The hottest Art Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

Genius vs. Expertise

The Biblioracle Recommends • 668 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Genius and expertise are different - expertise is achieved through practice, while genius is often seen as innate.
  2. Expertise can be just as valuable as genius - like the skillful drum tech behind a famous drummer.
  3. Dedication to a hobby or skill can enhance confidence and ability in other areas, showcasing the value of practice and expertise.

Suzy Weiss: Are You Enterpained?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 653 implied HN points • 19 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. People are openly sharing their struggles and therapy experiences, often for entertainment, creating a trend called 'enterpainment'.
  2. Music and pop culture are shifting towards themes of sadness and emotional challenges, with artists focusing on breakups and personal battles.
  3. Celebrities, like Justin Bieber, are discussing their mental health publicly, reflecting a growing acceptance of vulnerability and seeking help in front of others.

Waiting for the miracle

Austin Kleon • 3417 implied HN points • 23 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Trying times can bring both fun and challenges, like dealing with a painful kidney stone. It's important to find joy and comfort from friends even in tough situations.
  2. Reading can be a delightful escape, and keeping lists helps to remember our favorite books and moments from the year. It's fun to reflect on what we've enjoyed.
  3. Good advice often reminds us to focus on what we want instead of just running away from negativity. It's all about moving towards something positive.

Revenge of the Dilettantes

Breaking Smart • 98 implied HN points • 20 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Art
  1. AI makes bespoke, one-off publishing and media workflows cheap and practical, so creators can publish essays, books, and artworks in custom formats instead of forcing them into standard platforms.
  2. AI tools empower dilettantes to be full‑stack creators, letting casual generalists produce art, code, and even robotics projects without needing deep craft mastery.
  3. AI transforms reading and learning by supercharging book clubs and study groups, enabling faster, deeper exploration, translation, and research that turns casual reading into sustained study.

On this date...

Austin Kleon • 2497 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Curiosity is important, but sometimes we miss things we should be curious about. It's good to reflect on what interests us.
  2. Sharing art can be a fun and engaging experience. It's great to connect with others and see various creative works.
  3. Keeping a journal can be a magical space for thoughts and ideas. It's a good way to explore your feelings and creativity.
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Going through the motions

Austin Kleon • 2897 implied HN points • 10 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Starting something can feel tough, but just going through the motions can help get you going. It's a great way to break the ice and find your rhythm.
  2. Roget's Thesaurus has a quirky history that's more fascinating than you might expect. It's not just a reference book; it's filled with unusual ideas about language.
  3. Artists are always in the process of creating, even when it seems like nothing is happening. Like plants staying alive in winter, their work is growing beneath the surface.

The 20th Century Is the Only Century

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 570 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The 20th century feels like the only real century for many people because of the cultural moments and media it produced. It was a time when creativity thrived and set the stage for everything that followed.
  2. Artists like Sammy Davis Jr. and Little Richard showed the power of identity and performance in music. They navigated their careers through cultural shifts, either evolving or holding on to their roots.
  3. Michael Jackson represents a blend of past influences and new forms of expression. His legacy is complex, revealing how artists can be both celebrated and misunderstood in their lifetimes.

“To embrace the whole sky with the mind”

Seven Senses • 559 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The weather has a deep connection to our lives. It affects our moods, conversations, and even economies.
  2. Humans have long tried to predict and control the weather, but it remains unpredictable and sometimes chaotic.
  3. Despite its unpredictability, the weather can inspire creativity and beauty, leading to unique expressions in art and daily life.

Formational Writing

Lore Ferguson Wilbert • 1297 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Art
  1. Formational Writing is about combining philosophy, theology, art, and imagination.
  2. The author is reflecting on starting their last classes for a graduate degree after years of exploration.
  3. There is an option to subscribe to continue reading the author's content and get a free trial.

Links For July 2023

Astral Codex Ten • 7846 implied HN points • 06 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Towns named Santa Claus exist as tourist attractions.
  2. A Twitter account highlights silly names from Census records.
  3. A Belgian man supported genocide in Rwanda and served prison time.

