The hottest Art Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

Review: Kyle Chayka's Filterworld

Freddie deBoer • 3620 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The book delves into how algorithms have fundamentally reshaped human aesthetic production online and offline.
  2. Algorithms heavily influence culture and trends, even extending to architecture and interior design.
  3. The author addresses the challenge of standing out in today's saturated creative landscape shaped by algorithms, emphasizing the importance of navigating and adapting to the digital environment.

How They Made 'Where the Wild Things Are'

Animation Obsessive • 1524 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Gene Deitch was a skilled artist known for adapting children's picture books into animated films, particularly the beloved 'Where the Wild Things Are.'
  2. Deitch saw adapting Maurice Sendak's picture book as a monumental challenge, comparing it to climbing 'Mount Everest' in the literary world.
  3. The process of transforming books into films requires a unique approach and understanding of the source material to resonate with audiences.

Quant. & Lit.

Sucks to Suck • 982 implied HN points • 11 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Western culture values youth culture, affecting perceptions of adulthood
  2. Exposure to rationalist thinking can challenge writing and argument clarity
  3. Creative work requires a balance between rationalism and subjectivity for valuable outcomes

Top Links 831 The stained glass moment. Tomato trade wars. The genetics of Heinz 1706 & Nongqongqo

Chartbook • 371 implied HN points • 16 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. There is a focus on the impact of stained glass art, particularly highlighting a beautiful example from Oxfordshire. It's a unique blend of art and history, showcasing creativity.
  2. The topic of tomato trade wars from the 1990s is discussed, emphasizing agricultural conflicts and their economic impacts. It shows how food trade can be influenced by global politics.
  3. The genetics of certain tomato varieties, like Heinz 1706 and Nongqongqo, are explored. This highlights the importance of agricultural diversity and food innovation.
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Full of... Favorites

Wild Holy & Free • 579 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The post shares the author's current favorite things, from TV shows to books.
  2. The author discusses the joy of discovering new items like makeup and clothing.
  3. The author also reflects on significant experiences, such as attending a conference and engaging in public speaking.

Nadia Asparouhova on antimemetics, nuclear mysticism, and scrolling

The Generalist • 1320 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Some ideas spread slowly or not at all, which is something we don't talk about enough. It's different now with social media, where people often keep their best thoughts private to avoid backlash.
  2. Building relationships through patronage could be more beneficial than just relying on crowdfunding. It creates deeper connections and helps sustain valuable relationships in our lives.
  3. Scrolling through social media makes us lose focus and can lead to a poorer state of mind. It's important to be aware of how this constant distraction affects us.

News & Views: July

The Abbey of Misrule • 473 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The author recently returned from a long family road trip in the USA, which helped him feel rejuvenated after some health issues. It was a refreshing change from his usual routine.
  2. There's a new campaign called 'Writers Against AI' aimed at artists resisting the rise of AI in creative work. The author believes AI dims the true essence of human creativity.
  3. The author will soon share a mini-series and essays about his book and the implications of AI. He invites other writers to participate in a logo design contest for the campaign.

They do build statues of critics

rachaelmeager • 376 implied HN points • 31 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Critics play an important role in helping us understand art better. They can explain themes, context, and why certain works resonate or fail.
  2. It's okay to dislike a popular artist or piece of art. Sharing these feelings can help others who feel the same way find connection and validation.
  3. Art criticism isn't just negative; it's an essential part of our culture. It helps guide audiences in their experiences and understanding of art.

Imagining A Harry Potter Rewrite

Design Mom • 963 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Imagining a Harry Potter rewrite with updated content and plot holes to address criticisms and stereotypes.
  2. Authors like JK Rowling who have achieved immense success may have a rare opportunity to rewrite their work and reflect personal growth.
  3. Consider the potential impact and financial success of publishing new editions of popular book series like Harry Potter.

