Visual Arts
Painting Portraits With Bacteria
Microbiologist Zachary Copfer has created detailed portraits of famous artists and scientists in petri dishes
October 10, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
This 105-Year-Old Made Marilyn Monroe’s Earrings
Meet Sadie Mintz, a jewelry maker who saw her handiwork on the cover of LIFE magazine
October 09, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
Events October 9-11: Short Films, Chef Demonstrations and a Shanghai Quartet
This week at the Smithsonian, daily screenings, the best of American cuisine and new arrangements of Chinese folk songs
October 08, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
How Did the Pigskin Get Its Shape?
American football may have evolved from soccer and rugby, but it turns out that the football was never truly designed, it just sort of happened
October 05, 2012 |
By Jimmy Stamp
As a Matter of Fact: Jockeys, Tartans and Cowboy Glam
The real stories behind some fashion fads and classics hold some surprising twists
October 05, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
Sinfully Delicious Apples That You Should Never Try to Eat
Inspired by the work of Cornell scientists, Los Angeles-based Jessica Rath creates sculptures and photographs of the autumn fruit
October 05, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
George Washington and Abigail Adams Get an Extreme Makeover
Conservators at the National Gallery Art restored Gilbert Stuart portraits of our founding figures, making them look good as new
October 05, 2012 |
By Joseph Stromberg
Events October 5-7: Mrs. Judo, Staring at the Sun and Chamber Society Music
This weekend, a 99-year old judo legend, a scientist who studies the sun and a season-opener with the Smithsonian Chamber Music Society.
October 04, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Why Polaroid Inspired Both Steve Jobs and Andy Warhol
Beloved by innovators and artists alike, the camera company dissolved into history once it lost its beloved CEO. Apple should take note
October 04, 2012 |
By Ryan R. Reed
Amazing Photographs of Water Droplets Colliding
See the results of 98-year-old Irving Olson's kitchen experiments
October 03, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
Blind Photographer Paints With Light, Creating Stunning Images
Her photos are modeled after walks through the park or moments on the street that she experiences through sound and smell
October 03, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
Ai Weiwei Takes Over the Smithsonian: “According to What?” Opens at the Hirshhorn
The museum hosts the U.S. premier of a blockbuster show from the controversial artist
October 03, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Antonio’s World: The Life and Work of a Celebrated Fashion Illustrator
Antonio Lopez's electrifying art defined the style of the times, 1960s-'80s. Now, a gallery show and book call renewed attention to his accomplishments
October 02, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
This Camera Trap Snared a Bonanza of Indonesian Wildlife
Sit back and enjoy the stunning wildlife of northern Sumatra
October 02, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
Leatherhead to Radio-head: The Evolution of the Football Helmet
From hand-cobbled beginnings, the football helmet has evolved to become one of the most highly designed pieces of equipment in all of sports
October 01, 2012 |
By Jimmy Stamp
Every Day of a 21-Year-Old’s Life, in One Six-Minute Video
Twenty-one years of daily photographs in just over 6 minutes
October 01, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
Events October 2-4: Nomadic Arts, Guided Tours and Music from Kazakhstan
This week, music and finds from Kazakhstan's nomadic past and daily, guided tours
October 01, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
The Sackler Celebrates 25 Years of Asian Art
From Tibet to the Arabian Peninsula, the gallery has been exploring the beauty of the world for a quarter of a decade
October 2012 |
By G. Wayne Clough, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution
The Photographs That Prevented World War III
While researching a book on the Cuban missile crisis, the writer unearthed new spy images that could have changed history
October 2012 |
By Michael Dobbs
Yayoi Kusama, High Priestess of Polka Dots
The avant-garde Japanese artist attains retrospective status—and embarks on a fashion collaboration with Louis Vuitton
September 28, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
