The hottest Art Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream: The 30 Year Late Review

The Bottom Feeder • 775 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The game 'I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream' has a unique story and strange gameplay, but can be frustrating to play because of its arbitrary rules and bugs.
  2. Harlan Ellison, the writer behind the game, had strong views on video games, which made some hesitant to try his game out for fear of it not being good.
  3. Even with its flaws, the game is worth experiencing for its ambitious ideas and interesting content. Using a walkthrough can help when you get stuck.

The Pot of Gold at America’s Western Edge

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2309 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. California is seen as a shining example of America’s optimism and adventurous spirit. Its landscapes are diverse and beautiful, capturing the hearts of many.
  2. The state represents a journey of hope and discovery for pioneers, marked by the promise of wealth and a better life. Many believe the history of California reflects the core values of the entire nation.
  3. From its rich agricultural roots to modern technological advances, California's success story symbolizes the potential for achievement and progress that inspires people everywhere.

Time is not a butler

Austin Kleon • 3517 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Don't stress about finding your own style; focus on creating instead. It's okay if your style evolves over time.
  2. Learning from others doesn't mean copying them; it’s about using reference images to grow as an artist.
  3. Meeting new experiences, like seeing a screech owl or watching unique movies, can inspire your creativity and add joy to your life.

Jericho

Cosmographia • 1637 implied HN points • 08 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Art
  1. The post is part of the Atlas' Notes series on Cosmographia, showcasing art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography focused on a specific place.
  2. The content is exclusive for paid subscribers, indicating a premium value for those who subscribe to the platform.
  3. Readers can explore a variety of creative works and insights about Jericho through this post and the Atlas' Notebook series.

The Cat in the Tree: Why AI Content Leaves Us Cold

The Convivial Society • 2628 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. AI-generated content can be technically impressive but often feels dull and forgettable to many people. It lacks the emotional warmth that comes from human creativity.
  2. Unexpected discoveries, like finding a charming painting in nature, can bring genuine delight and a sense of connection. This feeling of surprise adds value to human-made art.
  3. The essence of art lies in human intention and presence. Simple acts of creativity can create a sense of companionship and joy, forming connections in a lonely world.
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The Girlboss Is Sleeping with the Intern

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2606 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. There is a growing sense of dissatisfaction among women, leading some to seek out new experiences or break commitments. Many women feel trapped in their current lives and long for excitement or change.
  2. The film 'Babygirl' explores the character Romy, who seems successful but feels unfulfilled in her marriage. Her search for pleasure and connection leads her to an affair with her younger intern.
  3. Romy's journey highlights the complexities of desire and the risks people take when chasing what they think will make them happy. It raises questions about love, commitment, and personal satisfaction.

What Movie Are We In?

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 9 implied HN points • 28 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The country is portrayed as a dystopian spectacle where powerful elites are consolidating control and everyday life keeps going despite a deeper, worsening political decay.
  2. Media and tech consolidation is turning major outlets toward state-friendly propaganda, and there's a growing push to weaponize AI for surveillance and warfare.
  3. The Epstein saga and the removal of investigative files suggest deep corruption and possible cover-ups that protect the powerful and silence victims.

What We Learned This Year

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2805 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Tuning out distractions and staying focused on important work can lead to positive results, as shown by efforts to improve safety and create jobs.
  2. Apathy is a major threat to open societies, highlighting the need for active participation in institutions that shape our future.
  3. Vigilance and resilience are crucial. Protecting ourselves and recognizing threats is important for safety and freedom.

#150 Just enough design (and no more)

Design Lobster • 259 implied HN points • 10 Jun 24
🪑 Design Art
  1. Hodo-hodo is a Japanese concept of moderation and balance applied to design, meaning 'just enough design.' It emphasizes the idea of deliberately holding back in design to achieve an ideal level of completion.
  2. Just enough design can create space for imagination and personal interpretation, as seen in the example of Kinoishi wooden stones that were designed as toys without instructions.
  3. Designing with 'hodo-hodo' philosophy can lead to subtle yet impactful details that might not be consciously noticed but can evoke emotional connections and enhance user experience.