Souvenirs that outlive us

Austin Kleon • 1978 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Art
  1. Creating art is often messy and unpredictable. It's not always as straightforward as the end result might suggest.
  2. Inspiration can come from the most mundane things, like everyday objects. Even clothespins can spark creativity and lead to new artistic ideas.
  3. Blackout poetry doesn't have to come from traditional sources like books. Using unusual materials can make the process fun and unique.

“I am the century’s decay”

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 432 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
📚 Literature Art
  1. Julia Ostrowski is a new poet whose work reflects on the challenges of being a contemporary poet, especially while dealing with personal relationships and societal issues.
  2. Her poems touch on deep feelings and themes of decay, love, and history, showing a connection to the past while addressing current struggles.
  3. The discussion around 'contemporary poetry' suggests that it's often misunderstood and that poetry is a way of expressing rich meanings rather than just simple emotions.

Hallelujah, Leonard Cohen, and a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer's suicide

Subtle Digressions • 136 HN points • 08 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Leonard Cohen's song 'Hallelujah' took him years of struggle and creativity to write. Despite being so personal and deep, it was initially overlooked and rejected by the music industry.
  2. John Kennedy Toole's novel 'A Confederacy of Dunces' faced major rejections before it was finally published and won a Pulitzer Prize, highlighting how valuable work can be ignored until a proper champion finds it.
  3. Success for artists can depend a lot on luck and timing. Sometimes, a great song or book needs just the right person to recognize its worth to achieve success.

Make Villains Evil Again

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1377 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Villains are often given sad backstories nowadays, making them less scary. It's nice to see a movie where the villain is just pure evil, like in _Nosferatu_.
  2. The film _Nosferatu_ creates a chilling atmosphere, focusing on darkness and fear. It's set in a time when there was no electricity, which adds to the spooky vibe.
  3. Traditional Christmas decorations used to be very dangerous, like lighting trees with candles. These traditions reflect how people once dealt with the darkness of winter nights.

The Exhaust of Attention

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 501 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Attention can be tracked through data like email 'opens', but we can't be sure how many are real readers. It’s a way to see if people care about what we write.
  2. The idea of 'attention exhaust' shows how our interest lingers after we engage with something. It's like a leftover trace that reminds us we cared at some point.
  3. Measuring attention is evolving from old methods that seemed magical to more precise digital ways. But we still sometimes look for value in forgotten things, showing the need to care for what gets overlooked.

Is small always beautiful?

Everything is Light • 550 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Big projects are often criticized now, despite historical admiration for large monuments.
  2. The idea that 'small is beautiful' originated from an anti-growth and anti-technology activist named E F Schumacher.
  3. Advocating for large-scale technological projects like nuclear energy is crucial for future progress and sustainability.

My Internet: Elamin Abdelmahmoud

Embedded • 452 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Millennials are described as the enforcers of internet norms, likened to the role boomers play in society.
  2. Elamin Abdelmahmoud appreciates a wholesome and enjoyable For You page on TikTok, filled with heartwarming content.
  3. When it comes to creating content, Elamin feels uncertain about making TikToks due to struggles with the visual format, fearing he would abuse the 'Millennial pause.'

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 546 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The weather is nice, especially now that it's summer solstice for the northern hemisphere. It's a great time to enjoy the longer days and warm weather.
  2. There’s an interesting essay about Joan Didion that dives into her life and relationships, highlighting both her ambition and the complexities of being a writer.
  3. This content is meant for paid subscribers, indicating that it's exclusive and may contain more in-depth personal insights and recommendations.

Riding or writing

Austin Kleon • 2537 implied HN points • 02 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Reflecting on the past year is important, like making a list of 100 things that made it special. It's a good way to remember goals and accomplishments.
  2. We lost several influential artists recently, reminding us of their impact on culture and art. Their work continues to inspire many people.
  3. It’s a good season for reading, with many 'best of' book lists coming out. People share their favorites, which is a great way to find new reads.

