Txai Suruí, Amazonian Activist, during the opening night of Web Summit Rio 2023 at Riocentro in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile for Web Summit Rio via Getty Images)

A captive elephant is made to swim for visitors at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province, Thailand on September 15, 2024. (Photo by Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP Photo)

Argentina's President Javier Milei poses for pictures after ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange in New York, Monday, September 23, 2024. (Photo by Seth Wenig/AP Photo)

A group of Chinese hostesses walk during the opening session of the National People's Congress (NPC) at the Tiananmen square in Beijing on March 5, 2025. (Photo by WANG Zhao/AFP Photo)

Drag king Riss Obolensky performs as drag king Norman Creebs during the Opening Cabaret at The London Clown Festival in London, Britain, on July 8, 2024. (Photo by Hollie Adams/Reuters)

People are often fascinated by things that baffle them. For example, Livia Marin creates porcelain pottery that looks as if it has partially melted. This pottery might serve little purpose, yet it is definitely a curious thing to have in your house. This set of pictures shows off her “Nomad Patterns” series of deformed vases, pitchers, and teacups. The most appealing thing about these pieces of art is that the patterns on the “melted” parts are as beautiful as on the rest of the pottery. (Photo by Livia Marin)

Some people use paper as their canvas for creating works of art, Patrik Bundeli, on the other hand, uses Ping-Pong balls. His steady hand turns simple white balls into elaborate cartoonish faces. Some of his works feature black and white gothic visages, while others have adorable little snouts. The latter ones would make a wonderful addition to any working place, putting smiles on everyone’s faces. (Photo by Patrik Bundeli)