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Tatler Asia
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
Art-inspired journeys: 8 travel destinations that capture the spirit of famous masterpieces
2. 'The Starry Night' by Vincent van Gogh – Iceland Above A starry night in Iceland would be a dream for Van Gogh lovers. (Photo of Iceland: Jonatan Pie/Unsplash) Van Gogh's swirling skies and emotional intensity find their match in Iceland's untamed beauty. With its stark volcanic landscapes and chance of witnessing the Northern Lights, Iceland offers a celestial spectacle that mirrors the dreamlike quality of the painting. Visit Þingvellir National Park to walk along tectonic rifts, or take in the icebergs drifting across Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Here, the elements feel alive—a cosmic drama playing out under the stars. Also read: Want to see the Arctic Circle's northern lights? You can right here in Hong Kong 3. 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' by Johannes Vermeer – Bruges, Belgium Above The cobbled roads of Bruges, Belgium would appeal to fans of Vermeer's depictions of a quiet, timeless world. (Photo of Bruges: Dana Andreea Gheorghe) Vermeer's intimate portrait evokes a quiet mystery—an everyday moment imbued with grace. Bruges, with its medieval streets, serene canals and soft Flemish light, offers the same sense of timelessness. Meander through the lace shops near the Markt, take a boat ride under arched stone bridges or visit the Groeningemuseum to see masterpieces by the Flemish Primitives. The city's hushed beauty and quiet charm echo the gentle stillness captured in Vermeer's work. 4. 'American Gothic' by Grant Wood – Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA Above Minneapolis offers a modern, creative take on Midwestern roots, echoing Grant Wood's nuanced portrait. (Photo of Minneapolis: Josh Hild/Unsplash) 'American Gothic' is often read as a stern portrait of traditional values, but Grant Wood's subtle satire also hints at performance and persona. Minneapolis, a progressive cultural hub in the American Midwest, offers a travel destination that contrasts with the painting's severity while staying geographically and thematically relevant. Visit the Walker Art Center and its iconic sculpture garden, explore the dynamic Mill District along the Mississippi, and discover the city's vibrant design, music and food scenes. Minneapolis honours its roots while looking to the future—reframing rural Americana with wit and imagination. 5. 'The Creation of Adam' by Michelangelo – Petra, Jordan Above Petra's ancient rock-cut architecture embodies the human spirit and divine connection Michelangelo captured. (Photo of Petra: Michael Mitrakos/Unsplash Michelangelo's fresco is a visual metaphor for divine spark and human connection. Petra, hewn from rose-red rock by the ancient Nabataeans, radiates that same spirit of awe and transcendence. Walk the Siq to the dramatic façade of the Treasury, or ascend to the Monastery for sweeping desert views. Nearby Wadi Rum invites travellers into a vast, almost biblical landscape, where silence reigns and the heavens feel close. This is a place where human creativity and the sublime meet. Also read: A travel guide to Jordan: What to see, eat and do on your first visit 6. 'The Scream' by Edvard Munch – Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Above Las Vegas' neon frenzy and sensory overload channel the raw anxiety and intensity of Munch's 'The Scream'. (Photo of Las Vegas Strip: aestelle/Unsplash) Edvard Munch's 'The Scream' captures a moment of existential panic—overwhelmed by sensation, unsure of what's real. Meanwhile, Las Vegas, with its neon delirium, surreal architecture and manufactured realities, is one of those travel destinations that channels this same disorientation. It's a place where overstimulation is the point: from the slot machines to the Strip, the city is a cacophony of lights, sound and spectacle. If Munch painted 'The Scream' today, it might well be in front of a pyramid, a pirate ship or the Eiffel Tower—on the same block. Don't miss: How to spend 24 hours in Las Vegas, Nevada 7. 