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The most popular image of Jesus Christ in the world—a white man with blue eyes, wavy brown hair, and a soft, peaceful gaze—comes from Head of Christ, a 1940 painting by Chicago artist Warner Sallman. It’s been reproduced over a billion times, shaping how millions imagine Jesus. Sallman started as a commercial illustrator, sketching ads
a week ago

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More from 99% Invisible

The Nazi Block

In the heart of Berlin’s Tempelhof-Schöneberg district, an unusual concrete cylinder sits as an abandoned eyesore. At first sight, it might be mistaken for a deteriorating grain silo or a remnant of Cold War infrastructure. But this peculiar structure, known officially as the Schwerbelastungskörper (“heavy load-bearing body”), carries a darker history: it was the first

2 days ago 2 votes
The Power Broker Breakdown Wrap-Up

Join Roman and Elliott one last time as they reflect on their journey with you all through The Power Broker, exploring their favorite moments and answering listener questions in this bonus episode. If you finished The Power Broker with us (or know someone who did), get the 99PI Power Broker challenge coin to commemorate your

6 days ago 4 votes
The Wide Open

When the Endangered Species Act passed in 1973, it was considered a bipartisan home run. The Act established protections for plants and animals on the endangered and threatened species lists, and across the aisle, everyone seemed to agree that it would be bad for a bunch of species to go extinct. When the act went

2 weeks ago 12 votes
Valley So Low

In 2008, a billion gallons of toxic sludge spewed across 300 acres of Tennessee in the middle of the night. It was just before Christmas. At the time, Jared Sullivan was in high school and remembers the disaster. For over fifty years a power company called the Tennessee Valley Authority – or the TVA –

3 weeks ago 11 votes

More in architecture

2025 Summer Architecture Programs for Kids and High School Students

Looking for an engaging way to introduce your child to architecture this summer? Or are you a high school student eager to explore design and gain pre-college experience? Archinect’s 2025 roundup of summer architecture programs offers a curated selection of courses, workshops, and camps across the U.S. (and two in Canada and the UK).  Whether you're seeking hands-on creative fun or an academic head start, these programs provide exciting opportunities for young minds to discover the world of architecture.  This first installment highlights offerings for elementary, middle, and high school students — so secure your spot before summer arrives!

13 hours ago 3 votes
The Nazi Block

In the heart of Berlin’s Tempelhof-Schöneberg district, an unusual concrete cylinder sits as an abandoned eyesore. At first sight, it might be mistaken for a deteriorating grain silo or a remnant of Cold War infrastructure. But this peculiar structure, known officially as the Schwerbelastungskörper (“heavy load-bearing body”), carries a darker history: it was the first

2 days ago 2 votes
“AI Is Just a Tool”—and Other Fictions

AI usurps the freedom to experience the pain, growth, and satisfaction of true artistic and design growth.

2 days ago 4 votes
A New Home That Includes A ‘Dutch Barn’ In Partial Shell Form

YARD Architects has shared photos of a contemporary barn-inspired home in England, that’s located in the Suffolk countryside. The home owners had purchased a new build ‘Dutch Barn’ in partial shell form, which required a full internal fit out to create a family home for them and their young children. The architects’ mention, “The barn […]

2 days ago 2 votes
Our Buildings, Our Selves: Humanity in Architecture, a New Monthly Podcast

Episode 1: Witold Rybcynzki and Kurt Andersen explore the age-old question, “What is ugly?”

3 days ago 3 votes