A great Florentine-Renaissance alternate history, two Prince-inspired masterpiece albums, and a strange and spooky Terence Stamp phantasmagoria

Read Max • 474 implied HN points • 25 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. There's a cool mystery-thriller set in a different version of Renaissance Florence, which blends art and intrigue.
  2. A short horror film featuring Terence Stamp and a beautiful Ferrari offers a spooky experience worth checking out.
  3. Two new albums inspired by Prince showcase his lasting influence and are a must-listen for fans of his music.

Hidden Open Thread 366.666

Astral Codex Ten • 1651 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. This is a special post for those who pay for a subscription. It's a place for subscribers to interact freely.
  2. The thread seems to be a casual space for sharing thoughts or ideas among members.
  3. It's part of a series, indicating that there are more similar discussions that have happened before.

Fail again. Fail Better.

Seven Senses • 1778 implied HN points • 03 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Failures can lead to new opportunities and personal growth. They often force us to rethink our priorities and can bring us closer to the people we truly connect with.
  2. Caring too much about outside approval can hold us back. It’s important to focus on what we love to do rather than what others expect from us.
  3. Facing failure is a part of the creative process. Embracing it can lead to genuine self-expression and a stronger sense of community.

Productive procrastination

Austin Kleon • 2957 implied HN points • 27 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Productive procrastination can help you get things done while also allowing you to avoid tasks you might not want to do right away. It's about using your distractions to make progress on other things.
  2. Book design is important and can greatly impact how people perceive a book. Great designs, like those of Carin Goldberg, can become iconic in the literary world.
  3. Enjoying the little moments, like sitting around a fire, can help you focus better and recharge creatively. It's okay to take time for yourself in a busy world.

The [Tuesday] Media Diet with Dominic Scalise

Why is this interesting? • 844 implied HN points • 27 May 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Being intentional about what media you consume can help you enjoy it more. Switching to an iPad Mini for reading apps made a big difference.
  2. Watching YouTube can be fun, especially for product, car reviews, and live music. It’s important to give feedback to the apps to avoid unwanted content.
  3. Reading books can offer new perspectives and laughs. It's nice to create a cozy reading environment, like a comfy chair and coffee in the mornings.

Poor Lazarus and the Mark Death Made

Five’s Substack • 219 implied HN points • 25 May 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. American folk music explores deep feelings of homesickness and the desire to wander. These emotions are the driving themes in many famous songs.
  2. Gillian Welch's work reflects on the contradictions in life and music, connecting the past with present experiences without offering easy answers.
  3. Welch's song 'I Dream a Highway' captures a feeling of endless searching and longing. It questions what it means to be truly home and how we cope with our losses.

A strange, singular, funny American tale; an extremely cool gangster flick; and more

Read Max • 711 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. There's a funny and touching story that mixes passion and conflict, like something from famous authors Charles Portis and John Kennedy Toole.
  2. A new book explores language and L.L.M.s, alongside essays about A.I., labor, and changes in the literary world.
  3. There's a really cool Hong Kong gangster movie to check out, plus four great music tracks that I’ve been enjoying.

The Second Paris Substack Meetup

if not, Paris • 1257 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Getting writers to attend events can be challenging due to their introverted nature.
  2. Sometimes, the hardest part of socializing is just getting out the door.
  3. Substack fosters a community where writers can connect without pressure to network or aim for fame.

Play is the only way (paradise theory)

Secretum Secretorum • 555 implied HN points • 26 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Life is filled with problems and solutions, and we can't reach a perfect paradise. Instead of longing for a utopia, we should focus on gradual progress and the joy of play.
  2. Engaging in arts, games, and community projects can inspire people and unite them for a common purpose. It's about creating shared experiences that are meaningful and uplifting.
  3. True paradise isn't just an escape from work but involves embracing play and creativity. To achieve a deeper, fulfilling life, we must be willing to risk and sacrifice for our dreams and values.

