Hytta Cabin: A Modern Cabin Retreat for Uninterrupted Relaxation + Creativity

Hytta Cabin: A Modern Cabin Retreat for Uninterrupted Relaxation + Creativity

Dominik Ilichman and Adam Hofman recognized the need for a sanctuary that could free people from the daily barrage of notifications, the hum of digital noise, and the incessant urge to check our phones. In response, they crafted a modern cabin where the noise of the outside world disappears, and a sense of tranquility takes over in the Czech Republic’s Lípa nad Dřevnicí. The place is the Hytta cabin, a modern oasis designed to help you find uninterrupted time for creativity, reflection, and relaxation.

At its core, Hytta is a celebration of Scandinavian minimalism. The philosophy? Minimalism fosters maximum focus and creativity. Inside, every element serves a purpose, eliminating any potential distractions. Yet, they’ve ensured that the modern comforts are still present, so you can work, think, and relax without compromise.

night view of modern wood cabin in woods with red lights shining on surrounding trees

The Hytta cabin sits on a south-facing slope next to a pine forest, a deliberate move that shields it from the disturbances of civilization. The design, inspired by a former hunting cabin, creates a blend of rustic charm and modern innovation.

closeup partial night view of modern wood cabin in woods with red lights shining on surrounding trees

closeup view of modern wood cabin's exterior looking through black square window into interior

dark and moody interior shot of modern cabin with minimalist furnishings

The ground floor includes an open living area with an integrated kitchen, a foyer, a bathroom, a utility room, and an outdoor bathroom for a direct connection to nature. The cabin’s high gable roof in the main living space provides ample room to explore one’s creativity. The bedroom, with a large window facing east, allows witness to the morning sun from the comforts of bed.

dark and moody interior shot of modern cabin with minimalist furnishings

Hytta is heated primarily by a cast-iron, wood-burning stove with underfloor heating adding backup to ensure the cabin is always cozy and comfortable.

view in the rafters of a pitched roof of a modern cabin

Two cozy nooks, one accessible from the bedroom and a second one above the main living area, offer additional sleeping areas, making Hytta perfect for accommodating up to six people. A large oak dining table doubles as a workspace, and technical facilities, like a computer monitor, are seamlessly integrated into storage cabinets. High-speed internet ensures connection when needed, and biodynamic lighting promotes healthy sleep by avoiding the emission of disruptive blue light after dark.

looking down from the second floor through to modern dining room below

interior shot of minimalist home with light wood ceiling and bookshelves

interior shot of modern living space with light wood open ceiling and minimalist furnishings with light flooding in

interior shot of modern living space with light wood open ceiling and minimalist furnishings with light flooding in

The walls and ceiling are clad in spruce offering a warm, cozy backdrop to the black accents and neutral furnishings.

interior view from modern small black kitchen to rest of open living room with light wood ceilings

modern black kitchen with light wood details

view into modern black kitchen with light wood ceiling and simple staircase behind

A bent sheet metal staircase in the kitchen is suspended by cables as it rises to the main bedroom.

view into modern black kitchen with light wood ceiling and simple staircase behind

dark gray black modern bathroom

minimalist bedroom with light wood walls and ceiling with branches hanging from ceiling

angled view of minimalist bedroom with light wood walls looking out through window

daytime exterior shot of modern wood cabin with a deck

daytime exterior shot of modern wood cabin with a deck

angled daytime shot of exterior of simple wood house

daytime shot of exterior of simple wood house

closeup shot of exterior of simple wood house

daytime shot of exterior of simple wood house

angled exterior shot of modern bathroom sauna

A short walk away from the cabin, a modern Finnish sauna with a cold immersion tub awaits. The structure, with its deep charred-timber clad facade, almost blends with the surrounding nature. The sauna offers a perfect spot to unwind while taking in the unobstructed views of the forest. The relaxation area, shower, and sauna are thoughtfully designed to provide a serene escape outside the cabin.

exterior shot of modern bathroom sauna in woods

exterior shot of modern bathroom sauna in woods

view from minimalist sauna and bathroom in woods

two men standing at angle towards each other with arms crossed looking at camera through window

Adam Hofman and Dominik Ilichman

Want to escape your own hectic world for a bit? Luckily, the Hytta cabin is available to rent. More information here.

Photography by Studio Flusser and Julius Filip.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.

