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Una publicación compartida por Lonelyman (@lowcostcosplayth)

Halloween is typically when people wear costumes, but dressing up as someone or something else year-round can be a creative exercise. Just ask Anucha Saengchart, aka Lonelyman. The content creator routinely shares his funny costume ideas on Instagram. Every single pop culture character is game, but there is one unifying thread—they are all low-cost costumes, cleverly executed by whatever he has on hand. Despite the limited budget, it's really amusing to see him nail every single one.

Rather than sharing a detailed video tutorial, Saengchart shares the elaboration process for his costumes in his now-signature four-panel format. Most of the time, you wouldn't guess where his plans will lead to from the first panel, but once you see it all unravel, you'll be surprised by how he can turn household items into completely unexpected props.

Recently, the thrifty cosplayer turned into Aemond Targaryen from House of the Dragon, and it all began with him cooking some noodles. After some quick thinking, the noodles became Aemond's long white hair, and the black ladle served as the eye patch he now wears after Lucerys Velaryon slashed his face with a dagger.

Saengchart's playful imagination also propels him to turn into non-human characters, like Doge, a few Pokémon, and even a KFC chicken thigh. Sometimes, he also recruits his pet cats to join him on his costume mission, which has seen them transformed into Studio Ghibli characters and the Eye of Sauron.

To stay up to date with his quick and affordable costumes, you can follow Low Cost Cosplay on Instagram.

Anucha Saengchart, aka Lonelyman, shares his funny costume ideas year-round.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Lonelyman (@lowcostcosplayth)

Every single pop culture character is game, but there is one unifying thread—they are all low-cost costumes, cleverly executed by whatever he has on hand.

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Lonelyman (@lowcostcosplayth)

Despite the limited budget, it's really amusing to see him nail every single one.

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Lonelyman (@lowcostcosplayth)

Rather than sharing a detailed video tutorial, Saengchart shares the process behind his costumes in his now-signature four-panel format.

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Lonelyman (@lowcostcosplayth)

Most of the time, you wouldn't guess where his plans will lead, judging solely by the first panel…

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Lonelyman (@lowcostcosplayth)

…but once you see it all unravel, you'll be surprised by how he can turn household items into completely unexpected props.

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Lonelyman (@lowcostcosplayth)

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Lonelyman (@lowcostcosplayth)

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Lonelyman (@lowcostcosplayth)

Low Cost Cosplay: Facebook | Instagram

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READ: “Low Cost Cosplay” Creator Turns Himself Into Famous Pop Culture Characters With Unexpected Items

Many of us spend summers on the beach, creating sand castles with our families as children. But did you know that it could also be a career? For sculptor Janel Hawkins, it's been a fulfilling way to stay creative and spread joy while teaching skills to others. As the founder of Alabama-based Sand Castle University, she teaches willing students on the Gulf Coast everything they need to know to create stunning sand sculptures. And at the same time, she spends her days on the beach making custom sand art.

Whether creating pieces of architecture or animals, Hawkins loves getting lost in the small details. As she painstakingly carves and presses the wet sand, she also needs to remain on her toes. Anything can happen in her open-air art studio, whether it's bad weather or creative difficulties. But these variables are also what she loves about creating these ephemeral sculptures and is part of the reason she enjoys sharing her knowledge.

“There are practical life lessons to sand sculpting,” she tells My Modern Met. “You have to learn the basics, then practice, practice, practice. Don't be afraid of failure. If you make mistakes, it means you're trying hard!”

Hawkins began her journey as a sand sculptor while still in college after seeing a job listing on Craigslist. After acquiring the necessary skills, she pursued her passion by opening Sand Castle University in 2017. With a team of five instructors and an administrative assistant, her business is expanding.

At the same time, she's also continuing to grow her own skills. Last year, she took on a dragon sculpture for the first time when she sculpted Mushu, the lovable dragon from Disney's Mulan. Getting the details of the scales and pointy teeth took a lot of time and patience, but was worth it in the end.

“Everything came together—the sand was perfect, the weather was perfect—and when I stood back after finishing, I knew it was something to be proud of!”

