Photo: chones/Depositphotos

Even if you've never been to Los Angeles, you've probably heard about the city’s terrible traffic. Its maze of freeways and interstates is a headache for many commuters and it’s made all the more complicated by its history. A prime example is I-110, also known as the Arroyo Seco Parkway. As one of the oldest freeways in the United States, its on-ramps and exits were added as the city grew and it became jammed in over a short distance. This made signage fundamental.

In 2001, one artist realized that a lack of clear signage was causing many drivers—including himself—to miss a left turn exit onto I-5 North. Located right after a tunnel, the only sign for the exit was placed a quarter of a mile before the off-ramp. In the best case scenario, someone missed the exit and had to double back; in the worst case scenario, they swerved across several lanes of traffic to get off last minute and caused an accident in the process.

Artist Richard Ankrom, who is also a sign painter, soon realized that he was uniquely suited to fix this problem. In an act he calls “guerilla public service,” Ankrom meticulously observed how Caltrans made their signs. This meant going onto overpasses in order to take precise measurements, color-swatching existing signage to get the colors perfect, and copying the correct fonts. After three months, he was ready to go.

Ankrom created his own sign that added a clear indicator for the I-5 North exit and got to work installing it. As video cameras rolled, he strolled up to the freeway sign, hard hat and safety vest in place, and added his sign. He'd done such a good job that no one noticed this helpful act of vandalism.

It wasn't until eight months later, when Ankrom notified a local news outlet of his stunt, that his great performance was discovered. Ankrom found himself all over the national and local news, where he shared his story. Even though it was illegal, the California Department of Transportation—aka Caltrans—even appeared to agree that he'd done something helpful.

“We feel he had a good idea,” Caltrans spokesperson Deborah Harris told a local ABC News outlet at the time. “And, in fact, we're planning to institute it.”

In the end, it took the organization eight years to replace Ankrom's sign. But, just as they promised, the sign took Ankrom's design to heart, and I-5 North is clearly indicated.

In 2011, one decade after the performance, Ankrom released his short, surreal documentary that shows the entire creative process from conception to research to installation. He also continues his public art, only revealing what he's been up to after the statute of limitations is up so that he can't be prosecuted.

See how artist Richard Ankrom executed a “guerilla public service” when replacing signage on an LA freeway in 2001.

It took eight years before Caltrans replaced Ankrom's sign.

 

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After more than two decades, it remains one of his most memorable performances.

Richard Ankrom: Website | Instagram | YouTube
h/t: [Neatorama]

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READ: Artist Covertly ”Vandalized“ Public Sign, Actually Improved Traffic on LA Freeway

The 2024 Summer Olympics have begun, and while all eyes are on the athletes, Paris is a stunning backdrop for the Games. If there was ever any doubt about that, just look at Greg Martin‘s incredible photo of the full moon rising into the center of the Olympic Rings that are hanging on the Eiffel Tower.

Martin works for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as a Senior Producer and Digital Content Producer, and is the IOC President's Photographer. He took the image just a few days before the opening ceremonies. His colleague Ignacio Lagger, an astronomy enthusiast, alerted him to this unique photography opportunity.

“He has a vast knowledge when it comes to the movement of the Moon and its angles,” Martin tells My Modern Met. “Two days prior to us going to the Trocadero to capture the shot, Ignacio sent me a photo of the angle of the Moon in relation to the Eiffel Tower and alerted me to the possibility of us maybe getting the trifecta alignment!”

After arranging all the necessary permissions to gain access to the area, which is blocked off for the Games, Martin set up. At first, cloud cover looked like it was going to ruin the opportunity for this unique image, but his patience paid off, as a cloud disappeared just as the Moon came into view inside the central ring.

While Martin never anticipated that the photo would be viewed by more than friends and family, he's thrilled with the reception the image received after he shared it on Instagram.

“I think what has been great is how people have been very complimentary about the image. I never expected for a minute that it would have been shared wider than my friends and family, but I think that it was right place, right time with some planning.”

In the end, Martin's photo is a wonderful way to kick off the next two weeks of Olympic activity and a reminder that more special moments are ahead.

Just ahead of the Paris Olympics, Greg Martin captured a unique photo of the full moon rising into the Olympic Rings.

Greg Martin: Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Greg Martin.

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READ: Majestic Photo of the Full Moon Inside the Eiffel Tower’s Olympic Rings

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

Silverback Western lowland gorilla
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Photographer Vincent Lagrange doesn't take your standard animal portrait. His remarkable images don't just capture the details of each animal's anatomy, but also strike much deeper into their unique characters. His new book, Between Us: Animal Portraits, hones in on the connection between himself and his animal models as he takes these evocative images.

Working from his Antwerp studio with the help of biologists, veterinarians, and zoo keepers, Lagrange moves slowly and deliberately. This is critical in ensuring the comfort of every animal sitting before his lens. Using minimalist lighting and hand-painted backgrounds, he focuses on adjusting his setup to fit the needs of the animals.