The Persistence Of A 14th-C. UX

Technohumanism • 79 implied HN points • 23 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. A 14th-century book called a girdle book was designed to be carried and read easily, even though it was heavy and unusual for its time. This shows how humans have always needed practical ways to enjoy reading.
  2. The book was made for spiritual reading, likely by a monk, showing how closely books were tied to religious practices back then. Even without fancy pictures, it was meant for deep study.
  3. Despite its age, this old book’s design is still effective and user-friendly today. It illustrates how good ideas in design can last for centuries.

Live in the along

Crème de la Crème • 1238 implied HN points • 25 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The author has been receiving interesting queries
  2. To keep reading the full post, a subscription is needed with a 7-day free trial
  3. Existing paid subscribers can sign in to access the full content

Greece in the eyes of the xenos

The Greek Analyst • 239 implied HN points • 17 May 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Greece is a popular destination for foreigners, attracting expats, retirees, digital nomads, and more, who share their experiences in the country
  2. Major areas of interest for foreigners in Greece include Athens, Greek islands, and villages, each offering unique experiences
  3. Foreigners in Greece appreciate the sunny weather, outdoor activities, friendliness of locals, and delicious food, but also highlight issues like language barrier, bureaucracy, and pollution

An Exquisite Panorama of Links & Recs

Culture Study • 2103 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The author discusses women's sports and gender issues in a recent podcast episode, offering a unique perspective compared to mainstream media.
  2. They are taking a break for a cycling trip but have gathered some recommended readings to share, focusing on topics outside of politics.
  3. Paid subscribers can access additional content and discussions each week, which includes in-depth threads and personal insights.

Lesotho

Cosmographia • 1238 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Art
  1. The content is part of an Atlas' Notes series, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography related to specific locations.
  2. Viewing the full post or subscribing may require payment.
  3. The post includes visual elements like images to enhance the content.

You Gotta Have Taste

The Biblioracle Recommends • 707 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Develop your own taste and don't be swayed by external opinions.
  2. Resist the influence of algorithms and prioritize trusting your own reactions.
  3. Exploring and articulating your taste is part of knowing yourself and resisting a culture of consumption.

They should make a new sequel to Jaws. Here is my pitch.

Good Faith • 1218 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Hollywood often relies on sequels and reboots because audiences respond well to familiar IPs.
  2. Legacy sequels need to balance being familiar yet fresh to captivate viewers.
  3. A potential 'Jaws' sequel should focus on a new storyline with a shark, realistic characters, and avoid elements like a vengeful shark.

Best of The Free Press: We’re All Gonna Make It

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1799 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Even in tough times, there's a sense of optimism that things can get better. It's about hoping for change and taking action instead of giving in to despair.
  2. People are finding joy in unexpected places, like celebrating together even when plans go wrong. It's about making the best out of challenging situations.
  3. There’s a shift in how young people view education, with many choosing southern colleges over prestigious Ivy League schools for a more enjoyable experience and a different environment.

Comedy and Culture Wars: Why Laughter is the Antidote to Polarisation

rebelwisdom • 648 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Humor can help shift polarisation in culture by allowing us to laugh at ourselves and break free from the seriousness of current societal tensions.
  2. Comedy has historically faced censorship and backlash, but the rise of social media has changed how outrage is expressed and impacts comedy.
  3. Laughter can lead to cognitive flexibility, social bonding, and breaking us free from rigid frames of thought, making comedy a powerful tool for cultural change.

Money! Money! Money...?

Seven Senses • 1318 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
💰 Finance Art
  1. Money plays a huge role in our lives, but many people avoid discussing it. Ignoring money can make it control us even more.
  2. Creatives often feel pressured to work without proper compensation, believing art should be 'pure.' This leads to undervaluing their work and struggling financially.
  3. Money can reflect our values and desires when used intentionally. It’s important to see it as a tool for expressing what matters most to us instead of something evil.