Whether creating personal projects or working on commissions for festivals, birthdays, proposals, or corporate events, she's always looking forward to the day's challenge. As she continues her successful career, she hopes to show that sand sculpting can be a viable career and a fun, creative activity for anyone looking to step away from the screen and spend some time at the beach.

Follow Sand Castle University on TikTok or Instagram to keep up with the progress and watch these sand sculptures come to life.

Janel Hawkins is a professional sand sculptor and the founder of Sand Castle University.

Her intricate sand art takes dedication and patience.

@sand_castle_university Downtown #sand #sandcastle #sandsculpture #process #sandart #satisfying #sculpture #beach #sandasmr #asmr ♬ Crimson And Clover – The Shacks

@sand_castle_university Fiddles the Crab #process #sculpture #sandsculpture #sandtok #sand #sandcastle #oddlysatisfying #satisfying ♬ Brazil – Declan McKenna

@sand_castle_university Cubed in Cocoa beach #sand #sandcastle #sandsculpture #asmr #sandart #satisfying #oddlysatisfying #sculpting ♬ Strangers – Kenya Grace

In addition to her personal work, she takes commissions and teaches sand castle classes to students of all ages.

“Sand sculpting is a true art form and can be a viable full-time career.”

Sand Castle University: Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Sand Castle University.

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READ: Artist Raises the (Sand) Bar With Her Creative Beach Sculptures

 

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From 3D paintings to textile landscapes, artists around the world are pushing the boundaries of art with experimental mediums. Now, Beijing-based artist Lesouls is taking creative innovation to an extraordinary level. His breathtaking acrylic paintings undergo a dramatic transformation when exposed to a lit match, revealing hidden layers and effects that illuminate the canvas.

Lesouls shares videos on Instagram where you can watch his paintings transform right before your eyes when he introduces them to fire. His landscapes, often featuring solitary figures or couples in remote settings, are impressive in their own right; but, once the flame comes in close proximity to the canvas, they're visually elevated. Suddenly, hidden details like petals, leaves, paths, and the moon magically emerge.

Lesoul's work is often compared to sorcery by his followers, but like any great magician, he keeps his secrets well-guarded. The precise method he uses to blend light, fire, and smoke into his paintings remains a mystery. However, in one Instagram post showcasing a campfire that seemingly ignites, Lesouls describes his work as “an electronic art installation that can be used continuously.”

Many of his works seem to use a special pigment that only reveals its secrets when exposed to heat or light. In others, Lesouls seems to use real fire on specific parts of the canvas, giving the impression that certain areas contain some sort of igniting material. No matter how he does it, each interactive painting grabs your attention and sparks your imagination, blending art with reality in a way that feels truly magical.

Check out some more interactive artworks below and you can find even more on Lesouls' Instagram.

Beijing-based artist Lesouls creates acrylic paintings that magically transform when lit with a match.

 

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Each fantastical painting grabs your attention and stirs your imagination.

 

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Many painted landscapes appear to incorporate real fire.

 

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Lesouls even incorporates real smoke in some pieces.

 

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The method the artist uses to blend various elements into his paintings remains a mystery.

 

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Like any great magician, Lesouls keeps his secrets well-guarded.

 

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Lesouls: Website | Instagram

All images via Lesouls.

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READ: Mesmerizing Paintings Come to Life When Exposed to Fire

Photo: Sam Hockley

For many, denim is a wardrobe staple, but for London-based artist Ian Berry, it’s a creative medium. For the last two decades, Berry has used the navy blue fabric to create intricate installations, iconic portraits, and even photorealistic depictions of California. And his latest creation continues to reveal the unexpected and innovative ways denim can be used. Titled Secret Garden and currently on display at the Garden Museum in London, this work reimagines a serene setting with a fish pond, flowers, and vines—all crafted from recycled denim jeans.

The Secret Garden installation was first exhibited at the Children's Museum of the Arts in New York in 2017 and has since been displayed in various site-specific locations and galleries worldwide. Originally designed for a young audience, Berry aimed to inspire children to reflect on our interaction with nature.

