The hottest Aesthetics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

What Critics of the Humanities Don't Understand

Humanities in Revolt β€’ 299 implied HN points β€’ 10 Feb 22
πŸ“– Philosophy Values Critical Thinking Aesthetics Political Philosophy Moral Philosophy
  1. Critics of the humanities often underestimate their importance and mistakenly prioritize practical fields like STEM over humanities. However, an in-depth analysis reveals the value-based assumptions behind such claims.
  2. The humanities contribute to understanding human existence beyond mere practicality by encouraging contemplation of values, creativity, and the human condition. They help us figure out our fundamental goals and values that guide decision-making.
  3. Philosophy delves into examining human values, morality, aesthetics, and political philosophy, emphasizing the indispensable role the humanities play in critically evaluating our beliefs, actions, and societal structures based on deeper values.

Brief note on stylisation and formulaicity*

Logos β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 01 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Art Film Aesthetics Narrative Criticism
  1. Stylisation refers to a unique approach in art where form and content stand out from each other. It can bring something fresh but might also lessen the impact of the subject being represented.
  2. Formulaicity means using a predictable framework or pattern in storytelling. While some formulaic works can still be enjoyable, if they're poorly executed, they can end up being boring.
  3. When a work is both stylised and formulaic, it can be entertaining but often falls short of greatness. It's important that both style and execution are well-balanced for a piece to stand out.

What's a tomato girl? πŸ…

The Digital Native β€’ 58 implied HN points β€’ 01 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Fashion Social media Aesthetics Subcultures
  1. Tomato girl is a popular aesthetic trend linked to European summer vibes and Mediterranean girl aesthetics.
  2. The tomato girl's appeal lies in her fashion choices and slow-paced lifestyle, which are anchored in tradition and natural elements.
  3. Food micro-trends like tomato girl and others offer a unique blend of food, art, and fashion creativity, allowing individuals to embody different aesthetics through personal interpretations.
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Big City (Everybody I Know Can Be Found Here)

Kneeling Bus β€’ 146 implied HN points β€’ 02 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Social media Fame Urban life Aesthetics Digital Nomads
  1. In the age of social media, everyone has the potential for some level of fame, even if it's just to a small group of people.
  2. Social media platforms encourage constant engagement by transforming real estate in people's minds into smaller, more frequent units.
  3. Attention on social media is securitized to keep content flowing, blurring the lines between creators and consumers.

On Liedowns and the 'Meritocracy'

Castalia β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 21 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Social movements Mental health Work Culture Protests Aesthetics
  1. The 'lying flat' movement in East Asia is a response to the pressures of a work-centric culture. People are choosing to step back from overwork and stress, promoting a lifestyle that values rest.
  2. In the West, similar movements like 'The Great Resignation' don't capture the same spirit as 'lying flat.' Many see these Western protests as just a shift from corporate jobs without addressing the core issues of work-life balance.
  3. Top athletes like Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles show that even successful individuals can feel overwhelmed by expectations. Their decision to prioritize mental health challenges the idea of the meritocracy, where success often comes with endless obligations.

Adding Color and Sound to the Tetractys

WaveGuide β€’ 2 HN points β€’ 07 Aug 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Metaphysics Epistemology Cosmology Ethics Aesthetics
  1. The Tetractys is a triangle with ten points that symbolizes harmony and universal relationships in music and nature. Its structure can help us understand connections between numbers, colors, and sounds.
  2. By visually organizing numbers using hexagons, we can see patterns in music and color. For example, numbers that are next to each other in the Tetractys relate to musical intervals like octaves and fifths.
  3. Adding color and sound to the Tetractys creates a deeper understanding of how music and visual art interconnect. This idea suggests that everything in the universe has a rhythm and can be related through these patterns.

The Museum of Sauce

Kneeling Bus β€’ 117 implied HN points β€’ 24 May 23
🎭️ Culture Social media Aesthetics TikTok Instagram Pop culture
  1. TikTok has become a powerful force in shaping aesthetics and design in contrast to Instagram's influence.
  2. TikTok's native aesthetic is described as baroque, tactile, kinetic, and loud, setting it apart from other platforms.
  3. TikTok's impact extends beyond the digital realm, influencing physical environments and incentivizing creativity in a way that differs from Instagram.

Important source for Gardenworld - The Arts and Crafts Movement.