'Water Lilies' (Nymphéas) by Claude Monet – Giverny, France Above Giverny's gardens let visitors step into Monet's world of shifting light and tranquil reflections. (Photo of Giverny: Alexandra Salvado/Unsplash) Monet's Impressionist reverie invites immersion in water and light. Giverny, where Monet's famous garden still thrives, offers a travel destination that allows visitors to step directly into the painter's world. Wander the flower-lined paths and cross the Japanese bridge, pausing to contemplate the water lily ponds that inspired so many masterpieces. Nearby Rouen provides further insight into Normandy's charm with its Gothic cathedral and quaint old town, enriching the sensory experience Monet so cherished. 8. 'Nighthawks' by Edward Hopper – Tokyo, Japan Above Tokyo's late-night solitude and urban quietude capture the mood of Hopper's iconic 'Nighthawks' scene. Hopper's 'Nighthawks' is all stillness and solitude—strangers sharing space but not connection, framed by fluorescent quiet. Tokyo, with its late-night convenience stores, glowing vending machines and tucked-away izakayas, mirrors that exact sense of urban isolation. Add this to your list of upcoming destinations if Hopper is your vibe, and if you prefer places where silence is part of the architecture. Wander Shibuya after midnight, take the last train from Ikebukuro, or find yourself alone in a ramen shop at 2 in the morning. There's a kind of intimacy in the anonymity here—precisely what Hopper captured in paint. Don't miss: What you should know about Shibuya Sakura Stage, Tokyo's latest must-visit destination These travel destinations align with the spirit of their corresponding artworks, prompting journeys beyond the familiar and into atmospheres that echo art's deepest impressions. Whether seeking contemplation, drama or quiet elegance, your next trip can be a dialogue between place and painting.
Time Magazine
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Magazine
The Top 10 Iconic Paintings of All Time According to AI
This article is published by a partner of TIME. Art has always been a reflection of humanity's cultural, social, and emotional landscapes. Across centuries, painters have used their canvases to tell stories, capture emotions, and challenge perceptions, leaving behind masterpieces that transcend time. These iconic paintings are not merely artworks; they are symbols of human creativity and enduring expressions of beauty and thought. The most iconic paintings have achieved a universal appeal, admired not only for their artistic brilliance but also for their ability to evoke emotion and provoke thought. They have become ingrained in popular culture, often reproduced, parodied, and studied in schools and museums around the world. These works hold a unique power: they connect us to the artist's vision and to the historical moments in which they were created. This article explores the top 10 most iconic paintings of all time using research assistance from ChatGPT. They were chosen for their artistry, historical significance, and cultural impact. From the enigmatic smile of the 'Mona Lisa' to the dramatic emotion of 'The Scream,' these masterpieces continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. 1. Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci Arguably the most famous painting in the world, 'Mona Lisa' captures the mystery and beauty of its subject, Lisa Gherardini. Painted during the Italian Renaissance, this portrait is renowned for its subject's enigmatic smile that has captivated viewers and sparked endless debate about its meaning. 2. The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh 'The Starry Night' is a mesmerizing depiction of the night sky over Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Painted from the view outside van Gogh's asylum room, this masterpiece is celebrated for its swirling skies, bold colors, and emotional intensity. 3. The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper' is a masterful depiction of the moment Jesus announces his betrayal. This large mural captures the reactions of the disciples, each filled with emotion and character, making it one of the most studied works in art history. 4. The Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dalí Salvador Dalí's 'The Persistence of Memory' is a surrealist masterpiece featuring melting clocks draped across a dreamlike landscape. This work challenges our perceptions of time and reality, making it one of the most iconic pieces of the 20th century. 