Indian steel tycoons to launch art centre near historic site of Hampi

Indian steel tycoons to launch art centre near historic site of Hampi

One of India’s richest families—and most prominent groups of cultural patrons—will open a contemporary art centre in the country’s south next year. Hampi Art Labs is being launched by the JSW Foundation, the social development arm of the JSW Group, a Mumbai-headquartered conglomerate founded and led by members of the Jindal family. The company, which has holdings in steel, energy and infrastructure, among other assets, has a reported annual revenue of $22bn.

The 18-acre art centre, due to open in February 2024, will be located in a town near Hampi, a Unesco World Heritage site, around a six-hour drive from Bengaluru. A popular tourist destination, Hampi was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, which ruled parts of southern India from the 14th to the early 17th century. During its peak, the empire was one of the world’s largest in terms of prosperity and size, and its leaders erected more than 1,000 monuments across Hampi, including intricately carved stone temples, markets and gateways, a number of which remain intact. Tourists also visit the site for its striking geographical position, amid vast boulder formations and on the banks of the Tungabhadra river.

A stone chariot in Hampi

Photo: Flickr

Hampi Art Labs will house exhibition venues, studios and a new artist residency programme. It is built with an undisclosed budget, on land owned by the JSW Group in the town of Vijayanagara, where the conglomerate operates India’s largest steel plant.

“Hampi Art Labs is an institution uniquely born of place—the proximity of the JSW Plant in Vijayanagar to an ancient and distinctive world heritage site like Hampi offers unparalleled possibilities that having this residency in an urban centre could not match,” says Sangita Jindal, the chairperson of JSW Foundation and the wife of Sajjan Jindal, the chairperson of the JSW Group. She will oversee the centre along with her daughter, Tarini, the creative director of Hampi Art Labs.

Hampi Art Labs artists will have access to facilities in the nearby JSW steel plant, Vijayanagar Works, in Vijayanagar, Karnataka

Artist residents will have access to the steel plant to “work on a large scale and with specialised equipment”. Further production facilities include those for printmaking, ceramics and new media.

This is not the first culture initiative the Jindals have launched in the area. In 2012, JSW opened Kaladham, a ten-acre campus in Vijayanagar that houses a museum dedicated to the heritage of Hampi, along with performance venues. Sangita Jindal has also previously worked with the Global Heritage Fund to restore temple sites in Hampi.

Sangita Jindal

Courtesy of JSW Foundation

The Jindals are well known in India for funding and promoting a wide range of visual arts initiatives. Sangita Jindal is the publisher of Art India, a quarterly magazine covering India’s art world. The Jindal collection, mainly focusing on Modern and contemporary South Asian art, features “more than 1,000” works and is housed across a number of properties and offices owned by the family. Around 80% of the collection belongs to Sangita Jindal, with the rest owned by JSW Group. The new centre’s inaugural show will focus on works from the collection by artists including Bharti Kher, Andy Warhol, Lubna Chowdhary and Ai Weiwei. Future exhibitions will be made up of new, commissioned works and loans.

The first set of artists signed up to the residency programme are Bhasha Chakrabarti, Sharbendu De, Madhavi Gore, Promiti Hossain and Anirudh Singh Shaktawat. The new centre is being designed by the architect Sameep Padora and his studio sP+a.

Stunning Mobile Photo Winners of the OnePlus Photography Awards

Stunning Mobile Photo Winners of the OnePlus Photography Awards
Fire Dragon Dancer at Night

“Fire Dragon Dancer
at the Night” by Zhuowen Ao. Grand Winner. Shot with OnePlus 11

Tech brand OnePlus showed off the creative power of its mobile phones at the renowned Lucie Awards. Held annually to celebrate achievements in photography, the Lucies is a prestigious event that OnePlus helps sponsor. And, as part of the celebrations, eight winners from the OnePlus Photography Awards were exhibited in New York along with other top winners from the International Photo Awards.

“The partnership between the International Photography Awards and OnePlus has given rise to a global photography sensation. This is a magnificent showcase of artistic flair, creativity, and talent hailing from every corner of the globe through the power of mobile phones,” said Hossein Farmani, IPA Founder and President. “We are thrilled to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the International Photography Awards with OnePlus. Our collaboration with OnePlus is a milestone we take immense pride in. Throughout the partnership, we have seen the true potential and power of mobile photography, and we look forward to continuing to work together with OnePlus to make great photography more accessible while encouraging everyone with a phone camera to become a photographer capable of capturing and sharing special moments with the world.”