“Initially, I hang the backdrops near the animals to observe their reactions, as even the smallest change can be significant for them,” he tells My Modern Met. “For special animals, I bring my crafted decors to their location, ensuring the setup creates a feeling that suits both the animals' comfort and my artistic vision.”

From a Western lowland gorilla's intense gaze to the otherworldly look of a Shoebill stork, the finished portraits are a dignified look at the animal kingdom. At the same time, they also allow us to enter into a relationship with these animals in a way that is not often possible, as through his lens, he allows us to see their emotions.

Featuring 150 of Lagrange's photographs, Between Us: Animal Portraits is an incredible way for anyone to feel closer to the animal kingdom. Hopefully, it will also allow people to reconsider our shared role in this world.

“Careful observers will note that each animal possesses unique characteristics and behaviors,” reads the book's introduction. “They experience life as we do, from the caring relationship between mother and child to the playfulness of youth, the challenges of adulthood, and the wisdom of old age.

This again highlights that we are no different from other sentient beings.”

Between Us: Animal Portraits, published by teNeues, will be released in September 2024 and is now available for pre-sale.

Photographer Vincent Lagrange is known for his emotive portraits of animals.

Red panda

Sphynx cat

Meerkat

Walrus

Black and white ruffed lemur

The portraits, taken in a studio setting, are executed carefully and deliberately to put each animal at ease.

Secretary bird

Lagrange's new coffee table book, Between Us: Animal Portraits, pulls together 150 of his best images.

Rhinoceros

Sumatran orangutan

Shoebill stork

Bald eagle

Guinea turaco

Marabou stork

West Usambara two-horned chameleon

Now available for pre-sale, Lagrange hopes the book will allow people to establish a new connection with the animal kingdom.

Mantled guereza

Snowy owl

Valais blacknose sheep

Vulture

Vincent Lagrange: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Vincent Lagrange.

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“Space link” by Kirill Uyutnov (Russia). Nominee, Nature & Landscape

The 2024 Creative Photo Awards has announced its nominees across seven diverse categories. Organized by the Siena Awards, the international fine art photography contest attracted 4,193 entries from photographers in 135 countries. From artistic portraits to creative wildlife imagery, the finalists represent the best of fine art photography.

After evaluating the entries, the expert jury whittled the images down to five finalists in each of the seven categories—Animals/Pets, Architecture, People, Nature & Landscape, Fine Art, Series, and Open Theme. In late September, the winners will be announced in a special ceremony held in Siena, Italy.

The event will also mark the opening of the 2024 Siena Awards, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a special edition filled with events. While we wait to see who will be awarded the title of Creative Photographer of the Year, scroll down to see more of our favorite nominees from the fine art photo contest.

Here are some of the finalists of the 2024 Creative Photo Awards.

“A tranquil moment” by Hikkaduwa Liyanage Prasantha Vinod (Sri Lanka). Nominee, Animals/Pets

“Neimeyer” by Rafael Garcia Luna (Spain). Nominee, Architecture

“Real and Sham” by Chulin Zhang (China). Nominee, People

“Over The Top” by Hardijanto Budiman (Indonesia). Nominee, Open Theme

“Dreaming Above the Universe” by Lurdes Santander (Spain). Nominee, Animals/Pets

“To Just Let Go In Peace” by Mo Sharaf (Egypt). Nominee, Nature & Landscape

The international photo contest focuses on fine art photography across seven categories.

“Legacy For Children Of The Future” by Hardijanto Budiman (Indonesia). Nominee, Fine Art

“Come, play with me….” by Eberhard Ehmke (Germany). Nominee, Animals/Pets

“Waves” by Ursula Reinke (Germany). Nominee, Architecture

“Poppyseed Dancer II _08” by Irina Jomir (Moldova). Nominee, People

“Stellar Symphony” by Taranjot Singh (Australia). Nominee, Nature & Landscape

“Blue Plate Special” by Tonya Wilhelm (USA). Nominee, Open Theme

The winners will be announced in September at a special ceremony in Siena, Italy.

“Urban Serendipity” by Sohel Ahmed (Bangladesh). Nominee, Open Theme

“fitting in” by Agnieszka Ostrowska (Poland). Nominee, People

“King of Mordor ” by Denisa Zbranková Albaniová (Czech Republic). Nominee, Animals/Pets

“Stolen Spring” by Alenа Grom (Ukraine).Nominee, Fine Art

“Storm on the Elbe” by Anna Wacker (Greece). Nominee, Architecture

“Rhinoceros Unicornis” by Himadri Bhuyan (India). Nominee, Nature & Landscape

“Braving The Strings To Destiny” by Cheraine Collette (The Netherlands). Nominee, Animals/Pets

Siena Awards: Website | Instagram | Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by the Siena Awards.

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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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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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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

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please read our disclosure for more info.

As students start thinking about heading to campus, it's time to stock up on all the essentials. And while most college students focus on their dorm rooms, it's a good idea to also think about how you'll organize everything you need when moving from class to class. That's where a good backpack comes into play. Backpacks are vital accessories for students of any age, and luckily they come in all shapes, sizes, and styles at Target. They have a wide variety of college backpacks that will make campus life a breeze.

