The hottest Art Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Science Topics

And then what?

Austin Kleon • 2278 implied HN points • 16 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. It's important to think about what comes next after finishing a big task. Asking 'And then what?' can help guide your next steps.
  2. We often shape ourselves to fit what machines can do. It's surprising how much we adapt to be like technology.
  3. Kids today are pushing back against social media culture. They care less about likes and more about real connections.

You Want to Hate AI Slop But You Absolutely Love It

The Algorithmic Bridge • 509 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. People often prefer AI-generated content over human-made, even if they think they dislike it. This shows how our preferences can be influenced by our biases.
  2. The brain seeks to create a coherent story and will rationalize its choices, even if it means rewriting how we feel about something. This happens when faced with conflicting ideas.
  3. Experiences matter more than the source of the content. If something moves you or makes you think, the origin may not be as important as we believe.

What’s Missing from Today’s Pop Music and Museum Galleries? Call It Boogie

Dada Drummer Almanach • 86 implied HN points • 13 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Good groove or “boogie” comes from small dynamic gestures and subtle timing, not identical, clipped hits; flattening sounds loses the swing that makes music feel alive.
  2. Museums often present sound badly — low-fidelity playback, loud excerpts, and spillover make listeners hear only the biggest bits and miss the works' nuance and intent.
  3. Sound in art should be treated with as much care as visuals, so galleries need to redesign how they present audio and the public should support cultural work that values those listening details.

Ichigo Ichie

Seven Senses • 479 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Language has a huge impact on how we see the world and connect with others. Some words from other languages describe feelings or actions that English can't fully capture.
  2. The Japanese term 'Ichigo Ichie' means 'one lifetime, one encounter.' It reminds us that every moment is unique and we should appreciate the present.
  3. We often get lost in thinking about the future and miss out on what is happening right now. Practicing mindfulness can help us enjoy our everyday experiences more.

Friday Thread: Can you become stronger at your broken places?

The Recovering Academic • 435 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The path from academia to entrepreneurship can be filled with contradictions and tension, but owning and navigating them honestly can lead to growth and survival.
  2. Navigating modernity and its challenges may require reevaluating one's relationship with delight and joy, and finding ways to adapt and thrive amidst brokenness.
  3. Building bonds of reciprocal obligation with others might be a way to combat individualism, even in virtual spaces like LinkedIn and Zoom.
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STRIPPERS ARE PEOPLE TOO

Cintra Wilson Feels Your Pain • 845 implied HN points • 17 May 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Club workers in the nightlife scene have a unique lifestyle with a strong sense of community and solidarity.
  2. Personal anecdotes highlight the eccentricities and dynamics within the club scene, such as conflicts and unexpected encounters.
  3. The story delves into the world of exotic dancers, shedding light on perceptions and reactions to their performances.

Is Chess A Waste Of Time?

Zwischenzug • 845 implied HN points • 04 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Chess can be seen as a serious pursuit or a wasted talent.
  2. Some individuals regret dedicating their life to chess, while others find it to be a form of art.
  3. Chess may offer a unique training in structured thinking, attracting scientists and proving fruitful for a shift in focus.

Art in an Emergency

Seven Senses • 739 implied HN points • 04 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Art, like dance and music, helps heal our spirit and emotions. Many cultures have known this for a long time.
  2. Holding on to emotions can cause physical discomfort or pain in our bodies. It's important to process these feelings through creative activities.
  3. Making time to dance, sing, or be still can greatly improve our well-being. Connecting with these activities can revive our energy and joy.

Time held me green and dying

Secretum Secretorum • 580 implied HN points • 21 May 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Time changes everything, and it can make the past seem more beautiful than the present. We often remember past moments fondly, even if they weren't perfect.
  2. Memories can be clearer and more vibrant than reality. Sometimes, looking back helps us see the good things that were overshadowed at the time.
  3. We should appreciate the present more and not just rely on nostalgia to feel happy. Finding joy in today can help us avoid getting lost in the past.

On Weird America

Novum Newsletter • 379 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Every few generations, people rediscover their country in new ways. The U.S. has gone through this several times, and many feel like strangers in their own land today.
  2. Art and journalism often help people understand their society better. Past movements like American Realism and New Journalism showcased the struggles and changes in America.
  3. Currently, we are entering a phase called 'Weird America.' This reflects a chaotic and disconnected society where media shows reveal the strange aspects of American life.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 1006 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Emotional labor is often misunderstood and used incorrectly. It's good to learn the right terms to communicate feelings clearly.
  2. Rethinking how we talk about emotions can improve our conversations. Using the right language helps express what we really feel.
  3. Being aware of our consumption, whether it's content or emotions, can lead to better understanding ourselves. Reflecting on what we take in daily can help us grow.

Comfort work

Austin Kleon • 2517 implied HN points • 18 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Comfort work is the type of work you do when you're unsure what else to tackle. It's about finding tasks that feel good and familiar, especially when you're feeling tired or unmotivated.
  2. This kind of work should still be rewarding. It needs to be challenging enough to count as real work, but not so overwhelming that it feels stressful.
  3. Everyone experiences moments when they need comfort in their work. Understanding this can help you be kind to yourself and find productive ways to cope during tough times.

