Art & Design

Peter Caton/Action Against Hunger / Cheryl Diaz Meyer for NPR / Toyo Sarno Jordan for NPR

Flood survivors, former sex slaves, fantastic masks: Top global photo stories of 2021

1:19pm January 01, 2022

by Malaka Gharib

The power of photos can be seen in our most popular picture essays of the year, with compelling images from South Sudan, the Philippines, Mexico (check out those artistic face coverings) and more.

Three Cones, 1964, Art © Wayne Thiebaud / Licensed by VAGA, New York, N.Y.

Arts

Wayne Thiebaud, known for his colorful depictions of everyday life, dies at age 101

5:48pm December 26, 2021

by Elizabeth Blair

The artist explored everything from pastries to cityscapes in his work. Paintings, he once told NPR, can be "powerful statements about the sort of astounding capacity of the human mind."

A team of nurses, patient care technicians and a respiratory therapist prepare to return a COVID patient to their back after 24 hours of lying on their stomach. That posture makes it easier to breathe and is a critical part of treatment for COVID patients

Intimate portraits of a hospital COVID unit from a photojournalist-turned-nurse

2:28pm December 26, 2021

by Victoria Hansen

Alan Hawes hopes his photos of health care workers and COVID patients will show the toll of this pandemic — and persuade the unvaccinated to get their COVID shots.

A woman prepares traditional Mexican piñatas for sale at a market in Acolman, Mexico state in 2017.

In Mexico, piñatas are a Christmas essential full of history, art and treats

3:32pm December 22, 2021

Piñatas are a common element in parties across different countries, but especially in Mexico around Christmas time, and the story of their origin combines cultures, traditions and religions.

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A pen and black ink drawing by Albrecht Dürer titled "The Virgin and Child with a Flower on a grassy Bench" is seen at London Art Week dealer Agnews, on Nov. 19, in London.

Arts

Opinion: Albrecht Dürer's lesson for all of us today

8:32am December 18, 2021

by Scott Simon

NPR's Scott Simon reflects on "The Virgin and Child with a Flower on a Grassy Bank," by Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. The previously unknown drawing was unveiled this week in London.

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Science
Arts

Amy Webb: A Glimpse Into The Future

9:36am December 17, 2021

This hour, futurist Amy Webb guides us through innovations that give a glimpse into the future of transportation, wellness, tech, commerce, and travel ... and the impacts they'll have on our lives.

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Arts

Photographer Lola Flash is honored for creating images that challenge invisibility

5:05pm December 14, 2021

by Allyson McCabe

Lola Flash has challenged gender, sexual and racial preconceptions, and in the '80s was a key figure in ACT UP. Now she's being honored for sustained achievement.

New York Times food writer Priya Krishna says Dorie Greenspan's World Peace 2.0 cookie are impossible to hate.

Arts

5 DIY holiday recipes and crafts to avoid supply chain problems

8:03pm December 10, 2021

It's the most wonderful time of the year, as they say. That is, unless you ordered the latest and greatest gadget too late, and now it's stuck in supply chain limbo. We're here to help.

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Gerard ter Borch's painting, titled Godard van Reede (1588-1648), Lord of Nederhorst. Delegate of the Province of Utrecht at the Peace Conference at Münster (1646-48).

Arts

What happens when you combine science, detective work and art? You reveal history

6:41pm December 10, 2021

by Mano Sundaresan

A group of scientists have devised a method for studying the lead in Dutch paintings and found that changes in chemistry reflect changes in history.

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Arts

Design forecasting company Pantone picks 2022 color of the year

6:25am December 10, 2021

The color for the upcoming year is Very Peri, a periwinkle hue. Kamala Harris and Lady Gaga have both been seen wearing it. Apparently it signals "a spritely, joyous attitude."