invited to Honda's Torrance, California, headquarters for a close-up look at both vehicles after initially viewing them at CES. Each car features sleek curves with an aerodynamic exterior. Inside, Honda has maximized space, a conscious choice built around the company's “thin, light, and wise” approach.

While one expects a large interior in an SUV, Honda's design choice really comes to life in the flagship Honda 0 Saloon. The car's sporty design and low cabin would make you think that a cramped interior awaits, but that is not the case. Honda has managed to create an interior that is surprisingly roomy for a car of this nature.

Both vehicles mark the debut of Honda's original vehicle operating system (OS), the ASIMO OS. Named after a humanoid robot Honda developed 20 years ago, the operating system will apply integrated management of electronic control units (ECUs) for vehicle systems such as automated driving/advanced driver assistance systems (AD/ADAS) and in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) system.

Thanks to over-the-air (OTA) updates, the car's functions and services will continually update to meet the driver's preferences. This makes the truly custom car ownership experience. In addition, Honda 0 vehicles will feature Level 3 automated driving, which allows divers to complete a second task while the vehicle oversees operation of the vehicle.

For added safety, Honda has developed technology to anticipate driving conditions and scenarios in order to eliminate collisions that “a human driver could have avoided.” They are also incorporating AI learning into the car in order to learn and improve upon the automated driving system.

And, of course, an electric vehicle must take its energy needs into consideration. Honda is already part of an automaker consortium that is expanding the number of charging stations across the United States, but Honda 0 will incorporate smart at-home charging technology to cut down on energy costs. Interestingly, the EV can also send electricity back to the power grid when it's in short supply, allowing owners to earn from their vehicles.

“The Honda approach to the art of making things has always been human-centric. The same is true with the 0 Series,” Katsushi Inoue, Honda senior managing executive officer, Electrification Business Development Operations shares at CES 2025. “Our EVs will offer ‘ultra-personal optimization' by thinking completely about the customer, and optimizing all details including precise control settings for vehicle dynamics.

“Like a smartphone, various functions of 0 Series models will continue to advance even after the purchase. The more it is used, the more personalized it will become.”

While a price point has yet to be revealed, Honda expects that both the Honda 0 Saloon and Honda 0 SUV will come to market in North America in 2026, with a global rollout shortly after.

Honda is stepping into the future with its sleek, technology-packed 0 series.

Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met

Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met

“Like a smartphone, various functions of 0 Series models will continue to advance even after the purchase. The more it is used, the more personalized it will become.”

Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met

Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met

These electric vehicles signal a new era and rebranding for the car manufacturer, with many new design and technology features.

Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met

Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met

Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met

Both vehicles feature sleek, futuristic designs and mark the debut of Honda's original vehicle operating system (OS), the ASIMO OS.

Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met

Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met

The Honda 0 series is also equipped with Level 3 automated driving, which allows drivers to complete a second task while on the road.

Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met

The Honda 0 Saloon and Honda 0 SUV, which debuted at CES 20205 in Las Vegas, are expected to go to market in North America in 2026.

 

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A post shared by My Modern Met (@mymodernmet)

Honda: Website | Facebook | Instagram

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In January 2012, artist Nick Cave was invited to spend a month in Dakar, Senegal, to gain inspiration for a large-scale installation to be installed at the city's U.S. Embassy. This residency, part of the U.S. Department of State Art in Embassies (AIE) program, allowed him to create a stunning installation based on the cross-cultural dialogue he experienced with local artists.

Cave used his time in Senegal's capital to engage with local artists, finding inspiration in these encounters. This would translate to the final piece, a 20-by-25-foot bas-relief weighing approximately 500 pounds. It took Cave three months and the help of 10 assistants to create the piece, which is primarily made from pony beads and pipe cleaners. The artist also incorporated sequins, as well as found objects from the United States and Senegal.

Together, the materials form a vibrant web symbolizing unity. A true cross-cultural work, this piece was created by Cave in his Chicago studio and incorporated work by local Senegalese artists Seni M’Baye, Loman Pawlitschek, and Daouda N’Diaye on-site.

“For me, when, you know, people are experiencing the piece, I have to be open to what they see and how they respond to it and allow that to be another part of this sort of broad dialogue around an emotion,” the artist shares in a 2013 video produced by AIE. “It’s part of this sort of opportunity for people to intersect and have interesting conversation around ideas. It’s part of the magic.”

Cave's piece is just one part of the Department of State's extensive art program, which presents approximately 60 exhibitions per year and has helped create over 70 permanent art collections in over 200 diplomatic facilities in 189 countries.

In 2012, artist Nick Cave was invited to spend a month in Senegal as part of the U.S. Department of State Art in Embassies (AIE) program.

The resulting artwork, installed in the U.S. Embassy in Dakar in 2013, weighs approximately 500 pounds.

Primarily made from pony beads and pipe cleaners, it was inspired by his encounters with local artists.

Watch this short film to see how Cave's incredible bas-relief came to life.

Nick Cave: Instagram 

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Jack Shainman Gallery.

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Artist Charles Pétillon is known for his monumental balloon installations, which have been staged around the world. Now, he's shifting gears and merging his balloon art and photography to create surreal imagery from carefully crafted sets. The result of this is Weightlessness, Pétillon's solo exhibition at Danysz Gallery in Paris.

Pétillon's white balloons give rise to ethereal scenes, whether rising up in a misty landscape or billowing out of Brutalist architecture. In some whimsical images, a figure appears, legs peeking out from the balloons. Almost appearing to carry the person away, the French artist's hybrid creature allows us to enter his creative world.

For the exhibition, Pétillon is also opening up the creative process. Audio and visual experiences, including the artist's personal narration and a behind-the-scenes video, give insight into what it takes to bring his vision to life. Danysz Gallery calls Weightlessness an exhibition where “imperfection unveils unexpected beauty while subtly questioning our world and its challenges, from ecology to humanity’s role, urbanization, and sensitive beauty.”

Running from February 8, 2025, to March 8, 2025, the show is a fascinating opportunity to see the magic that can occur when installation art and fine art photography come together. Scroll down to see an exclusive preview of the work on show.

Artist Charles Pétillon is known for his monumental balloon installations, which have been staged around the world.

In his new exhibition, Weightlessness, he's shifting gears to create surreal imagery from carefully crafted sets.

Exhibition Information:
Charles Pétillon
Weightlessness
February 8, 2025 – March 8, 2025
Danysz Gallery in Paris, France
78 Rue Amelot, 75011 Paris, France

Charles Pétillon: Website | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Danysz Gallery.

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