The hottest Art Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

Classical Music Got Invented with a Hard Kick from a Peasant's Foot

The Honest Broker • 5917 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Music Art History Philosophy Dance
  1. Classical music is more about human movement than math. It has roots in how people dance and move, not just numbers.
  2. The history of music shows a struggle between hands and feet. Highbrow music often focuses on hand movements, while lowbrow music is driven by dancing.
  3. Understanding music requires recognizing its connection to our bodies. Rhythm in all genres is tied to how we physically react and move to the music.

RegenNarration

Rushkoff • 59 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Society Philosophy Environment Art Wellness
  1. Sometimes healing takes time, and doing nothing can be the best way to let systems fix themselves. It's okay to pause and wait for change.
  2. Allowing ourselves to feel fear or sadness can help us transform those feelings into something positive. It's important to process our emotions instead of ignoring them.
  3. Voting is a basic tool to influence change, even if the candidates aren't perfect. It's better to choose someone who cares about important issues like nature and human rights.

This is How We Fall Out of Love with the World

Culture Study • 12118 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art Society Politics Education Work
  1. Art and essential services matter, but they often lack sufficient public funding in America. Many believe value only comes from profit, which overlooks the importance of community support.
  2. Cuts to public services mean that everyday Americans are forced to shoulder more costs. This creates a fragile system that risks collapse during tough times, like the pandemic.
  3. Passion jobs, where people work for love rather than money, are at risk as public funding declines. This leads to burnout and instability for those who dedicate themselves to these important roles in society.

A letter from the guy asking all the questions

The Sublime Newsletter • 118 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art Authenticity Hope Creativity Interviews
  1. Talking to inspiring people can help you feel hopeful and connected, especially when you're going through tough times. It's like having a support system that lifts your spirits.
  2. It's important to ask big questions in life, like how to stay positive or authentic. Engaging in these discussions can lead to personal growth and new insights.
  3. Being open to conversations can change your outlook on life. You may find that sharing experiences can lessen feelings of loneliness and cynicism.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 325 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Fashion Food
  1. Reading can be a way to challenge your thinking, especially about complex topics like divorce. It's interesting to explore new perspectives on familiar issues.
  2. Winter can feel long and tiresome for many, making people eager for spring. Sharing feelings about the season can connect us with others experiencing the same.
  3. Consuming various types of content can enhance our understanding of the world. It's a great way to discover diverse ideas and spark conversations.
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How We Lost the Flow

The Honest Broker • 31317 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art Music Philosophy Psychology Society
  1. The flow state is a special experience where everything feels easy and natural, like playing music or sports. It's when you lose track of time and feel completely engaged.
  2. Technology and businesses have taken the idea of flow and turned it into a way to make money, which can lead to negative effects on our well-being. Things like social media and gambling can manipulate our desire for that flow state.
  3. There are many ways to experience flow outside of technology, like dancing, gardening, or spending time in nature. These activities can make us feel fulfilled without giving our attention and energy to profit-driven platforms.

‘I didn’t want to view my sight loss as a disability’

NN Journal • 39 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Poetry Health Personal Development
  1. Carl Peach uses poetry as a way to express his personal experiences. Writing helps him process his feelings and move forward in life.
  2. After losing his eyesight, he has adapted his writing style to remember poetry better and uses technology to aid his memory.
  3. He is inspiring others by taking on challenges like walking 10 million steps to raise awareness for people with sight loss, and he aims to become a motivational speaker.

Do Artists Suffer?