Douglass’s Newsletter β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 10 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Aesthetics Community projects Craftsmanship Aesthetics
  1. The Arts and Crafts Movement was an international trend in the decorative and fine arts, advocating traditional craftsmanship and social reform.
  2. The movement emphasized simpler and more aesthetic homes and gardens, influencing styles like Art Nouveau and Modernism.
  3. Craftsmanship involves doing a job well for its own sake, contributing to people's well-being and community morale.

A Measure of Excellence

Jake [Building in NYC] β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 02 Feb 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Virtue ethics Art Theory Creativity Existentialism Aesthetics
  1. Excellence comes from creating and pursuing what is good and beautiful in life. The more you create, the more you grow in excellence.
  2. Artifacts, or creations like art, writing, and projects, show evidence of our existence and impact on the world. The more artifacts you have, the more impact you likely have.
  3. To become excellent, keep creating and don't be afraid to start. Just like any skill, practice helps you improve and get closer to your goals.

Can we trust aesthetics to be fair ?

On Looking β€’ 119 implied HN points β€’ 20 May 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Aesthetics Creative industry Identity Meritocracy Fairness
  1. Aesthetics in the creative industry raises questions about what defines 'good work' and who gets to decide, challenging the idea of universal beauty standards.
  2. Meritocracy and economic value in the creative industry are closely linked, but meritocracy may not always lead to fair opportunities due to structural inequalities.
  3. The association between artists and their work, as well as the concept of aesthetic meritocracy, may influence how we perceive art and artists, raising questions about fairness and identity in the industry.

It takes a village to be a solitary genius

On Looking β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 13 May 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Sociology Collaboration Creativity Aesthetics
  1. Artistic work involves the joint activity of many people, contrary to the idea of a solitary genius navigating the art world alone.
  2. All art, including illustration, relies on conventions and collaborative efforts involving various actors like developers, engineers, illustrators, editors, and more.
  3. Aesthetics in art are tied to moral judgments, impacting the reception of artwork; illustrators also navigate aesthetic choices that can influence their commercial success.

Transduction of the Tragipanic

Covidian Γ†sthetics β€’ 4 implied HN points β€’ 20 Jan 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Theatre Aesthetics Performance Literary Critical Theory
  1. Theatre is like a lab for experiences, where ideas about reality are tested in performances. It helps explore how we perceive the world around us.
  2. Cancer is a central theme in certain plays, not as a character but as a force affecting everything. It represents deeper struggles within the stories.
  3. Understanding the way these plays work requires looking for hidden meanings and connections. The stories are more complex than they first appear.

Paul Sutherland: LARP Politics and Hyperreality

Do Not Research β€’ 4 HN points β€’ 06 May 24
🎭️ Culture Art Politics Society Aesthetics Internet
  1. LARPing in politics refers to engaging in political actions that are disconnected from the goal of creating tangible change, often becoming more about aesthetic value and personal style.
  2. The concept of LARPing in the 21st century is tied to Baudrillard's idea of simulation and hyperreality, blurring the lines between the world of images and the world of reality.
  3. Ruptures from the hyperreal world of LARP politics into actual events, like the Capitol Hill riot, showcase the collision between simulated political actions and the real material consequences, leaving society perplexed.

Japanese aesthetics: A podcast(!) and Q&A

Kyle Chayka Industries β€’ 55 implied HN points β€’ 12 Mar 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Aesthetics Podcast Translation Cultural critique Literature
  1. Kyle Chayka published his first audio project discussing Tanizaki's 'In Praise of Shadows' with Nate Gallant, exploring Japanese aesthetics and its relation to modernity.
  2. Tanizaki's essay delves into personal taste, the impact of technology on art, and the cultural implications of aesthetics in Japan.
  3. The essay critiques Western ideals of perfection and light, praising the beauty of shadows and imperfections in Japanese aesthetics.

Nate Sloan: The Tradition of Posting

Do Not Research β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 20 Apr 21
🎨 Art & Illustration Architecture Aesthetics Social media History Critique
  1. Reactionary social media accounts are embracing 'tradition' without irony, advocating for a return to traditional art and architecture.
  2. Some accounts use anachronism to juxtapose historical periods and styles, challenging modernist aesthetics.
  3. Critique of contemporary architectural aesthetics includes a call for a clearer relationship between form and function, pointing out flaws and pitfalls in modern design.

Affect is Protocol

Donkeyspace β€’ 5 implied HN points β€’ 15 Feb 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Emotions Perception Aesthetics Knowledge
  1. Our perception and understanding of the world are influenced by our emotional state and personal experiences.
  2. Affect can be viewed as a protocol that formats and processes data, shaping the information we extract from our environment.
  3. Our emotional responses and preferences play a significant role in how we perceive and interact with the world, affecting what we notice and how we interpret things.

