The hottest Art & Illustration Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Art & Illustration Topics

How Midjourney Reads a Mugshot

Cybernetic Forests • 239 implied HN points • 27 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration AI Art
  1. Generative AI and Donald Trump's mugshot show how media signals and internet metrics influence image generation, highlighting the impact of feedback loops on visual media.
  2. Midjourney's prompts reveal how AI interprets and categorizes images based on stylistic markers like Sumatraism, showcasing a blend of aesthetic information and stereotypes.
  3. Algorithmic Hauntology warns about the dangers of automated pattern analysis rooted in biased archives, emphasizing the need to approach AI predictions and data processing with caution and awareness of historical influences.

The Parthenon Marbles Should Not be Returned to Greece

Going Awol • 79 implied HN points • 26 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Diplomatic Relations
  1. There are arguments against returning the Parthenon Marbles to Greece, including the lack of clear cultural significance at the time of removal.
  2. Giving back the Marbles may not necessarily maximize overall utility due to potential impacts on aesthetics and education.
  3. The possession of the Marbles by the British Museum has caused diplomatic tensions between the UK and Greece, highlighting the need for diplomatic considerations in cultural disputes.
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I am Botto, a decentralized, autonomous artist governed by the people

DeFi Education • 539 implied HN points • 24 Feb 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Digital Art Generative Art NFTs Decentralization
  1. Botto is an artist that works without a human to direct it, relying on people for guidance. It uses technology to create art based on a wide range of images.
  2. This project operates as a DAO, which means the community can vote on artistic decisions. This helps the art to reflect the collective input of the people.
  3. Botto represents the growing field of generative art in the NFT space, showcasing how technology and creativity can come together. It pushes the boundaries of traditional art forms.

The Hypothetical Image

Cybernetic Forests • 199 implied HN points • 12 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Technology Memory AI History Culture
  1. Diffusion models in AI strip images and rebuild them from noise, creating fictional, incomplete resurrection of images based on training data.
  2. The aestheticization of AI-generated images can erase the social meaning and historical significance of the original images, impacting memory and cultural value.
  3. The use of generative AI blurs the lines between reality and fiction, creating hypothetical images that remix past cultural forms without acknowledging the traumas or historical context they are built upon.

Episode 1.1

404EVER • 235 implied HN points • 28 Mar 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Comics
  1. The post is about Episode 1.1 of a series called THE PHANTOM PLEASURE: HEAVY META SAGA.
  2. The comic is intended for mature readers and should be read from left to right in Western-style.
  3. More episodes are coming soon.

The Big Yard: Notes from a Pajama Birdwatcher

The Big Yard • 235 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Birdwatching Nature Animals
  1. The author shares observations from their yard and how wildlife interactions have been impacted by a severe monsoon season
  2. The author discusses using spray to deter skunks and the challenges of dealing with their presence in the yard
  3. A focus on the variety of bird species that visit the yard, highlighting the importance of intimacy with the environment

How to do things with style

On Looking • 199 implied HN points • 11 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration History Legal issues Creativity Education Style
  1. Style has always been a critical aspect of the creative industry, influencing how artists are perceived, hired, and valued.
  2. Historically, debates around copyright, art, and market trends have shaped the concept of style and its significance in creative work.
  3. In today's context, the value of style is shifting towards more internal, unique concepts like vision and voice, as illustrators adapt to technological advancements and changing market dynamics.

making things is hard

bookbear express • 875 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity Writing Self-doubt Challenges
  1. Making things is hard and consistency is key. Practice constantly, read, and stay interested in topics you love.
  2. Accept that the creative process is challenging, but that's a good thing. Embrace the difficulties and keep pushing forward.
  3. Being stuck in the middle of a project is a natural part of the process. Learn to appreciate and navigate this phase to succeed in creating.

Notes from what I guess counts as the bleeding edge of artistic possibility these days

RUINS • 137 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration AI Art Digital Art Fine Art Surrealism Creative Process
  1. AI art generators are advancing rapidly, with the ability to interpret text prompts and produce diverse imagery.
  2. There is a contrast between AI-generated art and human art in terms of process, risks, and meaning.
  3. The role of AI in art creation is debated, questioning whether it should supplement or replace human creativity.

Artist as Cultural Shaman, Kendrick Lamar

The Bigger Picture • 738 implied HN points • 04 Aug 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Music Masculinity Responsibility
  1. Kendrick Lamar's latest album delves deep into personal demons, triggering a collective process of healing for fans.
  2. Lamar's introspective work challenges societal norms by addressing masculinity, vulnerability, and responsibility in a raw and honest way.
  3. The album emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself, highlighting the clash between personal growth and societal expectations.

Notes on 'Zone of Interest', by Adam Lehrer

Safety Propaganda • 137 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Film Art history Sound Holocaust
  1. Jonathan Glazer is known for his unique and groundbreaking films, setting high standards for himself.
  2. The film 'The Zone of Interest' portrays a haunting vanitas concept by juxtaposing idyllic visuals with disturbing sounds of a Holocaust setting.
  3. The use of sound in the film creates a jarring contradiction, making it both boring and disturbing at the same time.