The Honest Broker • 9009 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art Politics Psychology History Creativity
  1. Suffering is often seen as part of being an artist, but research shows it might not be true for creativity. Instead, suffering may boost ambition, especially in leaders.
  2. History shows that many successful leaders and creatives had difficult childhoods, like losing parents. This loss may actually spark creativity rather than hinder it.
  3. The idea that suffering drives creativity is backed by studies showing a link between personal loss and artistic achievement throughout history.

against narrative

internet princess • 50282 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Relationships Narrative Emotion Identity Art
  1. Love can be really complicated and messy, and it's common to have both good and painful experiences in a relationship. Sometimes we find ourselves questioning if we were good or bad partners.
  2. People often want to turn their experiences into neat stories to make sense of them, but real feelings and relationships are much more complex and can't always fit into a simple narrative.
  3. Accepting the complexity of our emotions and experiences, rather than just trying to find answers, can be liberating and help us truly live with our feelings.

'Life Is Too Short to Make Remakes'

Animation Obsessive • 13813 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Art Animation Events Creativity Film
  1. The Annecy Festival is a huge event for animation, attracting around 18,000 visitors and showcasing unique and powerful art from around the world.
  2. Michel Gondry emphasizes the importance of originality and creativity in art, believing that life is too short to spend making remakes of existing works.
  3. New films like 'The Mourning Children' highlight the dedication of animators to produce authentic and impactful stories by deeply researching historical contexts.

Top reads of the week

gender:hacked by Eliza Mondegreen • 257 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Fashion Media
  1. Check out the top reads of the week for interesting content. It's a great way to discover new ideas and topics.
  2. A 7-day free trial is available for accessing more posts and archives. You can explore a lot without any initial cost.
  3. You can subscribe to stay updated and keep reading more in-depth articles. Staying connected helps you learn new things.

How to Achieve Immortality

The Honest Broker • 24901 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art Literature History Philosophy Society
  1. In the past, people achieved immortality through great deeds that served others, but today, many seek it through extreme measures like blood transfusions and body freezing. This shift shows a focus on self rather than community.
  2. Art can offer a different type of immortality than technology can. Famous works can keep someone's memory alive far longer than any tech billionaire can, even if they chase superficial forms of eternal youth.
  3. The modern obsession with quick fame through social media contrasts with the lasting impact of art and good deeds. While many focus on fleeting popularity, true legacy comes from cultural contributions that endure over time.

The French Film That Changed Japanese Animation

Animation Obsessive • 24397 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Film Animation History Art Influence
  1. The French film _The Shepherdess and the Chimney Sweep_ had a big impact on Japanese animation when it was released in Japan. It showed animators that animated films could be for adults, not just kids.
  2. Filmmakers like Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata were inspired by the film's unique storytelling and beautiful animation style. They noted how it created a vivid world that felt real and grounded.
  3. The film influenced new ideas about how animation could express deeper themes, such as social and political issues, which changed the way Japanese animated films were made going forward.

Tuesday night dinner

What Do We Do Now That We're Here? • 2408 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Film Parenting Emotions
  1. Finding moments of presence in everyday life can create special experiences, like enjoying dinner while listening to film scores. It's important to appreciate these small, joyful moments before they become memories.
  2. Film scores can evoke strong emotions and help connect with deeper feelings. They can change a regular evening into something meaningful simply through music.
  3. Building community and connection is crucial for emotional support. It helps both parents and lonely individuals find joy and purpose together.

A man's gotta have a code, but there's a limit

Situation Normal • 74 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Film Television Ethics Art
  1. Having a personal code is important, but it can lead you into complicated situations. It's what guides a hero's actions in tough choices.
  2. Choosing your battles wisely is key to maintaining your sanity and focus. If you fight every fight, you risk losing sight of what truly matters.
  3. As you grow older, it's wise to be pickier about which issues you care enough to engage with. Save your energy for the hills that are really worth fighting on.

halloween costumes & more

internet princess • 4446 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art Fashion Music Literature
  1. Halloween costumes can be a fun way to express oneself and explore different aspects of personality. They allow you to play around with different identities and make art out of everyday life.
  2. Great costumes often come from a place of real desire or connection to something meaningful. The more you love your costume idea, the more it shines when you wear it.
  3. Being creative with costumes can lead to unexpected experiences and memories, much like life itself. Dressing up can be silly, but it can also hold deeper significance and foster connections.