5. The Scream by Edvard Munch 'The Scream' captures existential angst like no other artwork. Edvard Munch's haunting depiction of a figure in despair against a fiery sky resonates with modern anxieties and emotions, making it one of the most recognized works in the world. Year created: 1893 Medium: Tempera and pastel on cardboard Location: National Gallery, Oslo, Norway Cultural impact: A universal symbol of existential dread and emotional intensity Key feature: The striking, wavy lines create a sense of chaos and despair Versions: Munch created four versions of this artwork 6. Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer Often called the "Mona Lisa of the North," 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' is an intimate and mysterious portrait. Johannes Vermeer's masterful use of light and color brings life and realism to this enigmatic subject. 7. Guernica by Pablo Picasso Pablo Picasso's 'Guernica' is a powerful anti-war statement depicting the horrors of the Spanish Civil War. With its fragmented and chaotic imagery, this large mural serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict. 8. American Gothic by Grant Wood 'American Gothic' is a quintessential piece of Americana, portraying a stern farmer and his daughter in front of a modest farmhouse. Grant Wood's painting captures rural life while sparking discussions about societal norms. 9. The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo Part of the Sistine Chapel ceiling, 'The Creation of Adam' depicts God giving life to Adam. This fresco is one of the most iconic images of Western art, representing the divine spark of life and creativity. 10. The Night Watch by Rembrandt Rembrandt's 'The Night Watch' is a stunning example of Baroque art, capturing a moment of action and camaraderie among a militia company. Its dramatic use of light and shadow makes it a masterpiece of portraiture and storytelling. Conclusion on Top 10 Iconic Paintings The top 10 iconic paintings of all time demonstrate the profound power of art to inspire, provoke, and endure. Each masterpiece tells a unique story, showcasing the creativity and vision of the artists who shaped history. These paintings have become more than just artworks—they are cultural landmarks that transcend their medium. Through these works, we are reminded of the universality of human emotions, the richness of history, and the limitless potential of creativity. As they continue to captivate new generations, their legacy proves that art truly has no boundaries. Of course, opinions on what makes the best art or entertainment can vary, and everyone's perspective is unique and important. This list represents what ChatGPT has come up with, but ultimately, art is subjective, and each person's preferences and interpretations are what make the conversation around art so rich and diverse. Related Articles: About the Authors: Richard D. Harroch is a Senior Advisor to CEOs, management teams, and Boards of Directors. He is an expert on M&A, venture capital, startups, and business contracts. He was the Managing Director and Global Head of M&A at VantagePoint Capital Partners, a venture capital fund in the San Francisco area. His focus is on internet, digital media, AI and technology companies. He was the founder of several Internet companies. His articles have appeared online in Forbes, Fortune, MSN, Yahoo, Fox Business and Richard is the author of several books on startups and entrepreneurship as well as the co-author of Poker for Dummies and a Wall Street Journal-bestselling book on small business. He is the co-author of a 1,500-page book published by Bloomberg on mergers and acquisitions of privately held companies. He was also a corporate and M&A partner at the international law firm of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe. He has been involved in over 200 M&A transactions and 250 startup financings. He can be reached through LinkedIn. Dominique Harroch is the Chief of Staff at She has acted as a Chief of Staff or Operations Leader for multiple companies where she leveraged her extensive experience in operations management, strategic planning, and team leadership to drive organizational success. With a background that spans over two decades in operations leadership, event planning at her own start-up and marketing at various financial and retail companies. Dominique is known for her ability to optimize processes, manage complex projects and lead high-performing teams. She holds a BA in English and Psychology from U.C. Berkeley and an MBA from the University of San Francisco. She can be reached via LinkedIn.
