The hottest Art & Illustration Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics
The Recovering Academic 356 implied HN points 24 Oct 23
  1. Phillis Wheatley, an African genius, overcame immense challenges to become a renowned poet, showcasing resilience and talent in the face of adversity.
  2. Wheatley's poetry masterfully blends reason and emotion, demonstrating a deep understanding of Enlightenment principles while infusing her work with joy and beauty.
  3. Despite facing skepticism and struggles during her lifetime, Phillis Wheatley's legacy endures as a reminder of the enduring power of art and literature to illuminate the human experience.
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Banana Peel Pirouette 118 implied HN points 28 Dec 23
  1. The 1990s techno-optimism was a period when many assumed that history was moving towards an intensified democratic capitalist future.
  2. Vaporwave music and aesthetics reflect a sense of nostalgia for a future that never arrived due to disillusionment with consumerism, pollution, and unmet technological promises.
  3. Vaporwave's emergence from the internet allowed it to create its own visual style, untouched by traditional music scenes, portraying a retro-futuristic world obsolesced by modern technology.
Litverse 259 implied HN points 13 Oct 23
  1. Taylor Swift's art is deeply inspired by her relationships, turning her ex-partners into muses for her songs.
  2. Taylor Swift's ability to create a shared reality through her music on the theme of love resonates with a wide audience.
  3. In the world of popular art, artists like Taylor Swift offer a 'plane of illusion' where audiences can transcend individuality and escape fears while enjoying universal themes like love.
The Leftovers 139 implied HN points 05 Dec 23
  1. Phone booths in the UK were used for advertising sexual services with flyers, with interesting transformations over time, highlighting cultural shifts.
  2. Superheroes like Superman and British vigilante fantasies have unique associations with phone booths, showcasing creative interpretations of iconic imagery.
  3. The song "Standing Outside a Broken Phone Booth with Money in My Hand" captures themes of confusion, existential observation, and beauty, resonating with the complexities of life.
ASK MOLLY 511 implied HN points 16 Feb 23
  1. The post discusses the concept of theft and what is left behind.
  2. The post features the work 'Wandering Star' by Remedios Varo.
  3. To access the full post, readers need to be paid subscribers.
The Austen Connection 373 implied HN points 05 Mar 23
  1. Celebrating Black History Month and Women's History Month together is important
  2. There are many great Black authors and stories that are intersecting with the world of Jane Austen
  3. Exploring historic and contemporary works that celebrate Black history and women's history is enriching
Orbis Tertius 158 implied HN points 18 Sep 23
  1. Borges curated an anthology called _A Personal Library_ but could only complete 74 out of 100 books, making it his final work.
  2. Borges also edited _The Library of Babel_, a collection of fantastical stories, but getting physical copies might be challenging due to scarcity and translations.
  3. Luigi Serafini's _Codex Seraphinianus_ is a fictional encyclopedia with strange illustrations, and he considered it a 'proto-blog' for reaching out to people outside the art gallery circle.
Euro Desk Paris 58 implied HN points 26 Dec 23
  1. The Middle Ages are misunderstood and had valuable aspects like devotion, handmade goods, and communal life.
  2. Historical era designations like 'Dark Ages' should be reconsidered as they might not accurately reflect the time period.
  3. Saturnalia historically suspended rules and masters served servants, and embracing similar traditions can be intriguing.
Sounds Good! 39 implied HN points 16 Jan 24
  1. The post discusses the humor and insensitivity of joking about the deaths of famous singers Karen Carpenter and Mama Cass with references to ham sandwiches.
  2. It highlights the idea that reducing someone's legacy to a joke can be disrespectful and hurtful.
  3. The post reflects on how jokes involving ham sandwiches are often used as shortcuts to avoid more meaningful or thoughtful discussions.
Things I Think Are Awesome 275 implied HN points 30 Apr 23
  1. Monks in the Alps make a secret green liqueur involving a mysterious alchemical manuscript and 130 plants.
  2. Chartreuse monks are facing production cutbacks to focus more on prayer due to environmental impact concerns.
  3. Recent advancements in AI art tools, video and sound generation, and narrative agents offer exciting creative possibilities.
Becoming Noble 259 implied HN points 12 May 23
  1. Encourage readers' opinions: The author appreciates readers' sophisticated contributions and encourages them to voice their thoughts more frequently.
  2. Engaging with cultural works: The discussion delves into the interpretation of cultural works like Harry Potter in terms of political ideologies, showcasing diverse perspectives.
  3. Joining liberal organizations: The importance of engaging with different viewpoints and building with people who promote progress and meritocracy is highlighted.
Genre Grapevine 78 implied HN points 31 Oct 23
  1. Small acts of goodness matter the most in our world, especially for children enjoying special moments like Halloween.
  2. Genre magazines are struggling due to changes like Amazon ending digital subscriptions, impacting revenue and leading to shifts like electronic editions replacing print.
  3. X-Twitter changes by Elon Musk affect how authors share linked articles, making it harder for them to reach readers on the platform.
London in Bits 157 implied HN points 29 Jul 23
  1. The newsletter covers various events in London, including striking parking wardens, a new hotdog offering, and a skateboarding exhibition.
  2. There was a significant increase in subscribers due to positive feedback on Reddit.
  3. The newsletter features an interview with artist Max Colson and offers subscriptions at £5 a month or £50 a year.
The False Consensus Effect 39 implied HN points 24 Dec 23
  1. The author shares fictional Christmas card messages and stories, reflecting on past memories and personal experiences.
  2. The author delves into genealogy and discusses the Scottish Earls, emphasizing the complexity and potential of family histories.
  3. The author shares a detailed, introspective piece on self-reflection, writing, and the pursuit of creativity despite challenges and societal norms.
Deep Fix 216 implied HN points 22 Mar 23
  1. Social media is a major cause of mental illness in teen girls and screen addiction has negative consequences for many.
  2. Quality podcast interviews can lead to insightful conversations on topics like addiction and healing.
  3. Aesthetics are important for storytelling, emphasizing the value of human-made art over AI-generated creations.