Kendrick Lamar: Talented Musician, Provocative Figure, Emperor of the Whites

Freddie deBoer • 10612 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Music Art Social Commentary Pop culture Identity politics
  1. Kendrick Lamar has achieved great success and is highly praised, but his status as an 'underdog' feels ironic given his fame and accolades. It shows how people love to label even the most successful artists as outsiders.
  2. The way people view music is changing; taste is now tied to moral values and public opinions. It's hard for individuals to just enjoy music without it being linked to their identity or politics.
  3. Many white people embrace Kendrick Lamar's art to appear morally good, which can overshadow the true appreciation of his talent. This dynamic is complex and reflects a broader issue in how we celebrate Black artists.

Open Thread 385

Astral Codex Ten • 2408 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Philosophy Community Discussion
  1. This is an open thread where you can talk about anything and ask any questions. It's a space for free discussion and sharing ideas.
  2. There are unofficial groups like a subreddit and a Discord for more focused discussions. You can connect with others interested in similar topics there.
  3. Some reviews are highlighted for voting fairness. If you want to support a particular review, you can check them out and vote.

Stillness dancing

Silentium • 399 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Meditation Wellness Movement
  1. Starting your day slowly can help set a peaceful tone. Relaxing with quiet music can be a great way to ease into your day.
  2. Silence and stillness can inspire creativity and calmness. It's nice to think of music as something that arises from quiet moments.
  3. Embracing movement and dance doesn't have to be loud. You can find joy in being still and letting that stillness be part of your dance.

Tony Soprano and the Jungian Death Mother

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 2462 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Television Psychology Literature Art Media
  1. Tony Soprano is a complex character who shows both deep flaws and a desire for change, but his life as a mafia boss makes real transformation difficult.
  2. The show portrays struggles with familial relationships, particularly the damaging influence of Tony's mother, which shapes his behavior and emotions significantly.
  3. Unlike other antiheroes in TV shows, Tony's actions often reveal a deeper horror, as he inflicts pain on loved ones not just for survival, but from a deep-seated need to manage his feelings of inadequacy.

The Audacity of Ambition

The Ruffian • 503 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25
🎭️ Culture Celebrity Film Art Ambition Public Speaking
  1. Timothée Chalamet is openly striving for greatness in his career, which is unusual in today's culture. Most people don't talk about wanting to be the best, but he is bold enough to express that ambition.
  2. Chalamet has devoted a huge amount of time and effort to his craft, even going as far as shutting off his phone for months to fully immerse himself in his roles. This shows how dedicated he is to his work.
  3. His speech about ambition was met with mixed reactions, highlighting a cultural tension where many people are hesitant to celebrate individual success. Chalamet's honesty about his goals challenges that idea.

The Culture Scene Is Total Madness

The Honest Broker • 13298 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art Music Fashion Media Trends
  1. The culture scene is changing in odd ways, like Madonna trying stand-up comedy and a Van Gogh being sold for just $50 at a garage sale. It's making people question what is really important in art and entertainment.
  2. Vinyl record sales are confusing right now. Different reports say sales are either dropping significantly or growing, leaving many unsure about the future of the music industry.
  3. Some writers on Substack are starting to sell ads, which is surprising. This could change how independent authors make money and could lead to more big brands wanting to advertise in newsletters.

Pourquoi l'art nul nous gêne ?

L'Atelier Galita • 99 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Hobbies Expression Leisure
  1. People often feel uncomfortable about art that isn't amazing because they worry about what others might think. It's okay to enjoy art just for fun, just like playing sports.
  2. Not all artists want to become professionals. Many create art simply for their own enjoyment and happiness.
  3. The experience of making art, even if it's not technically good, can be one of the best parts of life. Finding something creative you love can really enrich your life.