The winners of the OnePlus Photography Awards were announced in August, with photographer Zhuowen Ao taking home to top prize. His exceptional image of a fire dragon dancer at Chinese New Year shows the power of the OnePlus 11. Sparks of light from the celebration are perfectly captured as the dancer walks through the darkness, showing that the mobile phone can handle tough lighting situations.

The other images placed on display were taken from the competition’s three categories—Infinite Nature, City Voice, and Visions of Night. Each image is a masterclass in mobile photography and fits in beautifully with the other work in the exhibition. From a mysterious ice cave to a crowded subway car, there was nothing that these photographers couldn’t capture with their phones.

Check out some of the incredible winners of the OnePlus Photography Awards.

Ice CaveIce Cave

“Ice Cave” by Chen Ma. 1st Place, Infinite Nature, Official Website. Shot with OnePlus 11

People crowded into the subway in Shenzen, ChinaPeople crowded into the subway in Shenzen, China

“Crowded Metro Station” by Hhersher Sun. 3rd Place, City Voice, Official Website. Shot with OnePlus 8T

Hangrang ValleyHangrang Valley

“The Hangrang Valley” by Samyak Jain. 1st Place, Infinite Nature, Social Media Group. Shot with OnePlus 9 Pro

Illuminated ferris wheel at nightIlluminated ferris wheel at night

“Ferris Wheels” by Rijan Sangat. 3rd Place, Visions of Night, Official Website. Shot with OnePlus 10 Pro

Fall in Val d'OssolaFall in Val d'Ossola

“The Golden Spruces” by Luca Camminati. 2nd Place, Infinite Nature, Official Website. Shot with OnePlus 9 Pro

2023 OnePlus Photography Awards2023 OnePlus Photography Awards

“Orion Stars” by mohandravid. 1st Place, Visions of Night, Social Media Group. Shot with OnePlus 9 Pro

Rocky outcrop at nightRocky outcrop at night

“Midwest Midnight” by Justen Christensen. 1st Place, Visions of Night, Official Website. Shot with OnePlus Nord N20

OnePlus: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by OnePlus.

Related Articles:

30 Best Photography Competitions To Elevate Your Craft

22 Incredible Winners of the 2023 iPhone Photography Awards

Must-See Winners of the 2023 Sony World Photography Awards

Winners of Mobile Photography Awards Showcase the Creative Possibilities of Smartphones

‘Music is powerful’: First-ever Saskatchewan Indigenous Music Awards wraps up a success

‘Music is powerful’: First-ever Saskatchewan Indigenous Music Awards wraps up a success

Longtime gospel singer Yvonne St. Germaine took the stage next to present the Gospel Recording of the Year Award. Sundance and Sunshine Brass from the Pasqua First Nation took that prize.

Speaking to paNOW after the moment, Sundance noted winning the award was ‘tremendously awesome.’

“This is one of my very first awards I’ve ever received so I’m very thankful,” he said. “I can’t wait to look back 20, 30 years from now and say ‘hey, I was a part of the very first one in 2023.”

Next up was the Song of the Year category with five artists up for that honour: Shawn Adams, Nige B, JJ Lavallee, Donny Corrigal, and Jarrid Lee.

Prince Albert Mayor Greg Dionne presented that award to Metis Country performer Shawn Adams.

Fellow country artist Jarrid Lee was the next award winner, nabbing the Country/Roots Person of the Year Award.

Nige B, a member of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band was a big winner Sunday night, claiming two awards for Instrumentalist of the Year and Rock/Heavy Metal/Rap Person of the Year.

By far the greatest honour of the evening went to Lawrence Joseph, the first-ever recipient of the Willard Ahenakew Award.

Before presenting the award to Joseph, Ahenakew’s son, Lee spoke to the crowd about what it meant to have a lifetime achievement award named in honour of his father, who was unable to attend the ceremony in person.

Surrounded by his family, Joseph was humbled by the award and what it meant to him to be a champion for Indigenous musicians but also to use music to help those overcome substance abuse. He was congratulated with the night’s only standing ovation.

Joseph spent decades as a musician but also served on Prince Albert’s city council and was once Chief of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN).

Following a performance by the Strong Sisters from Black Lake First Nation, the Female and Male Artist of the Year awards were next on the docket.

