Vague Blue

Vague Blue is a critical exploration of contemporary and historical art, literature, and culture, touching on diverse themes such as the evolution of personal essays, the conceptual shifts in literature and art, the intricacies of personal and societal identities, and the effects of technology on human experiences.

Literary and Art Criticism Cultural Commentary Technology and Society Personal Essays and Narratives Cinema and Media Analysis Contemporary and Historical Literature Art and Artist Profiles Social Media and Digital Culture Human Behavior and Social Dynamics

The hottest Substack posts of Vague Blue

And their main takeaways

เฑจเงŽ Girl blog

7608 implied HN points โ€ข 19 Feb 24
๐ŸŽญ๏ธ Culture Literature Online Writing Identity Social media Generational Trends
  1. The personal essay genre has a long history, and its form has evolved over time, but its essence as a literary form remains strong.
  2. The rise of online platforms and social media has influenced the way personal essays are written and consumed, leading to changes in content and style.
  3. Younger generations of writers, particularly girlbloggers, are redefining the personal essay by incorporating external sources and focusing on the aesthetics of their writing.

Unplanned obsolescence

1537 implied HN points โ€ข 22 Apr 24
๐Ÿ“š Literature Style Realism Marketplace Rejection
  1. Literary careerism has evolved into a multifaceted concept encompassing financial sustainability, clout chasing, and cultivating online personas.
  2. The contemporary literary landscape reflects an intertwined relationship between traditional realism, artistic sensibility, and the influence of market forces.
  3. The concept of 'selling out' in literature has shifted within the landscape of late capitalism, where clout and societal status play a significant role in artistic production.

Weekender 01

599 implied HN points โ€ข 16 Jun 24
๐ŸŽญ๏ธ Culture Literature Fashion Art
  1. Shitposting may not be the best engagement strategy for writers as it may not lead to meaningful connections.
  2. Watching Bridgerton is like enjoying smooth brain content, but its familiarity can make it less engaging.
  3. Exploring classic works like Edith Wharton's Age of Innocence can provide insight into historical societies and social dynamics.

Revisiting Renata

958 implied HN points โ€ข 08 May 24
๐ŸŽญ๏ธ Culture Literature Criticism Journalism Ethics Politics
  1. Renata Adler's writing focuses on critical acuity and a strong ethical use of language
  2. Renata Adler's work emphasizes the importance of maintaining distinctions and avoiding polarization in discussions of violence and ethics
  3. Adler's nonfiction stands out for its searing righteousness, honesty, and fearless exploration of truth amidst a backdrop of cultural and political complexities

Curator of Secrets

579 implied HN points โ€ข 23 May 24
๐ŸŽญ๏ธ Culture Reading Music Film Art Literature
  1. On June 13, a live Substack reading will feature secrets shared anonymously by various readers, creating an intriguing event to look forward to.
  2. Critics have discussed the intricate relationship between tennis, desire, and sexuality portrayed in the film 'Challengers', emphasizing the thematic depth beyond surface eroticism.
  3. The book 'Community Garden for Lonely Girls' by Christine Shan Shan Hou is described as a surreal, sensual collection worth exploring for its unique and engaging content.
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Daylight swiping

778 implied HN points โ€ข 19 Mar 24
๐Ÿ•น Technology Mobile Apps User Interaction Gaming Algorithms
  1. The evolution of the swipe gesture, popularized by Apple, has changed how we interact with technology, from unlocking phones to scrolling through social media.
  2. The swipe has become ingrained in modern culture, especially through dating apps like Tinder, where it serves as a rapid filter for potential matches.
  3. Continuous swiping on apps can create a sense of infinite possibilities but can also lead to mindless behavior, trapping users in a cycle of seeking without finding.

Diary discourse

319 implied HN points โ€ข 04 Apr 24
๐Ÿ“š Literature Diary Fiction
  1. Observations on human behavior and reactions to changing weather in Brooklyn, questioning predictability and norms.
  2. Reflections on societal norms and mannerisms through the lens of an encounter interpreted in an unconventional way.
  3. Personal musings on happiness, freelance writing, and the value of intellectual pursuits, inspired by past experiences and current reflections.

Small wars

339 implied HN points โ€ข 02 Mar 24
๐ŸŽจ Art & Illustration Photography Vietnam War Simulation
  1. Photographer An-My Lรช captured a series of black-and-white photos of a Vietnam War reenactment, revealing a complex exploration of war and its representation.
  2. Lรช's work explores the layers of simulacra, offering insights on the physical manifestation of virtual representations like hand-embroidered scenes from pornographic material.
  3. The staged nature of the reenactment blurs the lines between reality and simulation, prompting viewers to question the authenticity and implications of the images.

Flights of fancy

239 implied HN points โ€ข 12 Feb 24
๐Ÿ“š Literature Fantasy Romance Tragedy Realism Classics
  1. Fantasy can be integral to a fulfilling life, but relentless pursuit of fantasy can lead to downfall
  2. Life is more of a tragicomedy than a rom-com with fixed happy endings
  3. Desire for more can be a slow-burning poison leading to dissatisfaction with one's current life

Cloud Time

479 implied HN points โ€ข 10 Aug 23
๐Ÿ“š Literature Time Art Writing Narrative Novel
  1. The concept of time for freelancers is different with a focus on personal freedom and measuring productivity in unique ways like word count and joy.
  2. Artists blur the boundaries between work, leisure, and art, showcasing how time is a complex tool for creativity without strict divisions.
  3. Certain artworks and films like _Blue_ by Derek Jarman challenge traditional narrative structure and compel viewers to explore abstract experiences, highlighting the fluidity and constraints of time.

Pleasure lists

299 implied HN points โ€ข 31 Dec 23
๐Ÿ“š Literature Lists Short Stories Books Reading Writing
  1. The post discusses pleasure lists and opening lines that hold significance.
  2. It includes a curated list of opening lines from various literary works.
  3. The author references past reading reviews and offers a 7-day free trial to continue reading their content.

Basic human situations

299 implied HN points โ€ข 27 Dec 23
๐ŸŽจ Art & Illustration Film Literature Visual Arts Short Stories Performance art
  1. Basic human situations are simple yet universal experiences that involve conflict or tension between people.
  2. Two people with conflicting ideologies often lead to conflict, but even everyday interactions can become a basic human situation.
  3. The essence of a basic human situation can be seen in the waiting and dependency depicted in plays like 'Waiting for Godot' as well as in personal struggles and choices like in the film 'Wanda.'

Consumption report

159 implied HN points โ€ข 23 Aug 23
๐ŸŽญ๏ธ Culture Film Literature Art Social Issues Entertainment
  1. The essay discusses the enduring legacy of Bruce Lee in American cinema and his charismatic mannerisms that captivate audiences.
  2. The post delves into the portrayal of unconventional and progressive relationships in classic Hollywood films, hinting at societal issues that continue to resonate today.
  3. It shares insights on the practice of 'microdosing cinema' by watching specific scenes from movies and shows, offering a unique way to appreciate media content.

Cyborg nostalgia

1 HN point โ€ข 13 Jun 24
๐ŸŽญ๏ธ Culture Film Technology Art History Literature
  1. The concept of AI has transitioned from being a dystopian boogeyman to a normalized part of our tech landscape.
  2. Contemporary AI films tend to portray cyborgs in a more human-like manner, lacking the imaginative 'other-ness' seen in older movies.
  3. The evolution of AI representation in Hollywood reflects our changing relationship with technology, moving towards a more seamless integration of the physical and virtual worlds.