The Influence of the Silk Road on Artistic Exchange
The Silk Road was more than a trade route—it was a bridge between civilizations. From 130 BC to the 15th century AD, it connected China with Persia, the Islamic world, and Europe…
Latest Stories
Our growing archive of info about art, design, and culture.
Love Story: Childe Hassam and Maud Hassam
Few love stories intertwine as seamlessly with artistic brilliance as that of Childe Hassam and Maud Hassam. Their bond was not just a marriage but a lifelong partnership that shaped one of…
Inspiration: “Mr and Mrs Andrews,” by Thomas Gainsborough
Thomas Gainsborough’s Mr and Mrs Andrews is one of the most captivating portraits of 18th-century British art. Painted around 1750, this oil on canvas masterpiece blends portraiture with landscape in a way…
Book Review: Grid Systems in Graphic Design by Josef Müller-Brockmann
Josef Müller-Brockmann’s Grid Systems in Graphic Design is a cornerstone of modern design education, offering a deep dive into the structure and logic behind grid-based layouts. First published in 1981, this book…
The History of Tattoos as Art
Tattooing is one of the oldest and most widespread art forms in human history, serving as both a deeply personal expression and a cultural tradition. For thousands of years, people across different…
Inspiration: “The Burial of the Sardine” by Goya
Kind of fun. Kind of creepy. Francisco Goya’s The Burial of the Sardine is one of the most enigmatic and electrifying paintings in his extensive body of work. This small yet vivid…
Love Story: Caravaggio and Fillide Melandroni
Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio and Fillide Melandroni’s relationship was one of passion, artistry, and turmoil, set against the backdrop of Baroque Rome. Caravaggio, a painter of raw intensity and dramatic realism, found…
DMT and Art: Exploring the Psychedelic Connection
DMT, or Dimethyltryptamine, has long been associated with mystical experiences, profound visions, and the expansion of consciousness. Known as the “spirit molecule,” this naturally occurring psychedelic has captivated scientists, shamans, and artists…
Street Art Is Destroying Our Cities: An Unchecked Epidemic
Street art is often praised as a bold form of self-expression, but in reality, it is contributing to the slow destruction of our cities. What once existed in hidden alleyways or abandoned…
Schönbrunn Palace: Vienna’s Majestic Baroque Gem
Schönbrunn Palace is one of Vienna’s most iconic landmarks, offering visitors a breathtaking glimpse into Austria’s imperial past. Once the summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty, this magnificent Baroque palace has stood…
Inspiration: “Café Terrace at Night,” by Vincent van Gogh
IntroductionVincent van Gogh’s Café Terrace at Night is one of the most iconic and beloved paintings of the 19th century. Created in September 1888 in the French town of Arles, the artwork…
How Trade Routes Influenced Art in the Ancient World
Trade routes have long served as conduits for more than just goods and commodities; they also facilitated the exchange of artistic styles, materials, and techniques. Across the ancient world, civilizations flourished due…
