Alberto Giacometti

The Library Phantom

Articles by Robert Krulwich, art by Anonymous

http://www.npr.org/blogs/krulwich/2011/10/28/141795907/who-left-a-tree-then-a-coffin-in-the-library

http://www.npr.org/blogs/krulwich/2011/11/29/142910393/the-library-phantom-returns

The amount of detail and effort that went into each of these sculptures is breathtaking. Books are an unorthodox medium, and these displays exhibit a great deal of creativity.

Architecture

The Guggenheim

Beijing National Aquatics Center

Klein Bottle House

Darwin Martin House

Samitaur Tower

Maurizio Catellan

A Very Potter Musical, A Very Potter Sequel

This is a fan-created Harry Potter musical put on at the University of Michigan a few years ago. Simultaneously a parody and a loving tribute it shows the potential and impact of remix culture better than anything else I know. This is the sort of thing that can only be created in a world with cognitive surplus and technologies that allow anyone to create and distribute content.

Alexander McQueen Armadillo Heels

I would never, could never, wear these but they are amazing. As functional shoes, these have to rank very highly on the list of worst designs ever, but they are a complete re-imagining of what a shoe can be visually.

Miu Miu Spring 2012 Collection

I love how this collection explores the contrast between minimalism and flourishes. For example, the skirts are mostly very simple A-lines, in solid colors with a minimum of seams, but puffed sleeves and bows are also present. Some of the outfits are very monochromatic in black and grey, while the second dress, in particular, is full of colors. The very smooth, solid colored fabric is also contrasted with lace and polka dots.

The Tale of the Three Brothers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNomXoABDk4

From Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2.

Though this scene didn't work well in the movie (the transition between live-action and animation was too jarring), it is absolutely stunning on its own. The story is told in silhouettes and shadows, and is a great demonstration the principle that less is more. The contrast between the 2D and 3D imagery is also visually striking.

Fringe

Despite what its abysmal Neilson ratings might suggest, Fringe is one of the best shows on television. Fringe follows a secret division of the FBI tasked with investigating seemingly impossible occurrences with strange scientific explanations. Many episodes center around a conflict between this universe and an alternate one, where the Hindenburg never crashed, the tragedies of September 11 didn't happen, and the fabric of reality is beginning to decay.

Everything about the show is meticulously designed. Details are very, very important in production and it shows. The cinematography is reliably fantastic every week. The music is subtle, but powerful. Symbolism and foreshadowing are used more effectively than I have ever seen on network television. The scripts (most of the time) are incredibly tight: every word is essential and likely means more than it seems. Every prop is important. The tiniest of details may be crucial more than half a season later. What makes Fringe such a great show is not the writers, the actors, the producers, composers, directors, or crew, but the confluence of all of these elements. The show does not condescend to it's audience, but displays the effects of amazing attention to detail that make every episode worthy of repeat viewing.

The Mighty Boosh

I have never really been a fan of absurdist humor until I saw this show. I've never seen another comedy quite like it. Jokes are often split, with the set up occurring at the beginning of the episode and the punchline not following until ten minutes later. Actors regularly break the fourth wall, and continuity is entirely disregarded. The narrative structure is also very strange, and changes from episode to episode. The Mighty Boosh taught me that the norms and rules of television can be broken to fantastic effect.

Radiolab

Radiolab has taught me about the power of designing experiences. Every segment is carefully edited and produced to bring the audience along on an adventure. It is hard to describe, but the sound design adds an entire dimension to the interviews and dialog and adds so much more than just music or traditional sound effects. The breathtaking attention to detail on the show results in a listener experience unlike any radio show I've ever heard.

Cities

The Good Show

Lost and Found

Desperately Seeking Symmetry