Tuesday Thread: Where are you buying/finding art?

Culture Study • 1461 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Art can create a calming atmosphere in your home. Choosing pieces that resonate with you makes your space feel more personal.
  2. Finding art can often come from recommendations by friends or other artists. Connecting with the community is a great way to discover new favorites.
  3. Exploring different artists and their work can be an enjoyable experience. Websites and social media are great places to find stunning art that speaks to you.

Shedding Skin, Starting Anew

Seven Senses • 799 implied HN points • 07 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. A new weekly series called 'Present Sense' will share various recommendations for engaging all five senses and mindfulness. It'll include suggestions for books, food, and nature activities.
  2. Meditation is emphasized as a key practice for improving focus and awareness. There will be guided sessions to help everyone try it out, no matter their experience level.
  3. Fresh experiences, like tasting fresh beans or visiting new places, can greatly enhance our enjoyment of life. Paying attention to these moments helps us appreciate the beauty around us.

Links and Tingz (May '25)

Secretum Secretorum • 530 implied HN points • 29 May 25
📚 Literature Art
  1. Poetry often reflects deep feelings about life and existence. It can make us think more about our thoughts and emotions.
  2. The history of marginalized groups, like the Cagots, shows how society can exclude and discriminate. Understanding these stories helps us learn about empathy and acceptance.
  3. Time can feel powerful and transforming, blending our experiences. Thinking about time can change how we perceive ourselves and our surroundings.

fuck me / marry me / kill me

Thicket Forte • 1418 implied HN points • 29 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The writer reflects on the uncertainty of the future and how technology may affect our lives. They emphasize the importance of truth and honesty in relationships.
  2. There is a deep appreciation for the strength and creativity of a partner, and a desire to inspire each other through art and life together.
  3. The writer acknowledges the inevitability of death but finds beauty in love and the memories created, showing a hope for a meaningful connection regardless of what the future holds.

art delivery : 09.09.23

The NO SUCH THING AS TOO MUCH ART Society • 786 implied HN points • 09 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Art
  1. American artist Anne Patterson's work explores the concept of multiplicity and creating awe-inspiring metaphorical works using one material in great quantity.
  2. Patterson uses materials like aluminum wire, piano wire, and satin ribbon to create art that transcends the individual parts, resulting in powerful visual and kinetic effects.
  3. The repetition and multiplication of shapes and materials in Patterson's art demonstrate the transformational power of group dynamics and the beauty that emerges from combining individual elements.

5 Quick Things #275 🏘

The Commonplace • 786 implied HN points • 17 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Reclaim your education by reading classics thoughtfully
  2. Explore small towns and urban planning for livable communities
  3. Take therapeutic walks for brain activation similar to EMDR therapy

Algorithms and the Homogenization of Taste

The Analog Family • 379 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Social media algorithms influence our tastes by showing us similar things repeatedly, which can make our preferences less personal and more generic. Instead of discovering unique experiences, we often end up picking places that are popular online.
  2. The rise of these algorithms leads to a homogenization of culture, where everyone likes the same music, wears similar clothes, and follows the same trends. This makes our experiences and choices feel less special and diverse.
  3. To combat this, it's important to seek out personal experiences and make choices based on curiosity and spontaneity, rather than popularity. Trying new things and exploring without reliance on online reviews can lead to more memorable and meaningful moments.

A Visual Tour of Karel Zeman

Animation Obsessive • 1435 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Karel Zeman was a talented Czech filmmaker known for his unique style in animation and special effects. He used innovative techniques that mixed live action with animation.
  2. He was passionate about the technical aspects of filmmaking and often experimented to create his own artistic identity. This made his films stand out during his peak years.
  3. Zeman was part of a group of influential animators in Czechoslovakia, but he developed a distinct approach that included combining different forms of animation and special effects.

How Hollywood Hanged Hollywood

Look What You Made Me Do • 452 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Making good horror movies has become harder in today's cinema landscape.
  2. Old Hollywood's decline started when reference points shifted from novels to other movies and TV shows.
  3. The film industry is struggling to produce exciting content, and the blame rests on the creators.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 63

Why is this interesting? • 361 implied HN points • 19 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. People are rating sticks on Instagram now, creating a fun community called #StickNation. It's a quirky trend that's taken off online.
  2. TV shows today focus more on work and less on friends just hanging out. The style of storytelling has really changed over time.
  3. Odysseus is becoming popular again, with new interest sparked by Hollywood. It's cool to see old stories getting new attention.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 494 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Reading can help you navigate life stages and relationships, especially when considering family dynamics. It's great to explore different perspectives through essays and stories.
  2. Classic TV shows, like 'Seinfeld', still provide entertainment and humor. Revisiting familiar episodes can be a fun way to relax and reminisce.
  3. Exploring new music albums can be exciting, and sharing experiences with friends can enhance the enjoyment. Don't hesitate to ask for recommendations or thoughts on what you haven't heard yet.

