It’s good that Maikon Nery’s, aka Ultra Grafismo, work speaks for itself. He’s linked everywhere on Google, but I could only find one interview in Portuguese about this terrific graphic designer and illustrator, and he definitely deserves more write-ups. I haven’t seen collage work done so well in a while: Because of the subjects he likes to incorporate—tropicalia, neoconcretism, the influence of the writer Guimarães Rosa—his art is distinctly Brazilian but on a level that nonetheless can engage those outside of the South American country. Nery said he’s turned down offers to move from his native Londrina to more opportunity-rich Sao Paulo in order to stay close to his roots, a decision I totally respect and think is brave. Check back to Nery’s studio venture called Piano Fuzz for a few great tricks up its sleeve too when it relaunches.

New York and Paris have a lot to offer photographers — the buildings, the people … the puddles. That’s Robin Soulier’s viewpoint. Using the refection in puddles he photographs the city, putting cigarette butts, sewer caps and gross leaves against the architecture giants that roam NYC and Paris. It makes for some outstanding work, until some kid jumps in the puddle, splashing dirty city water all of Robin and his camera (not that wasn’t the first thing we thought about when we saw his work). Check out his photos (new ones just added) and you’ll never look at standing water the same.

Cuban hip-hop is far from an extensive genre, but if one crew is exemplary of the fusion, it’s Orishas. Since 1999, the three man group has been evolving from record to record, reflecting the success that brought them from underground fame in Cuba to international recognition. Their fifth album, Cosita Buena drops today, boasting a more refined sound and the next step in their style, which began incorporating conga, rumba, and Cuban rock styles early in their discography. Hip-hop manifests itself in many forms around the world, taking cues from local language and culture. Too often the product sounds as empty and homogeneous as the stuff we hear on American radio today, but if you’re looking for a unique international take on this global genre, Orishas can deliver.