There are many styles to choose from, whether you want a classic JanSport or a chic commuter bag. Most of these college backpacks also have a padded laptop pocket, and some even have thoughtful features like an integrated USB port. This makes it easy to keep everything together when you're on the go, so you can hop from class to class without having to stop back at your room.

And if you are already planning spring break, there are even hybrid backpacks that double as carry-on luggage. Almost all of them have internal organization to help you organize your pens, pencils, calculators, and everything else you'll need to ace your classes.

When you're thinking about the backpack that makes the most sense for you, it's important to think of how you'll use it. Some people like a lot of separate compartments for smaller items, while others prefer one large main compartment for storage. If you are carrying a lot of textbooks from class to class, you might want to select a rolling backpack. Durability is also a big factor when selecting the right bag, as it's something that will see lots of wear and tear throughout the academic year.

Other factors to consider? Depending on where you study, you may also want to select something with an exterior that's water resistant. Picking a lightweight backpack with padded shoulder straps is always a good idea for your comfort. And if you are someone who likes easy access to grab things on the go, we'd recommend a backpack with a front pocket.

So, when you're moving back to campus, make sure you include a backpack on your packing list. If you are in the market for a new college backpack, we've made things easy by picking out some of the best college backpacks at Target. Whether you want a classic backpack or a stylish backpack with a sleek look, take a look. You're sure to find the perfect bag to fit all of your school gear.

Check out 15 of the best backpacks for college that you can find at Target.

Commuter Backpack with Trolley Strap

Open Story | $49.99

Sporty Backpack with Laptop Sleeve

All In Motion | $34.99

Water Resistant 45 Liter Travel Pack

Open Story | $69.99

18″ Laptop Backpack with Ergonomic, Padded Straps

Swissgear | $59.99

Oversize Backpack with Water Bottle Pocket

JanSport | $54.99

Flap Backpack with Padded Laptop Sleeve

Open Story | $39.99

Adaptive Backpack

Open Story | $49.99

Detachable Rolling Backpack

J World | $96.99

Travel Tech Backpack with USB Charging Port

Travel Select | $44.99

Backpack and Phone Pouch Set

baggallini | $120

TSA Laptop Backpack with Divider Pockets

SWISSGEAR | $99.99

Microsuede Backpack with Side Pockets

Converse | $24.99

Ninja Daypack with Sternum Strap

SOG | $32.49

Water-Resistant Puffer Backpack

Open Story | $39.99

Reflective Backpack

High Sierra | $39.99

This article has been edited and updated. Prices were accurate at time of publishing.

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Andy Cheung, Digital Photographer of the Year and Winner, Single Capture, Life Events

A poetic moment between tennis star Rafael Nadal and a moth won Andy Cheung the title of Digital Photographer of the Year at the third annual Australian Photographic Prize. The Sydney-based professional sports photographer was honored alongside Queensland-based wedding and portrait photographer Frances Suter, whose wintry landscape won the Print Photographer of the Year award.

Their images were singled out from the nearly 2,000 photographs from 12 countries entered into the competition. Thirty-five judges from Australia and New Zealand judged the contest, one of the few remaining photo competitions that accepts both printed and digital photographs.

Standout winners include photographer Belinda Richards, who teaches My Modern Met Academy's pet photography course. Her striking and creative image of parrots won the Pet and Animals division. Melbourne-based fine art portrait and fashion photographer Forough Yavari was honored with awards in both the digital and print divisions. Her incredible fashion photography won both the EIZO Prize for artistic digital photography and the Illustrative Print category.

Scroll down for even more winners and get inspired by their creative photography.

These are the incredible winners of the 2024 Australian Photographic Prize.

Frances Suter, Print Photographer of the Year and Winner, Print, Places

Belinda Richards, Winner, Pet and Animal

Forough Yavari, Winner, Print, Illustrative

Now in its third year, the contest saw nearly 2,000 images entered from photographers in 12 countries.

Benjamin Maze, Digital, Single Capture, Nature

Brian Ellwood, Winner, Professional Division and Winner, Digital, Aerial

Cheryl Eagers, Winner, Digital Creative

Natalie Arber, Winner, Australian Digital Creative – Portrait

Sarah Jackson, Winner, Digital, Professinal, Commercial

Naomi Reiter, Winner, Digital, Professional, Family

Forough Yavari, Winner, EIZO Digital Artist

It is one of the few remaining photo competitions that accepts both printed and digital photographs.

Afshin Jafari, Winner, Steve Scalone Urban Architecture Award

Amanda Waschevski, Winner, Print, People

Federico Rekowski, Winner, Packers Prize

David Bignell, Winner, Visionary

Scott Portelli, Winner, Digital, Single Capture, Wildlife

Craig McGowan, Winner, Digital Professional, Landscape

Australian Photographic Prize: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by the Australian Photographic Prize.

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READ: Rafael Nadal Photo Wins the 2024 Australian Photographic Prize