“The idea came from thinking many kids don't have their own gardens and thinking of community gardens nestled away in between buildings and trying to inspire them to seek them out,” Berry tells My Modern Met. “It also gave the opportunity to talk about sustainability as well as helping young minds think about where things come from.” The artist even showed the kids a cotton plant to explain where jeans come from. “It was amazing to see so many baffled at the idea,” he recalls. “It enabled educators to talk about how the installation was plants turned to pants, then back to plants again.”

While the most recent Secret Garden installation isn't specifically designed for children, it still evokes a childlike sense of wonder. Visitors can walk through the denim garden path and find wisteria and vines dangling above them. Various plants and flowers are depicted in shades of indigo, including roses, alocasias, begonias, and cacti. There’s even a peaceful pond at the heart of the garden, featuring denim Koi fish, lily pads, and a central water feature. Every area of the garden showcases such an impressive level of detail that it's easy to forget the entire installation is handmade from denim.

The Secret Garden will be on display from July 13 to September 8, 2024, at the Garden Museum. A complementary program of activities and workshops inspired by the installation will be offered free of charge, catering to all ages. These include textile flower collages, denim rag rugs, clay and felt cacti making, and cyanotype printing.

Check out some photos of the Secret Garden installation below and find more of Berry's work on his website.

Artist Ian Berry's Secret Garden installation features plants, vines, flowers, and a koi fish pond handcrafted entirely from recycled denim.

Photo: Graham Lacdao

The immersive exhibition is currently on display at the Garden Museum in London.

Photo: Graham Lacdao

Photo: Graham Lacdao

It showcases the unexpected and innovative ways denim can be used.

Photo: Graham Lacdao

The installation explores themes of sustainability in the textile industries.

Photo: Graham Lacdao

Photo: Graham Lacdao

 

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Ian Berry: Website | Facebook | Instagram | X

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Ian Berry, Graham Lacdao, and Sam Hockley.

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Art duo Gillie and Marc have transformed the exterior of the World Trade Center Oculus with an enormous bronze sculpture of an octopus. Spanning 36 feet, it's one of the largest octopus sculptures in the world and speaks to Gillie and Marc's wildlife advocacy.

The interactive artwork, titled The Arms of Friendship, features some of the world's most endangered species curled up in or sitting on the octopus's giant tentacles. Visitors are invited to get up close and personal with the 7-tonne sculpture and sit on its tentacles to get a different perspective on the animal.

It's one of three sculptures included in the Wildlife Wonders exhibit. Other pieces include The Wild Table of Love, a banquet of animals hosted by the artists' signature characters, Rabbitwoman and Dogman. Thanks to open spaces left at the table, anyone can join the party. The final sculpture, The Hippo Was Hungry To Try New Things With Rabbitwoman, shows a hippo conversing with Rabbitwoman. The hippo, an often misunderstood animal, airs out its complaints over a cup of coffee at a table where, once again, open seats allow the viewers to participate.

“We created Rabbitwoman and Dogman as human-wildlife hybrids, bridging the human and wild worlds. They have become our alter egos and protectors of wildlife,” Marc shares. “They journey around the globe spreading inspiration to love and safeguard our planet and its wildlife. We delight in seeing people interact with them and having fun while learning about wildlife conservation.”

Through their art and its storytelling capabilities, Gillie and Marc hope to spark dialogue about animal conservation and spur action to help save endangered species. In doing so, their whimsical sculptures bring joy and affect change.

“In the last 50 years, wildlife populations have plummeted by 69% globally. We are now facing the world’s sixth mass extinction,” Gillie states. “This crisis is beyond description, yet we remain hopeful and committed to witnessing change within our lifetimes. We trust that our art and the stories we tell can inspire people to engage in vital conversations and take meaningful action.”

This free public exhibition is located outside the Oculus World Trade Center on the South Oculus Plaza until July 31, 2025.

Art duo Gillie and Marc have opened a free public exhibition outside the Oculus World Trade Center.

The show's centerpiece is a 36-foot bronze sculpture of an octopus with endangered animals clinging to its tentacles.

The interactive public art is meant to spark discussion about wildlife conservation.