The 99-Year-Old Film That Stops People

Animation Obsessive • 18567 implied HN points • 19 May 25
🎭️ Culture Film Animation Art History Media
  1. A film called _The Adventures of Prince Achmed_ is really special because it's the oldest animated feature still around. Even after almost 100 years, people are still amazed by its magic and creativity.
  2. The director, Lotte Reiniger, used a unique cut-out style that made her work stand out from others. Her approach was different from American cartoons, focusing more on artistic storytelling through puppetry and silhouettes.
  3. Despite the struggles during its creation and the trouble faced by her team with the rise of the Nazis, the film gained huge popularity and helped show the power of animation even in tough times.

Magnus Carlsen, David Deutsch and the "Fun Criterion"

SatPost by Trung Phan • 69 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Art Entertainment Sports Education
  1. Magnus Carlsen, a top chess player, emphasizes that enjoying the game is key to his success. He believes that treating chess as a fun hobby rather than a job helps him perform better.
  2. David Deutsch's 'fun criterion' suggests that feeling enjoyment during an activity can be a powerful guide for decision-making and problem-solving. It's about aligning your conscious and unconscious ideas to find what truly matters.
  3. Choosing paths based on fun can lead to greater fulfillment and creativity. Many people, including successful figures, often overlook enjoyment in their choices, which can lead to dissatisfaction.

Ghost Routines

slow motion multitasking • 515 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Folklore Tradition Spirituality
  1. Some people believe that ghosts are not actual souls but imprints of past routines or strong emotions. For example, if someone cried a lot in one spot, that might leave a haunting behind.
  2. The theory states that certain places and objects can 'record' these memories, similar to how a tape recorder works. This idea is great for understanding why old castles might feel extra spooky.
  3. Interesting ghost stories can include everything from haunted toys to the history of numbers like 13. Exploring ghost culture can be fun and spooky, especially during Halloween!

The Parable of Anna Akhmatova

The Honest Broker • 30154 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Literature History Philosophy Politics
  1. The power of art can overcome even the strongest dictators. Artists like Anna Akhmatova show that creativity can stand firm against oppression.
  2. Success in today's world is often measured by money and popularity, but true creative expression is about more than just those metrics.
  3. Even when artists face harsh censorship, their work can survive and resonate over time, leading to eventual recognition and respect.

Does the flame of genius burn past 30?

The Common Reader • 4181 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Philosophy Education Science
  1. Genius can continue to shine bright after age 30, not just in youth. Many inventors and artists create amazing work later in life too.
  2. The age at which people achieve great things has changed over time, often due to the increasing complexity of knowledge in various fields.
  3. Not all talent comes from young people. Many famous poets and thinkers made their best contributions after they turned fifty.

A Portal to the Past

Animation Obsessive • 1793 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Art Animation History Film Media
  1. The 1980s were a special time for Shanghai Animation Film Studio, making it a leader in Chinese animation.
  2. A rare brochure was digitized to preserve and share the studio's history and artworks from 1957 to 1987.
  3. The article expresses gratitude to readers for their support and mentions excitement about an upcoming trip to a festival.

Do good work and your fits will follow

Blackbird Spyplane • 3277 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Fashion Art Celebrity Style Identity
  1. Doing good work can enhance how people see your style. When you focus on creating and contributing positively, your overall vibe improves.
  2. People tend to admire others' fashion sense more when they appreciate their talents and achievements. Great style is often seen through the lens of the person's accomplishments.
  3. Fashion is evolving to include a wider range of styles that reflect individuality and personal expression. What was once considered 'normal' can now be stylish if presented well.

Lonely Charts Personals ... or Chartbook 352, the Valentine's edition.

Chartbook • 414 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Relationships Media Social Commentary
  1. People shared personal ads looking for romantic or meaningful connections, often with quirky and creative descriptions. It's a fun way to meet others who share similar interests.
  2. The ads covered a wide range of backgrounds and preferences, from academic and professional interests to unique hobbies and personal values. This shows the diversity of experiences people are looking for in relationships.
  3. There is a light-hearted, humorous tone throughout the personal ads, making it clear that many are just looking to have fun and enjoy the process of connecting with others.