Falynn Baptiste of Red Pheasant Cree Nation won the award and thanked her community and all her supporters for helping her reach this pinnacle of her career.

The Male Artist of the Year trophy went to JJ Lavallee who in his acceptance speech thanked the province of Saskatchewan for making him feel at home. Lavallee is originally from Manitoba but said he’s looking forward to continuing his music career in Saskatchewan.

“I called Saskatchewan home over a year now and it’s been wonderful. I’m just looking forward to seeing what more Saskatchewan has to offer,” he said.

He added that he was a bit surprised to win the award given the amount of talent that was nominated.

Finally, it was time for the last award, The Fan Choice Entertainer of the Year. Five artists were up this prestigious honour: Donny Corrigal, Jarid Lee, Nige B, Berk Jodoin, Rebecca Strong, Glen Strong, Melodie Gliem.

Donny Corrigal was announced the winner and said after the event that being nominated was worthy enough.

“There was just so much talent here. SIMA did a great job of putting together this whole show.”

The show would not have been possible without the work of the board of the Saskatchean Indigenous Music Association (SIMA).

Talks of an awards ceremony first came to light about two years ago from president Donny Parenteau. From there the vision grew into what transpired on Sunday night.

However, as Donny and other board members mentioned that evening, this awards show is just the beginning as they anticipate greater events will happen in the future.

“We made history tonight as the first,” said Yvonne St. Germaine who sits on the board. “These nominees are going to look back and know where their start came from and to be a part of that, there’s no words.”

“It’s going to attract more younger artists, more people in those northern communities,” added Lavallee. “Now they see that ‘there’s something for me to aspire to and something to push my music towards.”

Sundance Brass agreed with the feeling that the awards show will grow each year, noting that music made a huge difference in his life, and it has the power to do that for countless Indigenous people in Saskatchewan.

“Music is very powerful. It’s a very powerful force not to be reckoned with,” he said. “Music speaks to many levels of people, all ages and to be able to come out and have awards like this with the music industry is so wonderful.”

Plans are already in motion for the 2024 Saskatchewan Indigenous Music Awards with many of the nominated and winning artists this year also in line for a Saskatchewan Music Award. That ceremony is set to take place Dec. 2 at the Broadway Theatre in Saskatoon.

derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

Photography’s Power as an Agent of Social Change

Photography’s Power as an Agent of Social Change

Since its origins in the 19th century, photography has proven to be a powerful medium for documenting human life and bringing awareness to social issues. When a photograph captures an injustice or iconic moment, it can resonate around the world and galvanize people to take action. Photography’s unique ability to convey visual information makes it an unparalleled tool for social change.

The Power of Visuals

Photography derives immense power from its ability to show rather than tell. As the old adage goes “a picture is worth a thousand words.” A well-composed image can encapsulate complex emotions, narratives, and themes in one frame. Unlike the written word, photos convey information instantaneously. They transcend language and cultural barriers.

A photograph of a starving child or bloody conflict scene elicits an immediate visceral response. Photography captures a split second that communicates volumes through visual details. The way a subjects’ eyes gaze, clothes drape, or limbs contort tell a vivid story. Photography makes it impossible to ignore harsh realities. When people open a newspaper or website and see a photograph of war victims, they cannot dismiss the human costs. The memorable visuals etched in society’s collective conscience have significant psychological impact. Photos of such subject matter play upon human empathy and advance calls for change.

Furthering Social Causes

Many photographers have actively sought to spur societal reforms by documenting relevant subject matter. During the Great Depression, Dorothea Lange captured impoverished farming families, bringing attention to their plight. Her famous “Migrant Mother” photograph became one of the most iconic images of that era. The worn look on the mother’s face, matched by her children’s tattered clothes, tell a bleak story. Lange once said: “The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera.” Her social realism photos showed inequalities that needed addressing.

Likewise, Lewis Hine used his camera as a tool for social justice and labor reform in the early 1900s. As an investigative photojournalist, he uncovered the exploitative use of child labor in factories, mines, and canneries. His exposes led to new workplace regulations and business practices. Hine’s photos of children operating heavy machinery potently illustrated why child labor laws were necessary. The innocence of their faces juxtaposed with harsh industrial equipment pulled at the heartstrings.