A true mini store

Tabletops • 137 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Design Architecture
  1. A new mini store was created in a 1:64 scale model of Apple Garosugil in Seoul, meticulously detailed and crafted by Juyeong.
  2. Apple Hongdae, a new outdoor store in Seoul, is set to open on January 20 with a unique curved glass corner entrance near Hongik University.
  3. Apple Nanjing East in China underwent renovations, including a new upper level design with Avenues and a rare 5-foot MagSafe bay.

everything and nothing

NOW IS GOOD • 117 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography
  1. The author is starting a new bi-monthly feature for paid subscribers, documenting moments through recorded audio.
  2. The audio scrapbook includes details about Sundance, book process, and success variations.
  3. The post includes visual content like photos for visual learners.

The A.W.N Pugin Edition

Why is this interesting? • 784 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Architecture
  1. Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin was a significant figure in the Gothic Revival movement, known for his diverse design portfolio from churches to furniture.
  2. Pugin's conversion to Catholicism influenced his strong belief in Gothic architecture as a spiritual style that could restore order and morality to society.
  3. The collaboration between Pugin and Charles Barry on the Houses of Parliament exemplifies the power of Gothic design to inspire and uplift a society, leaving a lasting impact on London's architecture.

Photo highlight : Week 3

One bag many places • 59 implied HN points • 19 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography
  1. The author reflects on a photo taken in Brussels, highlighting the use of light and blurred faces to enhance the shot
  2. The photo falls under street photography, which is a genre the author finds most intriguing due to accessibility and lower equipment costs compared to other types of photography
  3. The author is experimenting with different types of photography and plans to explore nature shots to diversify their portfolio, despite the potentially higher costs involved

Another AI Art Contest

Bet On It • 90 implied HN points • 12 Aug 25
🎨 Art & Illustration AI Art Contests Digital Art Illustration Creative Process
  1. There's a contest for AI artists to create unique game chips. If you impress with your work, you could win up to $500.
  2. The challenge is to beat a specific set of art created by a human artist named Savane, who is known for high-quality work.
  3. Artists need to submit their artwork by September 15, and the winner will be decided by personal preference, so it's a tough competition.

Catch up with Emily Howes on The Shift Bookclub Live

The Shift With Sam Baker • 59 implied HN points • 17 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Culture Mental health Gender Literature History
  1. The Shift Bookclub Live featured a discussion with Emily Howes, author of The Painter's Daughters, covering topics like art, sexism, mental health, and societal expectations.
  2. Emily Howes, an existential psychotherapist and writer, delved into themes of women's roles in 18th-century society, freedom vs. money, mental health, and family dynamics in her book.
  3. The conversation during the live event explored issues like shaming women, family secrets, sisterhood, and self-sacrifice within the context of The Painter's Daughters' narrative.

Tomi Faison: First As Tragedy Then As Larp

Do Not Research • 199 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Exhibition Film Photography Installation Visual Arts
  1. The artwork 'First As Tragedy Then As Larp' by Tomi Faison delves into the concept of devirtualization and the transition of online politics to physical actions during specific events.
  2. The piece 'Carousel No. 1 (Desire Is Structured Like A Montage)' showcases a series of 35mm slide shows that explore the circular nature of desires and the unconscious through various sourced images.
  3. Through the use of film slides and montages, Tomi Faison's work reflects on drive and desire with a focus on the repetition and cyclical aspects of the unconscious.

5 books on images, the people who make them, and the people they make

On Looking • 159 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Books Creativity Art history Illustration
  1. Reading is an important skill for illustrators, helping them develop a deeper understanding of their work and the cultural systems in which it is embedded
  2. Books on creativity and image making provide insights into larger social narratives and systems, shifting the focus from individual success to broader contexts
  3. Exploring the history and processes behind image creation through books can enhance critical thinking and appreciation for the creative industry

Temple of Art

Development Hell • 217 implied HN points • 24 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Documentary
  1. The documentary 'Temple of Art' is worth watching for 90 minutes of joy.
  2. The film features well-known personalities like Ben Folds, Billy Bob Thornton, Kevin Smith, and more.
  3. Consider subscribing to Development Hell for more content and a 7-day free trial.

#48 – A list of residencies for ceramic artists

Ceramics Now Weekly • 216 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Exhibitions
  1. A list of residencies for ceramic artists is provided, with information on various US programs with different application deadlines and opportunities.
  2. The week's news in the ceramic world includes updates on important ceramic competitions, awards, exhibitions, and events happening internationally.
  3. New featured artists in Ceramics Now are highlighted, showcasing the work of talented individuals in the field.

New Exhibition: The People's Cathedral

Labor Intensive Art • 216 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Exhibition Craft Labor Rights Museum
  1. Tabitha Arnold's first solo exhibition titled 'The People's Cathedral' is opening at the Workers Art and Heritage Centre in Hamilton, Ontario.
  2. The exhibition focuses on labor history as portrayed in art and craft objects, aligning with Arnold's textile practice that gained popularity during the 2020 lockdown.
  3. Arnold will be engaging with diverse worker's rights movements in Hamilton, including leading workshops and discussions with various groups.

Berkeley Events: Deconstructing the Tarot & Pierce the Valley

Tarot Offerings • 216 implied HN points • 12 Mar 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Events Tarot Workshop Narrative Philosophy
  1. Jessica Dore will be offering two events on Earth Day in Berkeley, Deconstructing the Tarot and Pierce the Valley.
  2. The Deconstructing the Tarot workshop will explore new meanings in Tarot cards through philosophical ideas like deconstruction and poststructuralism.
  3. Pierce the Valley event will involve storytelling of the Grail Legend and practicing 'doubly-listening' to open up to new meanings.