Liquid. The very word suggests something pliable, free-form, in a constant state of change. Liquid has no specific shape, it takes the form of whatever its container happens to be. As such, we rarely get a chance to see this state of matter on its own.
The Belgium-based designer and photographer Manon Wethly captures high speed photographs of liquids as they fly from their container, freeing the subjects from any context but its own. A multitude of different types of glasses, cups and mugs are caught flying through the air. Their motion and spin is captured in the trailing liquid; for a moment, gravity is gone and the liquid needs no container.
One amazing bit of information is that most of the photos have been taken with an iPhone! Only recently has Wethly begun experimenting with larger cameras. I remember when cameras on phones were a worthless novelty. Now, they’re better than many built-for-purpose cameras. Amazing little things. Amazing photos.
Matt Davis is a Virginia Tech graduate and one of the founding editors behind Arch2O. Launching the platform in mid‑2012 alongside fellow Hokies, he helped shape its identity as an international hub for design innovation and critical dialogue . With a foundation in architectural education and a passion for uncovering unconventional design approaches, Matt has contributed significantly—both editorially and strategically—to Arch2O’s growth, ensuring that emerging architects, academics, and creatives have a space to question, explore, and elevate the built environment.