Other influential photographers such as Jacob Riis, Gordon Parks, and Sebastião Salgado have used their cameras to advance social causes like improving slum conditions, ending segregation, and protecting marginalized groups. Their photos did not just document historic moments – they actively worked to drive social progress and change people’s attitudes.

Turning Points for Human Rights

Certain iconic photos have underscored human rights abuses and spurred international outcry. Nick Ut’s 1972 photograph of a naked Vietnamese girl fleeing a napalm attack conveyed the horrors of the Vietnam War. The disturbing image contributed to growing anti-war sentiment. Similarly, the photos that emerged from Abu Ghraib prison, showing U.S. soldiers humiliating Iraqi prisoners, sparked global condemnation.

Kevin Carter’s 1993 photo of a vulture stalking a starving child in Sudan highlighted the human toll caused by famine and civil war. The UN’s food aid policies toward Sudan changed after this photo’s publication. Modern smartphones have enabled more firsthand documentation of human rights violations. Citizen journalism has exposed atrocities that repressive regimes try to hide from the world.

Photography has proven pivotal for the civil rights, feminist, and LGBTQ+ movements. Photos of peaceful protestors being attacked by police or sprayed by fire hoses conveyed why the cause was just. Iconic images from marches, sit-ins, and riots fueled momentum during the 1960s. Photos of groups marginalized and victimized because of gender or sexual orientation generated solidarity and advanced legislation protecting rights.

Preserving Collective Memory

Beyond inciting immediate reactions, photographs cement significant historical events in society’s collective memory. Photos allow people to visually engage with history beyond what written accounts provide. Seeing those moments resonate more deeply than words alone could.

Photography preserves the raw emotions and humanity from days gone by. Looking at Dorothea Lange’s Depression era portraits or Ellis Island immigration photos creates human connections to the past. Iconic news images of historic events carry immense visual power and context. Anyone seeing the lone Tiananmen Square protestor blocking a tank understands his defiance and courage. Photography solidifies historical moments as shared visual reference points across generations in a way that language alone cannot.

The Advent of Citizen Photojournalism

In today’s digital era, nearly everyone has a camera in their pocket. The rise of smartphones equipped with HD video and sharing apps has transformed eyewitness photography. Citizen photojournalism has allowed pivotal events to be spontaneously documented from multiple angles. Protests, riots, revolutions, and other breaking news can be captured in real-time from the scene.

Average people can quickly share photos or even livestream events as they unfold on the ground. While professional photojournalists still provide invaluable service, citizen footage now significantly expands photographic documentation of historic social moments. This degree of spontaneity and accessibility was unimaginable not long ago. Citizen photos offer street-level perspectives that news outlets cannot always provide.

The framing and vantage point of citizen images can portray events in novel ways as well. The role of photography in social change will only continue evolving in new directions thanks to citizen journalism. Any bystander can potentially capture the next image that spurs major social impact and consequences.

Photography’s ability to incite reactions, shape narratives, and sway opinions explains its enduring impact as an agent of social change. The written word cannot match photography’s immediacy and ability to elicit empathy. Statistical data and facts do not resonate emotionally the way visualized suffering does. Of course, that is not to say that the written word and data are not just as important in their own ways, but neither can elicit the immediate visceral impact an image can. 

Hearing about atrocities secondhand does not compare to seeing photographic evidence. Photography’s influence endures because seeing truly is believing for most people. That timeless maxim will ensure photography’s continued role in advocating for social reform far into the future. Photos that reveal injustice possess unmatched power to spur public outcry and demands for change.

Challenges and Ethical Questions

Despite photography’s immense capacity for positive change, the medium also raises many ethical challenges. Some critics argue that graphic images of human suffering are exploitative and unethical to disseminate regardless of good intentions.

The notion of consent is problematic, as many subjects are unable to give permission or voice objections to how their likeness is used. Audiences often consume troubling photos as spectacle while remaining complacent. Photography can aestheticize and commodify trauma in troubling ways.

Photographers have been criticized for altering the normal behavior of subjects to maximize drama and pathos. Dorothea Lange famously posed her “Migrant Mother” rather than capturing a spontaneous moment. Photojournalists must balance truthful representation with respect for human dignity. They must consider how personal biases, framing, editing, and captions shape perceptions. They hold tremendous power in their hands. 

Finally, the legitimacy of digital photos as accurate documentation faces scrutiny. Continually advancing editing capabilities have enabled convincing image manipulation. The audience must determine whether viral photos are authentic evidence or altered misinformation, and one can easily argue that the audience is always behind the curve of the latest possibilities. Responsible practices and ethics are paramount.