#6 The Iowa Caucus, bottles & politics

Design Lobster β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 06 Mar 20
πŸͺ‘ Design Politics Product Design Packaging Quotes Aesthetics
  1. Consider the context of use in design decisions, especially in high-stress environments like a nationally significant poll.
  2. Explore the possibility of having design elements serve multiple functions to increase efficiency and sustainability.
  3. Design integrates political ideas into physical artifacts, showcasing how design encapsulates and shapes our world.

#25 Never-ending houses, Kluges and Re-design

Design Lobster β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 20 Jul 20
πŸͺ‘ Design Interior Functionality Aesthetics Creativity Philosophy
  1. Design can become pathological when the urge for continuous tinkering gets out of control, as seen in the Winchester Mystery House story. Knowing when to stop designing is crucial.
  2. Kludges, like the makeshift wrench door handle, are inelegant but expedient solutions to problems. Embracing resourcefulness and active engagement can lead to better understanding of our designed world.
  3. All design is essentially redesign, reminding designers to approach new situations with humility and an awareness of the history and context they are working within.

#11 Cleaning the oceans, facemasks and shadows

Design Lobster β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 10 Apr 20
πŸͺ‘ Design Product Design Aesthetics Innovation Inspiration
  1. Cleaning the oceans involves innovative designs like The Ocean Cleanup's plastic collector that harnesses the natural tendency of plastic to accumulate on beaches.
  2. The N95 respirator, now a symbol of the COVID-19 pandemic, originated from designer Sara Little Turnbull's connections between an industrial material and protective gear, showing unexpected design adaptability.
  3. Appreciating shadows and the beauty in darkness, as discussed by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki, can inspire a broader perspective in design and creativity.

Looking vs. Seeing

Mica’s Newsletter β€’ 2 HN points β€’ 22 Mar 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Existentialism Epistemology Metaphysics Aesthetics Ethics
  1. Looking just means directing your eyes at something. Seeing is about understanding and being aware of what you're looking at.
  2. There's often more going on in front of us than we realize. If we take time to really see, we can discover hidden truths.
  3. Once you truly see something, it sticks with you. It can change how you view the world and what you notice every day.

Fragments, Chapter 4, pp.72-7 - Reading Club posting 14

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 09 Dec 22
πŸ“– Philosophy Metaphysics Epistemology Ethics Ontology Aesthetics
  1. Man and all his manifestations are divided into seven categories, from learning based on instincts to objective and practical knowledge
  2. The division of man into different categories also applies to art, religion, and other aspects of life, showing different levels of understanding and expression in each category
  3. The term 'world' can have varied meanings depending on one's perspective, ranging from religious, philosophical, scientific, astronomical views to the concept of 'All' encompassing everything

Axiom With Communal Practices & Semantic Intention As Domains

Autodidact Obsessions β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 12 Feb 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Ethics Logic Metaphysics Epistemology Aesthetics
  1. The axiom discussed involves semantic intention and language use in communal practices, linking words with applied meaning and potentiality in communication.
  2. Using ChatGPT-4 in philosophy can help express complex propositions quickly, but it does not replace human reasoning in connecting logical consequences.
  3. There's a push for settling arguments using tools like ChatGPT-4, emphasizing the importance of embracing being wrong and moving towards definitive answers in philosophy.

Culture in China

Logos β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 18 Oct 18
🎭️ Culture Cultural History Traditions Consumerism Aesthetics Philosophy
  1. China's culture has changed greatly since the Cultural Revolution, leaving many people without a clear moral or artistic framework. This has led to a focus on commercialism and imitation rather than originality.
  2. Revived traditions in China often lack deep meaning and personal connection. Many people celebrate old customs without understanding their significance, almost like trying on someone else's clothes.
  3. Innovation and creative thinking are not always encouraged in Chinese culture, which affects areas like customer service and productivity. While there are impressive advancements, they often stem from improving existing ideas rather than creating new ones.

Principles not facts

do clouds feel vertigo? β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 28 Jun 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Logic Aesthetics
  1. Understanding principles is often more valuable than just knowing facts. Having a good grasp of key ideas helps to fill in knowledge gaps.
  2. Real-life systems are complex and often unpredictable. You can't always expect straightforward results from your actions.
  3. Linear relationships can be useful, but they don't always tell the full story. It's important to consider the bigger picture and not get stuck in rigid thinking.