And at the same time, the whimsical visuals inspire joy.

Gillie and Marc: Website | Instagram | Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Gillie and Marc.

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They say one man's trash is another man's treasure. For Brazilian sculptor Michel Torres Costa, discarded metal scraps–particularly smaller parts like nuts and bolts—are sources of inspiration and serve as unexpected materials for his art. Using pieces that were otherwise headed to a landfill, he creates formidable metal sculptures that evoke strength and resourcefulness.

Torres Costa's artistic journey began when he was only 15 years old and working as a welder. Since he had always been a fan of art, he found that sculpting could provide him with a creative outlet to the monotony of his job. This led him to discovering epoxy resin, a medium that allowed him to refine traditional techniques, and prompted him to take modeling and molding courses.

After five years, he went back to where it all started—his brother-in-law's mechanic's shop. This time, he picked apart motorcycle crowns, chains and ratchets. And so, his first metal sculpture, a horse, was born. “Since then, all the metals used in the works have been found in scrapyards and mechanical workshops,” Torres Costa's artist statement explains.

Speaking about his choice of material, the artist told EuroNews, “I always look for something that refers to a face, an eye, a mouth, a nose. I like pieces that make the work more organic, which are the smaller pieces, such as nuts and bolts, washers.” But to him, there's room for every kind of scrap in art. “Everything that a person thinks is garbage can be transformed into something with meaning and transformed into art, with beauty, giving a new face to a material that would never be used again, or would be rolling around, polluting our world.”

Torres Costa's sculptures encapsulate human and animal figures, as well as mythological themes, imbuing each piece with a steampunk aesthetic. His use of metal pieces make them look less like scrap and more like tiny dark tiles that have come together in one sweeping composition. There's no denying that the artist has breathed new life into the discarded materials.

While his work can be found in galleries and private collections, they could also easily be dark pieces of home decor. His work can even seamlessly be integrated in sci-fi films or perhaps a villain's upscale lair. The possibilities are endless for these creations which would have otherwise wound up in a garbage heap.

To stay up to date with the resourceful sculptor's creations, you can follow Torress Costa on Instagram.

Artist Michel Torres Costa uses scrap metal that would have otherwise ended up in a landfill to create formidable metal sculptures.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Michel Torres Costa (@micheltorrescosta)

Torres Costa's sculptures encapsulate human and animal figures, as well as mythological themes, imbuing each piece with a steampunk aesthetic.

@micheltorrescosta Metal arte, um pouco das minhas esculturas. #art #metal #weld #soldador #artist #metalart #metalsculpture #artgallery #gallery #escultura #sculpture ♬ Valence Satisfaction Showmusik Dance Remix – Showmusik

His use of metal pieces make them look less like scrap and more like tiny dark tiles that have come together in one sweeping composition.

 

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Una publicación compartida por Michel Torres Costa (@micheltorrescosta)

While his work can be found in galleries and private collections, they could also serve as decor in stylized films—whether it be part of a sci-fi movie set or a supervillain's upscale lair.

@micheltorrescosta Um pouco das artes que rolaram aqui esses últimos meses. #art #sculpture #metalsculpture #artista #metalart #welder #artist #sculptureart #arte #soldador #artwork #micheltorrescosta #metalarte #escultura ♬ Turn Down for What – DJ Snake & Lil Jon

“I always look for something that refers to a face, an eye, a mouth, a nose. I like pieces that make the work more organic, which are the smaller pieces, such as nuts and bolts, washers.”

 

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Una publicación compartida por Michel Torres Costa (@micheltorrescosta)

“Everything that a person thinks is garbage can be transformed into something with meaning and transformed into art.”

@micheltorrescosta Saindo um tigre ! #artist #art #sculpture #arte #metalarte #micheltorrescosta #artista #escultura #metalart #escultura #tigre #tiger ♬ Panther – Emmett Zetto & Talentless

 

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@micheltorrescosta E ele vai ganhando vida! #escultura #art #artwork #sculpture #arte #artist #metalarte #esculturademetal #welder #artista ♬ original sound – Joe_Cramer

 

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Michel Torres Costa: Website | Instagram | TikTok

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READ: Artist Turns Bolts, Nuts, and Other Scrap Metal Into Strikingly Detailed Sculptures

Whether painting in Hong Kong, Belfast, or her native Rome, street artist Alice Pasquini has the unique ability to capture the public's imagination. For over 15 years, she has been creating colorful artwork around the globe. Often focusing on the small moments of life, her public art is a positive beacon of hope that is much needed today.