Daily Maverick
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Maverick
Bricks nation — Cape Floral Kingdom reimagined in Lego by local designer
Adult Lego has taken the world by storm, from Vincent van Gogh's The Starry Night to Harry Potter sets and the increasingly popular Lego botanical collections. There seems to be a Lego set for everyone. Now there may be a special Cape Floral Kingdom set joining the collection. Local designer Christoff van Wyk is capturing South Africa's botanical beauty, one Lego brick at a time. Inspired by the rich biodiversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom, he has recreated iconic fynbos species such as the protea, Erica blenna and gousblom in striking detail. Now, through innovative recreations of iconic fynbos species, Van Wyk (also known as Superstof Bricks) is not only celebrating the unique biodiversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom, but is also aiming to put South African flora on the global stage as a potential official Lego set. Here's how his passion for nature, design and Lego converged into a project that's capturing imaginations locally and abroad. Van Wyk created his set – 'Fynbos Flowers – using surfboards, bananas and even sailor's hat Lego pieces. Growing up in Riversdale, a small town in the Western Cape, and now based in Cape Town while working as a graphic designer, Van Wyk has always been drawn to the region's rich natural environment. 'Growing up in the Garden Route… we have such a beautiful landscape, fauna and flora in South Africa that it's difficult not to take notice of it,' he told Daily Maverick The scenery of Table Mountain and the daily presence of indigenous plants on his hikes and walks throughout his life have shaped his creative outlook and instilled a deep appreciation for the local ecosystems. The 'Fynbos Flowers' project began with his desire to recreate South Africa's national flower, the protea, using Lego bricks. The other species in the set followed naturally. The Erica blenna in the set, he explained, holds special meaning because it grows in his hometown of Riversdale, while the green tree pincushions are familiar from his hikes on Table Mountain and the West Coast's vibrant spring wildflowers have long inspired him. The project is gathering supporters on the Lego Ideas website. If it reaches 10,000 supporters the Lego Group will review his design and consider turning it into an official set that will be sold commercially. Much of the support has come from the 'Fynbos People' Facebook group and South Africans living abroad, who see the set as a way to keep a piece of home with them. 'In recent years the Lego Botanical series has become a lot more popular. But I noticed that they didn't really have any South African flowers. And we have some of the most iconic flowers in the world,' Van Wyk said. The Cape Floral Kingdom is recognised as one of the most important regions for plants in the world in terms of diversity, density and number of endemic species. 'I wanted to create a lush flower bed with all of the flowers together, like you would see whenever you buy a bouquet of fynbos flowers. It's always this variety of colour and flowers, and I wanted to encapsulate that in my design,' he said. He started by creating a protea flower out of existing Lego pieces, 'because I knew, if I did a collection of flowers, it would have to feature the protea'. The design process was creative and technical. 'When you're designing on such a compact scale, you have to get very creative in how you put things together.' He meticulously selected Lego pieces that could mimic the textures and hues of petals and leaves, sometimes constrained by the availability of specific parts and colours. He had also tried to make other species out of Lego bricks but ultimately these didn't work within the scale or the available parts. 'If there was anything that looked like a flower petal or anything that I could use in a particular colour, I would lay [it] out in the design just to have an overview of what are all the possible pieces that I have to work with in this colour [are], and then just try and start mixing, matching and seeing what works, what doesn't.' In the beginning… Lego has been a lifelong companion for Van Wyk. 'I've always loved Lego. My whole life. Played with it when I was little,' he said. As an adult he joined CapeLUG, a local Lego hobby group where enthusiasts share their creations and exhibit at public events. He said this community reignited his passion for Lego, prompting him to explore how he could express his South African identity through the medium, and the idea to build fynbos flowers from Lego emerged organically. 'I started to look around to see how I can express myself and my own ideas in Lego. And I started to focus on South African-inspired things in particular.' After building a model of the Cape Town City Hall using more than 8,000 pieces, he turned his attention to the flora, and he hopes to create more South African-inspired sets in future. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Superstof Bricks (@superstofbricks) At the heart of Van Wyk's project is a desire to showcase South Africa's natural beauty to a global audience. He hopes the Lego set will inspire appreciation for the country's unique flora, saying that 'everywhere in South Africa, every place has its own thing that makes it unique and special and beautiful.' DM
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Weather Words: Agulhas Rings
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways The first thing that came to my mind when I saw the image below was 'The Starry Night' by Vincent van Gogh. The tiny swirls off the coast of Africa are not only beautiful, but they also remind us of just how complex and incredible our world is. They are called Agulhas Rings, and while similar phenomena occur all over the world, these in particular form off the coast of southern Africa. They are formed by the Agulhas current, which originates along the equator in the Indian Ocean. From there, this warm, salty current travels southward along the west coast of Africa, where it sheds these 'swirling vortices of water' called Agulhas rings. satellite image showing Earth According to NASA, these rings can last for years as they travel across the Atlantic Ocean westward toward South America. They are an important transport system that carry fish, larvae and other microorganisms across the ocean. The Agulhas current originates along the equator in the Indian Ocean, travels down the western coast of Africa, and spawns swirling Agulhas rings that travel across the Atlantic toward South America. Currently like the Agulhas current, as well as other currents around the globe work in tandem as they influence weather and climate all over the world. Much like a conveyor belt, they transport warm water and precipitation from the equator to the poles and cold water from the poles back to the equator. This helps regulate global temperatures and solar radiation. Without these currents, temperatures would be much more extreme. So Agulhas Rings aren't just incredible to look at, they play a critical role in keeping our world in balance. Jennifer Gray is a weather and climate writer for She has been covering some of the world's biggest weather and climate stories for the last two decades.