The Cloud and the Soup

do clouds feel vertigo? β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 10 Jun 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Metaphysics Epistemology Ontology Existentialism Aesthetics
  1. Clouds can be unique in their shapes and appearances. Each cloud can remind us of personal experiences, making them feel special.
  2. Clouds share universal qualities with each other and everything in nature. At a basic level, everything is connected and similar, regardless of differences.
  3. There are patterns and structures in the universe that help us understand how things relate. Looking for similarities can help find connections, but it's also interesting to explore what remains the same despite changes.

Long-range dependance

do clouds feel vertigo? β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 23 Jan 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Aesthetics Epistemology
  1. Sometimes, the value of something isn't about how complete it is, but about the impact of specific parts. For instance, losing the last page of a story can feel like a big deal, while a missing page in a dictionary doesn’t change much.
  2. Different experiences in life have varying levels of importance. Some events or moments are like the very valuable pages in a novel, while others are just pages that don’t add much to our overall experience.
  3. We should think about what makes our daily experiences worthwhile. Just like in a book, some days or moments can bring a lot of joy while others might not seem significant at all.

Crude Futures: Hyberborean Mashup

Do Not Research β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 15 Sep 21
🎭️ Culture Aesthetics Internet culture Conspiracy Theories Far-right Symbolism
  1. Internet movements like the alt-right and QAnon evolve through specific aesthetics to stay relevant and attract followers.
  2. Far-right aesthetic styles like terrorwave and fashwave had limitations in gaining popularity and spreading online compared to QAnon's more adaptable and engaging aesthetic.
  3. The emergence of 'Hyperborean Mashup' as a far-right aesthetic response to QAnon, blending complex symbolism, conspiracy theories, and intense visuals, reflects a deeper search for transformation and meaning within the far-right community.

snow flakes

the rohn report β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 27 Feb 21
πŸ”¬ Science Nature Aesthetics Diversity Creation
  1. Snowflakes are not frozen water, they are frozen water vapor with unique hexagonal structures.
  2. The molecular structure of H2O creates the hexagonal shapes seen in snowflakes, causing natural beauty.
  3. The diverse patterns of snowflakes and the uniqueness of all things in nature demonstrate the commonality of life and the beauty of diversity.

My Curriculum

Joe Tourville β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 18 Mar 24
πŸ“– Philosophy History Logic Aesthetics God Identity
  1. Developing a strong foundation in philosophy includes understanding the history of philosophy and basic logical reasoning.
  2. Key texts and materials align with specific themes of philosophy courses and focus on traditions like Augustinian and Thomistic traditions.
  3. Exploring various philosophical topics like personal identity, morality, love and friendship, and metaphysics through reading classic and modern texts.

Erik Simkins

Do Not Research β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 15 Sep 21
🎭️ Culture Art Social media Aesthetics Self-help Community
  1. Economic pressures, mismatched art institutions' values, and lack of political agency outlets can lead people to social media for expression.
  2. A posting style like STARSEED phenomenon can bypass platform moderation while conveying messages without direct political claims.
  3. Content encouraging gains-seeking can be redirected for community benefit, highlighting the importance of strength-building strategies in different contexts.

Ferg: Contemporary Animation Technique and Aesthetics

Do Not Research β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 15 Feb 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation Technique Aesthetics Craft Concept
  1. Animation has gone through a transition with the dominance of digital techniques, leading to a reevaluation of aesthetics like CGI's representational realism.
  2. Modern animated films like Klaus, Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse, and I Lost my Body are experimenting with merging 2D and 3D techniques to create innovative visuals.
  3. There is a significant difference in approach between craft-focused animation education and concept-focused fine art education, impacting the way artists value their work.

Owen Carry: The β€œBlovad Effect,” Camouflage-Core, and What It Means for Post-Corny Fashion

Do Not Research β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 15 Oct 22
πŸͺž Fashion & Beauty Fashion Trends Subcultures Nostalgia Aesthetics
  1. Social media has a significant impact on fashion and personal style, blurring the lines between online persona and real-world identity.
  2. The cyclical nature of nostalgia in fashion is accelerated by trends set by influencers, leading to niche subcultures and evolving fashion trends.
  3. Fashion subversion and the quest for cutting-edge aesthetics in a post-clichΓ© world involve a complex interplay between embracing nostalgia, challenging norms, and seeking new, unexpected elements.