The TikTokification of ASMR

Embedded • 452 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. ASMR has evolved and gained mainstream acceptance over the years, transitioning to TikTok as a popular platform for ASMR content.
  2. Content creators like CozyLotusASMR are finding success by focusing on nature and the outdoors, showcasing ASMR in unique ways.
  3. Knowing your audience and adapting content to different platforms like YouTube and TikTok is key to engaging viewers and building a community.

slowly, but shipping! ⛵️

vrk loves paper • 179 implied HN points • 16 May 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Launching a project can take time, and it can be exciting to sell out before it's officially launched. Planning and adjusting orders based on demand is important.
  2. Attending events like zine fairs can create a great sense of community, allowing for connections and support among creators. It's important to focus on making friends rather than just selling.
  3. Learning about running a small business can be very rewarding, especially when the classes emphasize sustainability and community focus. Practical skills, like printing, can improve over time too.

The One Who Knows

The Reclamation Era • 19 implied HN points • 29 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. A new Substack newsletter, 'Word to Your Mother,' is being created to support local women in the arts, offering opportunities for storytelling and performances.
  2. There’s a call for auditions for a local show and a writing workshop for those interested in sharing their stories.
  3. The author reflects on her feelings as her child goes to college, sharing a personal lullaby that holds special meaning during this transition.

We are immersed in a world of wetness

lifeboat • 825 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Art
  1. Water is an essential element that is present in all aspects of our world
  2. Rain is a primary source of fresh water and plays a crucial role in replenishing reservoirs and aquifers
  3. Creativity can serve as a connective tissue for the human spirit, fostering self-awareness and deeper connections with others

#145 Hidden colours

Design Lobster • 499 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🪑 Design Art
  1. The HSB color model provides an intuitive way to choose colors, focusing on hue, saturation, and brightness, which can help create cohesive color palettes.
  2. Disney uses colors like 'Go-Away Green' to de-emphasize necessary yet unsightly elements in their parks, demonstrating how color can direct attention and create specific atmospheres.
  3. Color in design is a powerful tool for communication, allowing designers to convey messages and emotions without using words.

Never stop never stopping

Austin Kleon • 1818 implied HN points • 14 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Creativity thrives on routine; small consistent actions can lead to big results over time.
  2. Feeling overwhelmed can make you consider giving up, but finding a way to keep going can lead to surprising solutions.
  3. Sharing experiences and practices with others can reinforce the value of persistence in creative work.

Dingus of the week: Carrie Underwood

Men Yell at Me • 1233 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Carrie Underwood's career is seen as struggling and her performance at Trump's inauguration is viewed as an attempt to regain relevance.
  2. Critics suggest that artists like Underwood often blame 'woke culture' for their lack of success instead of focusing on their music's quality.
  3. There's a growing trend of celebrities embracing controversial political stances to stay in the spotlight, raising questions about their genuine beliefs.

A Big Week for Tunnels

The Chatner • 530 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. It's been a big week for news about tunnels.
  2. Tunnels spark our imagination and curiosity about what lies beneath.
  3. Legendary tunnels like the Euphrates Tunnel have captured our fascination for centuries.

A creepy sci-fi horror series with a great conceptual hook, a strangely gripping movie about Nazi bureaucracy, and more

Read Max • 553 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. There's a really creepy sci-fi horror series that has a cool concept. It sounds like it could be a great watch for horror fans.
  2. A gripping movie about Nazi bureaucracy is highlighted. It might be particularly interesting if you enjoy shows like Andor.
  3. The roundup includes new music and essays discussing big ideas like AI's impact on jobs. These topics are worth exploring for those interested in the future.

Top Links 811 Dali and the dollar. Making the most of the “longevity dividend”. The fall of the Roman Republic and how a Baywatch star became a Berlin hero.

Chartbook • 400 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The phrase 'Avida Dollars' was used to mock Salvador Dali, but he took it as a compliment. It shows how creative minds can turn criticism into praise.
  2. German car exports to China are dropping, which is making things tough for Europe. This could have big effects on their economy and job market.
  3. The newsletter shares various insightful links, encouraging readers to explore different topics. This helps keep readers informed about various global issues.

