Interview: Sculptor Jaume Plensa

The figurative innovator on inspiration, process, the speed of the industry and his collaboration with Ruinart champagne

Among the roster of international contemporary artists frequently positioning their art in public (and outdoor) settings, few bend the mind as much as Spanish sculptor Jaume Plensa. If his name isn’t immediately familiar, his work most certainly will be—from Chicago’s Crown Fountain to a pop-up installation in NYC’s Madison Square Park, his placement everywhere from a “Mission Impossible” film and hotel lobbies around the world. …

Steven Spazuk’s Impressive Fire Art

The artist tells us his Zippo lighter is both a tool and a muse

Sponsored by Zippo

In a truly romantic tale, artist Steven Spazuk says that the idea to paint using flames came to him in a dream. After his first attempt—which resulted in a page burnt to a crisp—he became obsessed with perfecting the technique. From there, he started using a Zippo lighter along with candles and torches, and used heavier card stock; now his name is synonymous with the …

375,000 Images From the Met Are Yours to Use, Free

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s public domain policy has changed this week, making 375,000 images in the collection free to be used in any which way you can think up. Additionally, the new policy makes data about the collection available. Understanding that visiting a museum is more than gazing at a full paintings, the Met also uploaded detailed images of artworks, and even their frames. …