The Flood

Cosmographia • 718 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Many cultures worldwide have flood myths that share similar motifs, such as a great flood cleansing the earth and only a select few surviving, prompting researchers to question the origins of these stories.
  2. Some theories suggest that flood myths may stem from a distant cultural memory of a cataclysmic event like a prehistoric flood, while others propose that these myths date back to a primordial story before global dispersal of peoples.
  3. Analytical psychologist Carl Jung believed that recurring myths like the flood archetype reflect universal, innate aspects of the human subconscious, influencing human behavior in profound ways.

The Inherited Ceramics Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1206 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Inherited objects, like ceramics, can carry deep family stories and connections to the past. They remind us of our roots and the experiences of our loved ones.
  2. Many younger people today don't see value in their parents' heirlooms and often sell or discard them. What's considered treasure can quickly become trash.
  3. Finding creative ways to repurpose or display these inherited items can breathe new life into them. It helps keep the memories alive without the pressure of keeping them pristine.

The Surf Edition

Why is this interesting? • 904 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. A new piece was written for the Financial Times Weekend. It's exciting to share work in such a respected publication.
  2. You can find this issue at local newsstands, and subscribing supports good journalism.
  3. Look out for a roundup of links for subscribers coming on Saturday.

How long is a sitting?

Five’s Substack • 319 implied HN points • 24 May 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. A 'sitting' when reading should ideally be about two hours. This time allows readers to enjoy a story without too many breaks.
  2. The writer plans to expand their blog to discuss not just fiction but also film, music, and art. This shows a desire to connect with more topics and audiences.
  3. A recent hospital visit prompted the writer to find calm in music. They discovered a special song that may become part of their wedding, showcasing how important moments can inspire creativity.

Failing in both directions

Austin Kleon • 3077 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Thinking about intelligence can be really interesting, especially when it's connected to our bodies. There are ways to have experiences that help us understand this better.
  2. Keeping a weekly review can help you track what you've done and what you want to do next. It’s like having a checklist to keep your thoughts organized.
  3. Sometimes when creating something new, you can only change one part at a time. It’s good to focus on either how it tastes or how it looks, but not both at once.

The Rocking Out Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1085 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Suiseki is the Japanese art of displaying beautiful stones that resemble mountains or landscapes. These stones encourage people to admire nature's beauty in a unique way.
  2. Setting up a suiseki display involves careful selection of stones and bases that enhance their natural shapes and features. This process is similar to bonsai, where presentation plays a key role.
  3. Unlike living plants, suiseki stones can't die, making them a low-maintenance way to enjoy art and nature in your home. They allow for contemplation of nature's beauty without the worry of upkeep.

Welcome to Dinner Music

Culture Study • 2154 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  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 Monday Media Diet with Naomi Zeichner

Why is this interesting? • 1085 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Listening to podcasts is a great way to stay informed and entertained throughout the day, especially during morning routines or before sleep.
  2. Finding new music can be fun; using charts and social media to discover songs is a good strategy.
  3. Reading print books and engaging with well-designed articles in magazines offers a unique experience that digital formats can't fully replicate.

Now More Than Ever

Animation Obsessive • 1973 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The newsletter started four years ago and marked its journey with a special post. It's been a significant milestone for the creators.
  2. Initially, there was uncertainty about the audience for longer stories on animation, but they were excited to take the chance.
  3. The newsletter has grown along with its followers, showing that there's a demand for deep discussions about animation.

Let's Hear Your Ideas For Future Friday Threads!

Culture Study • 692 implied HN points • 15 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The author is looking for ideas from readers for future Friday Threads. They believe that reader suggestions can lead to engaging conversations.
  2. Friday Thread topics can vary widely, including serious, silly, or meaningful themes. There's room for all kinds of discussions.
  3. Community input is valued, and this process helps the author know what readers want to talk about. It's a chance for everyone to share their thoughts.