From a young girl snuggling her cat to a couple looking dreamily out a window, her work—whether big or small—encourages viewers to put themselves into the scene. Since becoming a mother, her work has also become more whimsical, often featuring children in a playful and hopeful manner.

But it's not only her subject matter that's evolved. Pasquini notes that while her initial forays into street art were motivated by personal desires, it's now evolved into something much bigger.

“As I grew and my passion became my work, what has endured is the initial spirit and romanticism of giving back to the community by painting walls that have meaning, whether that be border walls, prison walls, or the walls of reception centers,” she tells My Modern Met.

By using her artistic talents to help others, she's repeatedly proven that art can effectively create change. This is exemplified by her role in creating a street art festival that has revitalized a small village in central Italy. Efforts like these have helped her achieve one of Italy's highest honors. This year, she was named a Knight of the Italian Republic in a ceremony led by Italian President Sergio Mattarella.

As she continues to create, she hopes that her work will keep bringing people joy and make them think. “Art is not just about beauty but also serves as a social language, and street art, in particular, can be an antidote to marginalization. This helps to humanize the city. For me, each wall tells a story, often of exclusion but more frequently of redemption.”

Italian artist Alice Pasquini has been creating public art for over 15 years.

Often focusing on the small moments of life, her public art is a positive beacon that is much needed today.

Her work has continued to evolve, and she often takes on projects that give back to the community.

For her efforts, she was awarded Italy's highest honor and named a Knight of the Republic in June.

 

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Alice Pasquini: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Alice Pasquini.

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READ: Italian Street Artist Has Been Painting Colorful, Positive Art for Over 15 Years

 

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Nearly one year after Fernando Botero's death, his sculptures are visible in Italy. His daughter Lina organized an open-air exhibition, which sees eight of the Colombian artist's sculptures placed in some of Rome's most picturesque public squares. Known for his unique style that plays with volume, his voluptuous sculptures remain on view until October.

Botero a Roma only solidifies the relationship between the artist and Italy, whose relatives emigrated to Colombia at the end of the 18th century. The artist himself first visited Italy in the 1950s after winning an art competition and, in the 1980s, established a workshop in Tuscany, where he spent several months a year.

“Rome, the Eternal City: I can't think of anything that would make my father—Fernando Botero—happier than to see his monumental sculpture on display in the heart of this extraordinary city, the capital of the country he loved and that influenced his work,” stated Lina during the opening of the exhibition.

“For all intents and purposes, Italy was his second home, not only for his admiration for its art but also for the love he felt for a place he considered his homeland.”

The sculptures on show range from his curvaceous depictions of women to monumental animals with soft, round edges. Visible until October 1, they will be complemented by an exhibition of his paintings set to open in Rome on September 17. Also curated by Lina, the retrospective will feature his paintings, watercolors, and several sculptures.

Eight sculptures by Colombian artist Fernando Botero are on display in some of Rome's most picturesque public squares.

 

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Curated by the artist's daughter, the exhibition highlights Botero's deep connection with Italy.

 

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READ: Fernando Botero’s Voluptuous Sculptures Take Over Rome’s Historic Center

Photo: Flukes69 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Czech artist David Černý is known for his provocative sculptures—military vehicles, babies, men urinating—that often comment on political and social themes. In 2022, Černý created Lilith, a nearly 80-foot-tall, 35-ton figure of a woman made of metal. Based in Prague, she hugs the side of an apartment building, leaning towards the structure with her legs slightly placed apart. The statue isn’t stationary either—Lilith periodically turns her head 180 degrees.