Scottish Sun
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
You have 20/20 vision if you can spot the three differences in the famous painting in under 5 seconds
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FIND out if you have perfect vision by spotting the difference in the two semi-identical images from famous paintings. A few subtle differences can be found in the images below, but only the eagle-eyed can spot the changes. 9 The original Girl with the Pearl Earring was painted by Johannes Vermeer c. 1665 Credit: Jacksons's Art 9 Jackson's Art team created the modified paintings to train your brain Credit: Jacksons's Art Beat this challenge in under five seconds to be considered an expert with 20/20 vision by noticing the three changes made. These Spot the Difference puzzles are a great way to test your skills in observation and attention to detail. Not only is this a fun test for your brain, but doing these brain training exercises also sharpen focus, enhance visual perception, boost memory, and strengthen problem solving skills. The team of creatives at Jackson's Art made these puzzles with three of history's most famous paintings - the 'Girl with a Pearl Earring', the 'Mona Lisa', and 'The Starry Night'. There are three little differences to look out for the in 'the Girl with a Pearl Earring' by Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer. The original of this painting is currently housed in the Mauritshuis in The Hague, Netherlands, and is considered a masterpiece of the Dutch Gold Age. So have you spotted the three changes that have been made to the original painting? The differences are subtle, and if you have found then in under five seconds then you have a sharp eye. If not, no worries, you can scroll down to find the answers. And if you need to work on your skills, other puzzles like crosswords, Sudoku or those using logic are good. Artists also made two changes to Leonardo da Vinci's iconic 'Mona Lisa' painting from the early 16th century. The image you see first in this mind-bending optical illusion reveals your most annoying personality trait The Mona Lisa has been an significant symbol of Renaissance art, and can be viewed by visiting the Louvre in Paris. Finally, perhaps the most challenging, you need to find the three differences in Vincent van Gogh's painting of 'The Starry Night'. This well-renowned piece, painted in 1889, is currently viewable at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and depicted the view from Van Gogh's asylum room. For another similar challenge, you can try to find the five hidden changes made to this woman sleeping with a fan picture in under 10 seconds. Or other brain teasers to spot the rattlesnake in a pile of leaves in less than seven seconds. The Sun has wide range of optical illusions you can try to stimulate the deepest parts of your brain. 9 Original portrait of the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci Credit: Jackson's Art 9 Edited version of the Mona Lisa painting by Jackson's Art with two modifications Credit: Jackson's Art 9 Van Gogh's original painting of The Starry Night Credit: Jackson's Art 9 Changes made to The Starry Night painting by Vincent van Gogh Credit: Jackson's Art 9 Three colour differences to find in the Girl with a Pearl Earring painting Credit: Jacksons's Art 9 The Mona Lisa has had a ring added to her finger, and her eyes are looking up Credit: Jackson's Art