THE WORST NIGHT OF JUVEE

Cintra Wilson Feels Your Pain • 884 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The play 'JUVEE' was inspired by the author's personal experiences and was performed at an avant-garde theater in San Francisco.
  2. During a performance, the author's drunk and disruptive aunt confronted her backstage, causing tension and drama.
  3. The author had to take decisive action to control the situation and ensure the show went on uninterrupted.

School’s out for summer

Austin Kleon • 2657 implied HN points • 26 May 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. School is out for summer, which often brings excitement and new opportunities for students to explore their interests.
  2. Writing and creativity can be daily practices that are done without the pressure of immediate success or failure.
  3. Understanding the complexities and risks of AI is important, as it can affect how we think and make decisions.

Are we doomed or is deliverance possible??

Blackbird Spyplane • 1139 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The TV series 'The Curse' has a brilliant and bizarre finale that attempts and achieves unique things in the TV world.
  2. The show explores themes of cursed culture and the struggle for deliverance from societal decay.
  3. The finale of 'The Curse' leaves viewers debating whether the characters are doomed or have a shot at redemption.

The Naked Potential of 2024: Democracy, Chaos and Creativity

rebelwisdom • 1002 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. 2024 is a year with significant democratic elections worldwide, highlighting a growing apathy and distrust in the democratic process.
  2. The tension between centralized control and decentralized, regenerative movements is intensifying, leading to a clash of ideologies and perspectives in society.
  3. There is a growing movement towards seeking new ways of being and thinking, challenging existing structures and norms in society.

Two kinds of introspection

Escaping Flatland • 1709 implied HN points • 27 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Art
  1. To become an artist, you don't need to know yourself fully. The art will shape you.
  2. Introspection through doing things and observing yourself can be more productive than passive introspection.
  3. It's okay to not know yourself fully; taking steps and learning from experiences can lead to self-discovery.

The Lost Art of Literacy

A Mug of Insights • 1690 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
📚 Literature Art
  1. Proper literacy takes time and effort to develop
  2. Literacy is essential for effective communication in various fields
  3. Mastering literacy is an art that requires practice and challenges to one's worldview

The Listening Bar Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1146 implied HN points • 22 May 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Tokyo has unique listening bars where you can enjoy music played from a bartender's record collection. It's a quiet space where you can truly appreciate the music without distractions.
  2. During a visit, the bartender played several songs featuring the same session drummer, showing the depth of his musical knowledge. Discovering this connection made the experience more meaningful.
  3. You can learn more about a place by returning to the same spot instead of rushing around. Spending time in one place allows you to notice details and understand the local culture better.

Wiggly Consistency

Seven Senses • 879 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Building consistency in your daily habits can lead to positive changes in your life. Small, regular actions can help you feel more secure and grounded.
  2. Starting small with new habits is often better than going all in right away. Even two minutes of a new practice can help you develop a routine without feeling overwhelmed.
  3. Flexibility in your routines is important. Consistency shouldn't feel like a strict schedule; it should allow for moments when you can stray away without feeling like you've failed.

A terrific, paranoid Irish serial-killer noir set in Northern Ireland, a wild Hong Kong action-comedy classic, and some excellent Balearic jazz

Read Max • 711 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. There's a gripping Irish serial-killer story set in Belfast that fans of dark thrillers might enjoy. It's perfect for those who like intense and twisty plots.
  2. If you're up for some fun, there's a wild Hong Kong action-comedy from the 80s with amazing fight scenes that will keep you entertained.
  3. The music scene is buzzing with fantastic Balearic jazz this summer, so it's a great time to explore some relaxing and jazzy tunes.

Leigh Hunt's Scrapbook of Hair

Noted • 1631 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Art
  1. Hair is a delicate and lasting material that can be collected and preserved.
  2. Notes can be more than just words, they can include objects like locks of hair for memory aids.
  3. Hair is unique as a collector's item because it doesn't decay like other body parts.