Tomorrow is February

Austin Kleon • 2058 implied HN points • 31 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. February is the shortest month, making it a good time to start new habits or challenges. You could try reading more, journaling, or even going for daily walks.
  2. Many cultures have special days in February to look forward to, like Imbolc and Candlemas, which can help bring a bit of hope during the winter months.
  3. It's okay to take it easy in February. It's a time to go with the flow rather than force productivity, maybe even pampering yourself a bit with activities that bring joy.

Shopping as a "hobby"

Maybe Baby • 602 implied HN points • 28 May 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Shopping can be seen as a fun hobby for many people. It mixes creativity with the thrill of finding new items.
  2. There is a debate about shopping being a form of art or just a big money-making business. This makes people think about what fashion really means.
  3. The way we view shopping affects how we think about style and trends in our society. It's important to understand both sides of this conversation.

All good things must begin (again)

Austin Kleon • 2178 implied HN points • 10 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Starting fresh can be tough, but it's okay to take your time. Sometimes it helps to focus on the little things that motivate you every day.
  2. Writing isn’t always about creating new ideas; it's also about rediscovering old ones and sharing them again. What you say can still be valuable even if others have said it before.
  3. Using notebook affirmations can uplift your spirit and give you the push you need to create. Remind yourself of your goals and why you love writing to stay inspired.

WILD, WILD WOMEN

Secretum Secretorum • 1212 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Women have unique qualities that make them strong and wild. Embracing those qualities can lead to empowerment.
  2. Celebrating women's individuality is important. Each woman's story adds to the rich diversity of experiences.
  3. Creativity and expression through art are key ways to showcase and appreciate women's strength.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 589 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The importance of sticking with things even when they seem slow or dull can lead to valuable insights. Don't rush through; take your time to absorb it all.
  2. Getting enough sleep is crucial for both physical and mental health. When sleep is lacking, life can feel tougher and more challenging.
  3. Reading essays and deep articles can help us connect with our emotions and experiences. They often reveal deeper truths about being human.

Artisinal white noise

escape the algorithm • 199 implied HN points • 03 May 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Social media can turn personal identity into obligation, like with Spotify Wrapped.
  2. There was a period where white noise podcasts were popular due to an algorithmic trend.
  3. There are creative acts of algorithmic resistance, like music artists and extensions that subvert norms.

Nights Without Dreams

Crumpstack • 432 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The downtown Manhattan scene is divided into two main groups: the 'politicos' and the 'hipsters'.
  2. Sovereign House is a popular spot for Yarvinist DIY-space nightlife.
  3. There is a symbiotic relationship between the 'politicos' and the 'hipsters' in maintaining the scene's allure.

You catch more flies with vinegar

Disaffected Newsletter • 1059 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Some common sayings might have their meanings reversed over time. A phrase like 'blood is thicker than water' could mean the opposite of what we think it does.
  2. The saying 'you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar' isn't accurate when it comes to actual flies. Sometimes vinegar works better for attracting pests like fruit flies.
  3. Making a fruit fly trap with vinegar is simple. Just mix vinegar in a jar with holes in the lid, and the flies won't be able to escape after they get in.

The Tachibana Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1025 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Buying used records can make music purchases more special. It allows for a personal connection to the places visited.
  2. The Tohru Aizawa Quartet created a rare jazz album in the 1970s, originally made as a business card. The album stands out because of its unique backstory and quality.
  3. Despite their main careers being outside music, the band delivered impressive compositions that show their talent. Their music can be enjoyed by listening online, even if you can't find the physical record.

Liz and John Radcliffe

So Here’s a Thing • 865 implied HN points • 19 May 23
📚 Literature Art
  1. The story presented about Liz and John Radcliffe is a fictional creation written as an experiment by the author to explore the impact of storytelling with AI-generated images.
  2. The author discusses the implications of AI in the creative field, questioning the boundaries of creativity, ownership, and authenticity in art.
  3. AI presents both challenges and opportunities for creators, raising questions about control, skill acquisition, and the evolving landscape of artistic expression.