Photography’s Enduring Role

Despite ethical complexities, photography remains an unmatched medium for motivating social reform. Responsible image-makers consider how to respectfully capture human struggles. The power of photography to influence public opinion endures regardless of staging controversies and emerging technologies. A well-composed image will always speak volumes more than words.

Modern camera phones enable any passerby to similarly document injustice. That unprecedented capability will only enhance photography’s role as an agent of social change in the time to come.

Lead image of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. arrested for “loitering,” by Charles Moore (public domain).

Sonya Clark Uses Common Fibers to Weaves Together Craft, Community, and Activism

Sonya Clark Uses Common Fibers to Weaves Together Craft, Community, and Activism

“The Hair Craft Project: Hairstyles on Canvas” (2014), silk threads, beads, shells, and yarn on canvas, nine at 29 × 29 inches and two at 33 × 33 inches. All images courtesy of High Museum, shared with permission

In a poem devoted to the singer and activist Paul Robeson, Gwendolyn Brooks writes, “We are each other’s harvest, we are each other’s business, we are each other’s magnitude and bond.” Sonya Clark draws on Brooks’ words in her mid-career retrospective at the High Museum as she wields the power of collaborative making to illuminate issues of racism, sexism, and capitalist imperatives.

Titled We Are Each Other, the exhibition encompasses 25 years of the artist’s participatory works that highlight the inextricable links between craft and community. Fiber becomes both a connective tissue and transmitter in Clark’s oeuvre, which uses materials like books, hair, found fabrics, and flags to untangle the narratives and structural inequities of American life. “How do we address and challenge our shared colonial past, and how do we hold ourselves accountable for and claim agency in what happens next in the future of our society?” she asks.

 

a stack of books with an open-book sculpture on top featuring cut out hands in fists

Detail of “Solidarity Book Project” (2020–present)

Included in We Are Each Other are several works created in collaboration. “The Hair Craft Project,” for example, photographs stylists’ elaborate braided designs done on Clark’s head to both celebrate their artistry and connect contemporary hairdressing with broader textile traditions. Similarly, a large-scale portrait uses more than 3,000 plastic combs to portray Madame C.J. Walker, the first woman to become a self-made millionaire in the U.S. by establishing an immensely successful hair-care business. Walker then used much of her wealth to advocate against lynching and race-based violence, and Clark’s depiction honors this impulse toward activism and unity.

Other pieces on view are “Unraveling,” a performance-based work that asks volunteers to deconstruct symbolic objects like the Confederate flag, and a portion of the ongoing “Solidarity Book Project.” Emphasizing the importance of reading and knowledge sharing, this project offers instructions for carving a raised fist, the symbol of Black liberation, from the pages of a book.

We Are Each Other is on view through February 18, 2024, in Atlanta. Dive deeper into Clark’s works by picking up the exhibition catalog and checking out her Instagram.

 

a woman with a floral-like braided hairstyle stands with her back to the camera, while another woman smiles in the background

“The Hair Craft Project: Hairstylists with Sonya: Sonya Clark with Jamilah Williams” (2013), inkjet photograph, 28 × 28 inches. Photo by Naoko Wowsugi

an abstract portrait of a woman in black and white

“Madam C. J. Walker” (2008), combs, 122 × 87 inches

A grid of portraits with one woman with her back turned to the camera and other women blurred in the backdrop

“The Hair Craft Project: Sonya with Kamala Bhagat, Dionne James Eggleston, Marsha Johnson, Chaunda King, Anita Hill Moses, Nasirah Muhammad, Jameika and Jasmine Pollard, Ingrid Riley, Ife Robinson, Natasha Superville, and Jamilah Williams” (2014), pigment prints on archival paper, eleven framed, 30 × 30 inches each

black hair combs

Detail of “Madam C. J. Walker” (2008), combs, 122 × 87 inches

a bench in front of a bookshelf in a gallery

“Solidarity Book Project” (2023), installation view. Photo by Alphonso Whitfield

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Sonya Clark Uses Common Fibers to Weaves Together Craft, Community, and Activism appeared first on Colossal.