The Kingdom of Kush 𓎡𓄿𓈙𓈉

Cosmographia • 1238 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
💾 History Art
  1. The post is about The Kingdom of Kush and is part of the Atlas' Notes series which focuses on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography related to a specific place.
  2. The post is meant for paid subscribers, showcasing a full map of Cosmographia and offering a sign-in option for existing paid subscribers.
  3. The content offers a blend of visuals and written material, creating an immersive experience for those interested in exploring The Kingdom of Kush.

We Need More Content!

Regress Studies • 825 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. People often believe that creating specific memetic content will influence others to adopt certain ideologies.
  2. The call for cultural production in today's society is often for someone else to create media that will change the beliefs of third-party observers.
  3. Consuming content is not a traditional solution to major problems, and often people demand certain media creations to fix societal issues without clear solutions.

The Audacious Round Up

The Audacity. • 766 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The Audacious Book Club has selected 'Martyr!' by Kaveh Akbar, with an upcoming conversation event you can join on February 27th.
  2. Roxane Gay has launched an essay series called 'Roxane Gay Presents' with Everand and has upcoming events in NYC, including a book launch.
  3. Reading material highlights different topics like the situation in Gaza, job opportunities in various media outlets, and entertainment news like interviews and artist profiles.

Ars Poetica

Seven Senses • 539 implied HN points • 25 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Poetry connects us to deeper feelings and the divine. Unlike regular language, it speaks to our soul and can feel more complex or mysterious.
  2. Poetry can take many forms beyond written words, including art, sound, and even scents. This shows how flexible and expressive poetry can be.
  3. Everyday experiences can be tied into poetry, whether it's through textiles or video. This makes poetry a part of our daily lives and interactions.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 685 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Surveillance on the internet is impacting people's feelings about intimacy and eroticism. It's making things feel less personal and more categorized.
  2. To bring back a sense of eroticism, we need to challenge how we define relationships and connections online. It's important to seek deeper connections rather than just surface-level interactions.
  3. The mention of a 'curse' highlights how sometimes people may feel overwhelmed by bad luck or difficulties in life. It’s a reminder that everyone has tough days and it’s okay to vent about them.

We Contain Multitudes

Seven Senses • 1218 implied HN points • 27 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Pursuing hobbies is important for self-discovery and can reveal hidden talents and interests. It's a way to connect with ourselves beyond our work.
  2. Many of us fear exploring our diverse interests because we're worried about judgment or not fitting into a certain image. But embracing our contradictions can lead to growth and inspiration.
  3. Engaging in creative activities or hobbies can enhance our artistic expression and help us understand the world better, as seen in the lives of famous creators like Nabokov, Murakami, and Dickinson.

The [Tuesday] Media Diet with Teddy Kim

Why is this interesting? • 1990 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Reading about history can teach us a lot about how things connect and evolve over time. It can even change the way we think about important world events.
  2. Predictive markets can help us gauge our understanding of the world. They can show whether our news sources are reliable and help us prepare for future events.
  3. Family history matters. Visiting the places where our ancestors came from can provide a deeper connection to our roots and help us see ourselves as part of a larger story.

The Bootleg Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1870 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  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.

Movie Review: Anora

Life Since the Baby Boom • 2766 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The movie 'Anora' tells a unique love story between a sex worker and a rich young man, highlighting their genuine connection amidst the chaos of their lives.
  2. The film explores themes of acceptance and the complexity of feelings related to sex and relationships, challenging the idea that sex work is simply a job without emotional weight.
  3. The characters bring humor and depth, especially with comedic elements surrounding family dynamics and cultural clashes, making it a fun yet thought-provoking watch.

Love is not mind-reading

Austin Kleon • 3397 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Love can't read minds, so it's important to clearly communicate what you and your loved ones want. This helps build understanding and happiness in relationships.
  2. Expectations and reality can differ, and it's good to think about how our perceptions may mislead us. Reflecting on these differences can be eye-opening.
  3. Finding your unique voice is key for expression. Everyone has different ways of thinking, speaking, and writing, and recognizing this can help improve communication.