Literary culture can't just dismiss AI.

The Common Reader • 3402 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Media Innovation Technology
  1. AI is changing how we think about literature and culture. It's important to embrace this change rather than ignore it.
  2. Modern literature needs to engage with new technologies to stay relevant. Just like past innovations, AI can be a tool for creativity instead of a replacement.
  3. Writers should adapt to the evolving cultural landscape. Accepting AI as part of the literary world can help create a richer and more diverse artistic expression.

The Bootleg Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1870 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art Music Fashion Merchandise Trends
  1. Bootlegging is now a normal part of the creative world, and it can even help brands grow. Artists and brands are beginning to embrace it as a form of new creativity rather than just a negative copy.
  2. Merchandise and bootleg items have become intertwined, with vintage pieces proving the value of new merchandise. This cycle helps brands to continue creating and offering new products to fans.
  3. Bootlegging often feels more genuine than mass-produced items. Unique, hand-made bootleg items can show a deeper connection and personal touch that many modern products lack.

In 2025, Your Boss Will Launch a Podcast

The Honest Broker • 21776 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media Art Entertainment Trends Influence
  1. In 2025, many companies will start their own podcasts, using them to promote themselves like infomercials. So get ready for your boss to ask you to help with that.
  2. The way businesses connect with clients is changing; some are now using podcasts as a sneaky way to hold meetings. It seems to work because people are curious when asked to join a podcast.
  3. Media companies that once tried to compete with independent platforms like Substack are now copying their model. This shows a huge shift in how content is being delivered and consumed.

Just do your dance already

Experimental History • 3868 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Music History Literature Dance
  1. It's common to get stuck trying to give detailed responses to questions. This can lead to wasting too much time on one email.
  2. Finding balance in communication is important to stay productive. Spending all day on one task can keep you from accomplishing other things.
  3. Prioritizing efficiency in response can help manage time better. Instead of focusing on a perfect answer, aim for getting back to others more quickly.

Love Grows

The Map is Mostly Water • 1643 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Relationships Art Media Philosophy Self-development
  1. Love isn't just something that happens to you; it's something you actively work on. Like tending a garden, you have to put in effort to help love grow.
  2. Many people have a casual attitude about love, thinking it will just appear by chance. This mindset can lead to a sense of helplessness in relationships.
  3. Introspection is important, but it needs to be paired with action. If you want love in your life, you have to take initiative and make choices to nurture it.

"It looks like the fork has pierced the sky"

Read Max • 737 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Movies Music Art Essays
  1. Three picture books are a hit with my 4-year-old, showcasing the value of finding good children's literature.
  2. Interesting essays cover various topics, from cryptocurrency to social media, highlighting unique perspectives worth exploring.
  3. I enjoyed a lesser-known movie adaptation of John Le Carré's work, emphasizing the charm of discovering hidden gems in cinema.

Welcome to Dinner Music

Culture Study • 2154 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Music Media Art Lifestyle Social Trends
  1. Algorithms can make discovering new music really hard. They often push mediocre songs and make us passive listeners, which takes away the joy of finding something special.
  2. Creating playlists can be like telling a story. A good playlist has a flow and evokes feelings, unlike algorithm-generated ones that can feel random and uncreative.
  3. Having more music in your life can improve your mood and spark creativity. It’s important to be intentional about listening and to enjoy music in social settings with friends.

The quiet circle

Silentium • 359 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Philosophy Fashion
  1. Supporting quiet and meaningful work is important. It helps create space for reflection and creativity.
  2. You can try a 7-day free trial to access more content. This lets you explore and see if it interests you.
  3. Engaging with calm and thoughtful communities can lead to personal growth. It encourages deeper connections and understanding.