Millions of people from around the world flock to the finest art museums every year to experience the most incredible pieces that have ever been created. It’s hard to stand unmoved in front of the works of Michelangelo, Dürer, Da Vinci, and Cassatt. It’s hard to deny how seeing a piece like the Mona Lisa in person makes you feel. But people with visual impairments rarely get to partake in these experiences. They never get to analyze Monet’s signature brush strokes, stare into the vast beauty of the Sistine Chapel’s renowned ceiling, or count the swirling stars in Van Gogh’s most famous nighttime scene. It’s a reality that’s as heartbreaking as it is ignored. But one team of artists and digital designers aims to solve that problem with a project called Unseen Art. YouTube / Unseen Art What they’re doing is about to change everything for blind people who want to see the art that’s become part of our cultural consciousness. By using 3-D printing technology, they’re bringing these pieces to life for visually-impaired people to experience in their own unique way. As one spokesperson explains, “Unseen Art is taking two-dimensional master works of visual art into the realm of touch.” YouTube / Unseen Art The team behind this incredible project wants to remedy the fact that so many blind people have never witnessed the art that we often take for granted. Imagine stepping into the Louvre and not being able to experience the Mona Lisa‘s famous smile, even when it’s right in front of you. That’s what they want to change. Designers aim to print some of these works into 3-D figures that can be touched, turning any concept we once had of art viewership on its head. YouTube / Unseen Art One lucky participant got to touch the project’s first prototype of Da Vinci’s most famous lady. “Her nose is quite long,” she laughs, “but the expression is what’s most mysterious. She definitely wasn’t a classic beauty. My fingers are excited!” With the help of volunteers from all over the world, these works can actually be viewed and touched for free. Once the designs are drafted, they can be shared and printed across the globe. YouTube / Unseen Art “We want to bring together the talents of 3-D makers, artists, and visually-impaired people worldwide,” the spokesperson says. “But most importantly of all, we want to share something amazing.” YouTube / Unseen Art For more information, check out their promotional video below: In order to bring Unseen Art to people around the world, these visionaries need our help. To learn more about what you can do to support their mission, head over to their website, and be sure to donate a few dollars if you can on their Indiegogo page. What they’re doing could change the way blind people experience art forever. Read more: http://www.viralnova.com/art-for-the-blind/
All you have to do is turn on the TV or flip through a magazine to watch the media rob aging of its beauty. After all, it’s an honor to grow old. Despite all that, cosmetics companies spend millions on making us fear the inevitable by presenting it as something ugly. One artist by the name of Yulia Brodskaya is flipping the script on aging by creating stunning works that celebrate the vibrance of living a long, full life. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(‘VN_PG_DCBP_ATF’); }); Her portraits serve as snapshots of the wiser set, and they look like paintings at first glance. When you take a closer look, however, you’ll notice that every wrinkle and crease is brought to life with bits of folded paper. Brodskaya pays vivacious, reverent homage to the art of growing old. Yulia Brodskaya googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(‘VN_PG_DCBM_BTF’); }); Yulia Brodskaya Although she once equated her quilling process to drawing with paper, her recent foray into jewel-toned hues brings a painterly vibe to her latest work. Yulia Brodskaya Yulia Brodskaya googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(‘VN_PG_DCI1_BTF’); }); This approach to quilling helped Brodskaya rack up a seriously impressive client list that includes the likes of Neiman Marcus, Hermes, and Starbucks. Yulia Brodskaya Yulia Brodskaya There’s something revelatory about her work that calls on viewers to see familiar sights with fresh eyes. It’s no wonder some of the biggest commercial heavy-hitters in the world want to mark their brands with Brodskaya’s unique stamp of creativity. Yulia Brodskaya Yulia Brodskaya For some insight into her process, take a look at the video below. To learn more about the artist, be sure to check out her website. For regular updates, follow her on Facebook. Read more: http://www.viralnova.com/yulia-paper-art/
It’s probably safe to say that we all have a pretty good grasp on what makes our four-legged friends happy. And that’s because they make no secret of their enthusiasm when it’s time to eat or go for a long walk on a sunny day! The language barrier poses a problem, though. I mean, how much do we really know about what thrills our pets? That’s where the folks at Nikon come in. By strapping a Coolpix L31 camera to a precious pup by the name of Grizzler, they created a little window into the canine soul. This technology responds to elevations in heart rate and snaps photos whenever Grizzler starts getting excited, allowing us to get a taste of the little wonders that make his day. Called “Heartography,” this process captures photos from a dog’s-eye view whenever Grizzler gets pumped. Here’s a little sampling of what he loves! Beautiful scenery? I feel you, man. YouTube / Nikon Asia Who doesn’t love finding treasure? YouTube / Nikon Asia Making friends is always a blast! YouTube / Nikon Asia And it’s so much better when those newfound friendships are totally unexpected. YouTube / Nikon Asia Mushrooms? I mean, whatever floats your boat, Grizz. YouTube / Nikon Asia If you want to follow this adorable guy around for the day, check out more of his adventures below! That’s so cool. What would your dog’s photos look like if you turned them into a photographer for the day? I’m pretty sure my pup’s collection would be very food-centric. Read more: http://www.viralnova.com/heartography-dog/
