The hottest Art & Illustration Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics
The Algorithmic Bridge • 445 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
  1. The advancements in AI will impact job opportunities - some will be lost while others will be created, resulting in a nuanced narrative of change over time.
  2. As technology evolves, historical professions such as writing have faced transformation and adaptation, oftentimes leading to loss, but also gain.
  3. Individuals hold power to influence the future direction of technology and writing, emphasizing the importance of human creativity and intent in a world dominated by AI.
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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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
The Shift With Sam Baker • 179 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
  1. DJ Annie Nightingale, Radio 1's pioneer female DJ, passed away at 83, leaving a legacy for others to follow.
  2. Mean Girls growing up, Kate Moss turning 50, and the forgotten feminist Shere Hite are discussed in the newsletter, offering a mix of pop culture and feminist insights.
  3. The newsletter also delves into topics like creativity blocks, female luxury in method acting, and the emotional depths of hotel rooms, providing a varied and thought-provoking read for subscribers.
Humanities in Revolt • 319 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
  1. Einstein believed that a holistic education balancing science and humanities is essential for cultivating fundamental human values and morality.
  2. He emphasized that over-specialization and narrowly technical competencies can lead to lopsided thought and hinder human development.
  3. Einstein highlighted the importance of ethical values guiding scientific knowledge to maintain a healthy and humane society.
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.
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.
Londonist: Time Machine • 259 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23
  1. London street furniture like phone boxes and bollards can hold infinite surprises and creativity, from book-swaps to woolen decorations.
  2. Interesting initiatives like converting phone boxes into unique shops and decorating post boxes showcase the creativity in London's streets.
  3. Even seemingly mundane objects like bollards have gained online popularity and inspired products like bollard-themed tea towels.
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.
A Hundred Billion Bottles • 79 implied HN points • 28 Mar 24
  1. Mark Buxton and Sarah McCartney both found success in perfumery through unconventional paths, showcasing that formal training is not always necessary.
  2. Buxton and McCartney prioritize creativity and unique ideas over commercial considerations, resulting in distinct and unconventional perfumes.
  3. Their stories highlight the importance of following one's passion and instincts, rather than conforming to traditional expectations for success in the perfume industry.
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.
Opaque Hourglass • 199 implied HN points • 23 Jul 23
  1. Sculpting an ashtray from ground beef fulfilled a need for unsanctioned belief through a unique and drastic act.
  2. The ground beef ashtray, though initially disgusting, became a feature to be protected as a symbol of creative power and cultural uniqueness.
  3. The final act of giving the meat ashtray an elaborate pagan burial in the grease bin symbolized letting go but also respecting the unique creation.
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.
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.
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.
Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 153 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
  1. The classification and cultural appropriation of historical figures can be misleading and can lead to misconceptions about their identities.
  2. We must be cautious about labeling ancient civilizations as 'white guys' because it overlooks their true identities, leading to missed opportunities for learning and growth.
  3. It's important to recognize the alien nature of classical Greeks and Romans and not project modern ideologies onto them, acknowledging the differences to gain a deeper understanding.
Litverse • 239 implied HN points • 16 Nov 22
  1. Regret is a part of life that teaches us lessons and keeps us grounded in humanity.
  2. Nostalgia, while holding good memories, can also bring pain and a yearning for the past.
  3. Learning to navigate and express regret can lead to self-discovery and growth, showing that embracing one's past can be a path to wisdom.
Banana Peel Pirouette • 138 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
  1. Marshall McLuhan's concept of 'the medium is the message' emphasizes that the format of media is more important than the content.
  2. McLuhan discusses the process of 'outering' and 'interiorization' of technology, where tools become externalized human capacities and then integrated into everyday life.
  3. The current digital culture is shaping human interactions and identity by blurring the line between technology and humanity, ultimately leading to a potential future where humanity and technology merge.