Lilith is no ordinary figure: Černý’s statue represents the female biblical figure from Jewish mythology, Adam’s first wife who was banished from the Garden of Eden for her defiance. Lilith is often seen and depicted as a devil, but the artist intended to use her as a symbol of feminism and independence.

Lilith consists of four parts: the main sculpture on the side of the building, a leg extending from the bottom, a hand supporting from below in a similar fashion, and a hand clenching onto what appears to be a cylindrical facility building. Beyond her intended symbolism, the sculpture appears to comment on modern development or humanity’s involvement in technology due to its integration with the urban landscape.

Černý has received criticism from other artists like Pavel Karous, another Czech sculptor, who argues that the art piece doesn’t contribute to the architecture or urban planning of the area, nor does it respect the interests of the local residents. An art curator, Marie Foltýnová, claims that Černý’s understanding of Lilith as a symbol of feminism is wrong. She reasons that because Lilith is known as a demon and a witch responsible for the death of women and small children during childbirth, it stands against women, and thus cannot be a symbol of feminism. Černý’s portrayal could additionally be seen as potentially controversial in his choice to emphasize her nudity and stature.

Černý is famous for his other kinetic sculptures, such as the Head of Franz Kafka and METALmorphosis, both of which feature moving parts. Regardless of its meaning or message, Lilith is another remarkable example of how we can incorporate art into our urban landscapes.

Czech sculptor David Černý created Lilith, an massive metal sculpture in Prague.

 

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The 80-foot-tall sculpture of a mythological woman is seen embracing the side of an apartment building.

 

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The statue uniquely turns her head 180 degrees, and various other metal body parts can be found interacting with the apartment complex.

 

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Černý is known for incorporating motifs like babies, tanks, heads, and other large-scale elements in his work, which can be found in and around Prague.

 

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David Černý: Website | Facebook | Instagram
h/t: [Atlas Obscura]

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READ: 80-Foot-Tall Kinetic Sculpture of a Woman Embracing a Building in Prague Periodically Turns Her Head

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The countdown to the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics is on. On Bastille Day, just shy of two weeks from the July 26 opening ceremonies, the Olympic Torch Relay made its way through the French capital. Weaving through famous monuments like the Eiffel Tower, Moulin Rouge, and Arc de Triomphe, the Olympic torch also stopped at the Louvre, where it was carried by French artist JR.

JR is one of 10,000 torchbearers who helped move the torch from Greece to its final destination in Paris' Jardin des Tuileries. French skier Sandra Laoura handed JR the flame in front of the iconic Louvre Pyramid, which is fitting considering that the artist once created a grand illusion that included the Pyramid.

Holding the sleek minimalist torch, which was designed by Mathieu Lehanneur, he then took the flame on a tour of the iconic museum. The artist captured the moment, which he called “pretty crazy,” on Instagram and even stopped to pose in front of Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa.

“Walking the Olympic torch through the Louvre was a wild convergence of moments for me,” he told artnet. “The museum is such an iconic, precious monument in Paris.”

After JR's time was up, he passed the flame to French dancer and choreographer Marie-Claude Pietragalla, who carried it past masterpieces like Eugène Delacroix's Liberty Leading the People.

JR's inclusion on the list of torchbearers is fitting. He's a shining representative of French art and has a long history with the Olympic Games. In 2016, he installed enormous images of athletes across Rio de Janeiro in honor of the Summer Olympics.

This leg of the Olympic Torch Relay is the culmination of a tradition that begins in Greece before each Olympic Games. After crossing the Meditteranean and landing in Marseilles, the flame began its three-month journey across France. Passing through over 400 French towns and cities, it's a way to get the public excited about the event to come.

French street artist JR participated in the Olympic Torch Relay as it made its way around Paris.

 

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On Bastille Day, he helped bring the flame on a tour of the Louvre.

 

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The Louvre was just one of many famous monuments in Paris that participated in the event.

 

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The Olympic Torch Relay will conclude on July 26, when the Olympic Cauldron will be lit in the Jardin des Tuileries.

Photo: valio84sl/Depositphotos

JR: Website | Facebook | Instagram
h/t: [artnet]

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READ: French Artist JR Carries the Olympic Flame Through the Louvre