Ice and owls

Austin Kleon • 2757 implied HN points • 03 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. February often feels repetitive, almost like every day is the same. It can serve as a reminder of life's cycles, feeling like we're stuck in an ice storm each year.
  2. A '30-minute noticing workout' can help people become more mindful and spark creativity. It encourages taking time to observe the world around us.
  3. With the right tools, like a spotting scope and a camera app, you can enjoy and capture nature, like watching owls in your backyard.

Firsts of the year

Austin Kleon • 2977 implied HN points • 06 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The author shared their first creative projects of the year, including collages and vegetable printmaking. It's a great way to start the year with fresh artistic ideas.
  2. They mentioned their diverse reading choices, highlighting the joy of exploring different books and authors. Reading can keep your mind engaged and expand your knowledge.
  3. The author reflected on recent celebrity deaths, reminding us to appreciate influential figures in arts and culture. Remembering their contributions helps us honor their legacy.

What's Beyond Neoliberalism?

Castalia • 799 implied HN points • 23 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Neoliberalism has shaped our world in a way that many people don't fully understand, but it connects security and markets to help economies work well globally.
  2. There are areas of life, like art and community, where the values of neoliberalism don’t fit, and we can find better worth and meaning outside of market measures.
  3. It's possible for individuals and creatives to live fulfilling lives without being just parts of the market, focusing on personal value and authentic expression instead.

🔚 Lessons from the end of the world: Why we take civilization for granted

Faster, Please! • 639 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. A simpler life isn't really simple; it's often just a more curated and modern version with extra comforts like solar panels and events.
  2. Many dystopian stories have hidden messages about the importance of progress and not rejecting it, even if it's hard to see at first.
  3. Media can show us the risks of ignoring advancements, like asteroid tracking, which is important for protecting our lives and future.

A window well wonderland

Disaffected Newsletter • 1179 implied HN points • 08 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The writer enjoys the view from their new apartment, especially the unique window well. It's a cozy spot with moss, leaves, and small creatures.
  2. Each morning, the writer checks on the wildlife in the window well, showing a sense of connection to nature.
  3. The writer has named a frog, Aloysius, which highlights their playful and imaginative perspective on everyday life.

A Matter of Taste

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1792 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Taste can be compared to grammar, meaning that there are rules and structures to follow within different contexts. You can appreciate different kinds of taste, similar to how you can master varied languages or styles.
  2. Sometimes, taste seems like a competition to stay trendy or relevant. There are instances where people's taste can be influenced by social status or group preferences, rather than genuine appreciation.
  3. It's important to appreciate both high-quality and low-quality things. Having taste doesn't mean you should dismiss simpler pleasures; learning to enjoy a range of experiences can be enriching.

Ma & Pa

Ask E. Jean • 1179 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The post discusses traits inherited from parents and an extraterrestrial
  2. The text invites readers to consider what traits they got from their mother and father
  3. E. Jean Carroll humorously includes an alien as a source of inherited traits

The Miracle of the Novel

Opaque Hourglass • 239 implied HN points • 12 May 24
📚 Literature Art
  1. Reading powerful novels can awaken reflective thoughts and emotions in individuals
  2. Self-absorption can blind individuals to the empathy and complexities of others
  3. Novels have the potential to inspire profound reflection and positive change in individuals

Comics from Winter 1980 Issue of Electronics Today International

Computer Ads from the Past • 640 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
💥 Comics Art
  1. The post shares a collection of comics that appeared in an old electronics magazine. They offer a fun glimpse into technology from the past.
  2. There's an invitation for readers to share their thoughts on what kind of computer ads they would like to see in the future. It's a way to engage with the audience.
  3. The writer encourages sharing the post to reach more people and build a community around these nostalgic topics.

Are skyscrapers bad for Manchester?

The Mill • 707 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The debate on Manchester's rapidly expanding skyline raises concerns about skyscrapers' impact.
  2. Manchester's skyline has seen a proliferation of glass towers, with 27 built since 2018 and 70 more in the pipeline.
  3. There is a divide in perspectives on skyscrapers, with some seeing them as progress while others view them as crowding out heritage and creating unaffordable housing.