Unmarked Graveyard: Hart Island Stories

well, actually • 452 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Hart Island in New York City is America's largest public cemetery with over a million buried there, including various individuals with unique stories.
  2. The island lacks headstones or plaques, and many individuals buried there remain anonymous with explanations for their burial hard to find.
  3. Hart Island is now open to the public with tours available, and efforts are underway to document the island's history and identify those buried there.

The day had just taken a seat

Austin Kleon • 2777 implied HN points • 19 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Understanding today's politics can be easier if you look at professional wrestling. It's a surprising connection that many people are finding interesting.
  2. Finding a book that ends perfectly is a joy. Craig Brown's book about The Beatles really nailed its conclusion.
  3. It's important to be kind to yourself, especially when facing challenges. Sometimes, just taking small steps forward can make a difference.

‘Looking Forward’: A Brief Film for Our Times.

Breaking the News • 1141 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The film 'Looking Forward' combines AI and real-world footage to highlight the contradictions of our time. It's a unique mix that encourages viewers to think deeply about today's world.
  2. It has a hopeful message about how we face challenges, showing that optimism and pessimism can exist together. This balance is important for understanding our current situation.
  3. The film is not just informative but also visually impressive, making it enjoyable to watch. It features interesting moments that capture the audience's attention.

Five Weeks Writing on a Boat

The Fairest Writer • 139 implied HN points • 21 May 24
📚 Literature Art
  1. Changing your writing space can really boost your creativity. Working in a cozy place like a boat helped focus on detailed work.
  2. Residencies like the Leighton Independent Residency provide a mix of independence and community. You can choose when to interact with others while still enjoying social moments.
  3. Being in a stunning natural environment, like Banff National Park, adds to the experience. Hiking and seeing wildlife adds a nice break from writing.

Happy Accidents for Hire

Message from the Underworld • 432 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Intentional inspiration can feel forced and transactional
  2. Unexpected circumstances can lead to creative breakthroughs
  3. Being inspired by others doesn't mean replicating their success, but finding common ground in passion and determination

The Gnome Trail

Culture Study • 2936 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. There are many hidden trails on the island that offer unique and beautiful experiences for those who take the time to explore.
  2. Community, like the trails, requires ongoing maintenance and efforts to be inclusive and welcoming to all.
  3. The existence of gates, physical or metaphorical, in communities raises questions about access and the risk of exclusion.

Wandering Beneath the Shadows of Fallen Idols

Trantor Publishing • 439 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The entertainment industry is facing diminishing returns and struggles with quality as a result of increased competition and financial pressures.
  2. Amidst cultural decay, there is a need for reactionary artists to create real, impactful narratives that connect with human experience and offer something meaningful.
  3. Traditional storytelling tropes and old archetypes in media are evolving, calling for the emergence of new, more relevant narratives that reflect the challenges of the current societal landscape.

Models Crying

SBJournal • 452 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The 80s Lesbian Revolution in Photography challenged traditional beauty standards and stereotypes through provocative and empowering imagery.
  2. On Our Backs magazine broke barriers by featuring women photographers capturing diverse, sexual, and honest portrayals of women, disrupting the male-dominated photography industry.
  3. The models in On Our Backs were diverse and unapologetic, embracing their sexuality and challenging societal norms, sparking controversy and discussion surrounding women's desires and identities.

Fast & Slow

Seven Senses • 439 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Finding a balance between speed and deliberation in creative work can lead to surprising results. Sometimes, working quickly helps your intuition shine through.
  2. Taking time to focus on quality and detail in creative projects is valuable, but it can also limit your potential. It's important to stay aware of when this focus becomes restrictive.
  3. Creativity often lies in the middle ground between slow and fast approaches. Embracing both can lead to a richer creative experience.

Southern Bridge and Fort Sumter

Jeff Giesea • 179 implied HN points • 21 May 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Nighttime walks can evoke a mix of real-life experiences and imaginative thoughts. It's a great time to reflect on history while enjoying the beauty around you.
  2. The connection between past events, like the Civil War, and present political feelings can be profound. It often leads to questions about our current society and history.
  3. Interactions with people during walks can vary, but kindness often shines through. Engaging with others can add a positive touch to the experience.

The femcel crypto-degen catalog model and the serial killer

Read Max • 922 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. There's been a lot of talk about a little AI from China that really made waves in Silicon Valley this week. It seems to be a big deal in tech discussions right now.
  2. A new dark web movie explores intense themes like true crime, cryptocurrency, and mental health issues. It sounds like a gripping watch for those interested in these topics.
  3. A new album has been released that combines sounds similar to Radiohead. If you enjoy multi-instrumental music, this could be a great addition to your playlist.

Culture Remix

In Bed With Social • 534 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Culture today involves remixing and transformation of existing ideas, not just creating new ones.
  2. Collaboration and co-creation between brands and consumers is becoming more prevalent in the era of brand remix.
  3. Remix culture reflects the complexity of society and offers potential for innovation and expression.