Muller Van Severen and HAY Expand Their Arcs Collection

Muller Van Severen and HAY Expand Their Arcs Collection

It’s been a big year for Muller Van Severen, and it’s not even December yet. The Belgian design studio founded by Fien Muller and Hannes Van Severen was recently named Designers of the Year 2023 by Maison&Objet, for a “decade of innovation that shook up the codes of interior design.” In addition to their recent collaboration with valerie_objects, the duo is also presenting their new Arcs Trolley and Arcs Mirror for Danish brand HAY.

Like HAY, Muller Van Severen is known for having a playful and colorful approach to their design process. The new pieces are an expansion of Muller Van Severen’s current Arcs collection with HAY, which includes a lampshade, vase, and candleholder. Similarly, the trolleys and mirrors have simple, streamlined forms but have a unique edge – literally. Both are lined with a scalloped border that creates reflections of full circles when viewed at the right perspective.

modern trolley under scalloped mirror

burgundy trolley next to blue island in kitchen

candle stick, bottle of water, and bowl of fruit on burgundy trolley

glass coups on burgundy trolley

glass coups on beige trolley

white trolley in mirror-finish kitchen

five modern trolleys

The Arcs Trolley is available in two sizes (Low and High) and four different colors (Sea Green, Eggshell, Dark Blue, and Auburn Red). The Arcs Mirror is available as a round or three different rectangular sizes in a range of finishes including Red, Green, Burgundy, and Mirror.

red mirror in marble bathroom

red mirror next to green indoor tree

rectangle scallop mirror next to green plant

mirror finish scalloped mirror in marble bathroom

long green scalloped mirror in marble bathroom

mirror finish scalloped mirror in green titled room

mirror in entry way

close up of scallop border of mirror

For more information on the new Arcs Trolley or Arcs Mirror, visit hay.com.

As the Senior Contributing Editor, Vy Yang is obsessed with discovering ways to live well + with intention through design. She’s probably sharing what she finds over on Instagram stories. You can also find her at vytranyang.com.

The Wildlife Photography Awards 2023 winning photographs: Incredible image of grizzly bear fishing takes top spot

The Wildlife Photography Awards 2023 winning photographs: Incredible image of grizzly bear fishing takes top spot

The judges (BBC Wildlife Magazine editorial team and photographer Tony Rath) unanimously picked a remarkable photograph of a grizzly bear fishing – by Simon Roberts – as the overall winner in BBC Wildlife Magazine‘s Wildlife Photography Awards 2023.

The grizzly bear went through to the final judging stage after winning the behaviour category in a public vote.

Simon has won an incredible holiday to Belize – home to the second-largest reef system in the world, lush tropical rainforests and picturesque beaches – courtesy of Belize Tourism Board.

Overall winner

Grizzly bear fishing in Alaska by Simon Roberts

The category winners

Entries in each category were whittled down to a shortlist of five by our judges, before going to a public vote.

The five category winners will each receive a Regatta gift bundle, worth £412. Each Regatta gift bundle includes a Volter waterproof insulated jacket, power bank for jacket, Montes fleece, Atholl 35L rucksack and insulated bottle.

Environment winning photograph

Cheetah brothers with rainbow, Maasai Mara, Kenya by Serkan Hussein

Plants & Fungi winning photograph

Honey bee on sunflower, Powys, Wales by Paul Williams

Behaviour winning photograph

Grizzly bear fishing in Alaska by Simon Roberts

Camera phone winning photograph

Camel thorn trees, Deadvlei, Namibia by Ana Amarawansa 

Portraits winner

Elephants, Amboseli, Kenya by Sam Hankss

BBC Wildlife champions ethical wildlife photography that prioritises the welfare of animals and the environment. At heart of the brand is a respect for the natural world.

BBC Wildlife Magazine’s Wildlife Photography Awards were sponsored by Belize Tourism Board and Regatta

Belize Tourism Board

belize_logo_122112

Belize has something for everyone – spot spectacular birds and howler monkeys in the tropical rainforest; visit a jaguar reserve; snorkel in the UNESCO-listed Belize Barrier Reef; look for whale sharks between April and June, and go on an island-hopping tour of cayes and beaches. You can find your trip with Responsible Travel, travel partner of Belize Tourism Board, by browsing an exciting choice of Belize holidays that all support nature and local communities. travelbelize.org

Regatta

Regatta 2

Regattas mission is to produce affordable clothing, footwear and camping equipment not only for adventurers, but for those who want to open their front door and just have fun. regatta.com