The hottest Art Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Tuesday Thread: What Music is REALLY DOING IT FOR YOU

Culture Study • 1000 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Music can create special holiday memories and rituals in our homes. It's nice to play favorites like classic Christmas albums to bring joy.
  2. Listening to different types of music, like a cappella or specific artists, can remind us of our loved ones and their tastes.
  3. Engaging with music and podcasts can be a fun way to connect with others and share experiences, especially during festive times.

The soul of a house

Disaffected Newsletter • 1019 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Houses have a character or 'soul' that reflects the good or bad experiences that happen within them. Some houses feel welcoming while others seem cold or forbidding.
  2. Moving frequently and facing hardships can leave emotional scars, making the idea of a true home feel elusive. Finding a place that feels secure and safe can be a crucial part of childhood.
  3. Houses can evoke strong memories and dreams, even after many years. They remain important in our lives, often representing our desires for stability and belonging.

WHAT HATH GOD WROUGHT? JIM ACOSTA

Default Wisdom • 270 implied HN points • 08 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Jim Acosta interviewed an AI version of Joaquin Oliver, a victim of the Parkland shooting created by his parents. This sparked big reactions, with many saying it felt wrong or exploitative.
  2. The AI didn't perform well, looking and sounding awkward. It raised questions about using technology to recreate lost loved ones, and whether that's healthy or helpful for grieving families.
  3. Throughout history, people have used technology to try to connect with the dead, from telegraphs to AI. While this might feel powerful, it often leads to discomfort and uncertainty about truly communicating with those we've lost.

Getting A Grip

NOW IS GOOD • 373 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Having a few constants can ground you in reality, especially in a world filled with simulations.
  2. Root yourself in reality to avoid feeling disconnected and hungry for substance.
  3. Loneliness and boredom can help confirm your reality and bring you back to being present.
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"It looks like the fork has pierced the sky"

Read Max • 737 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Three picture books are a hit with my 4-year-old, showcasing the value of finding good children's literature.
  2. Interesting essays cover various topics, from cryptocurrency to social media, highlighting unique perspectives worth exploring.
  3. I enjoyed a lesser-known movie adaptation of John Le Carré's work, emphasizing the charm of discovering hidden gems in cinema.

BEWARE OF RAGING MUD FIRES

Cintra Wilson Feels Your Pain • 628 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Houseboat communities have a unique history with roots in wartime shipyards and post-war improvisation.
  2. The houseboat residents faced challenges with legal regulations and community gentrification.
  3. The houseboat residents maintained a rebellious and unorthodox lifestyle, resisting conformity and embracing individuality.

RIDING HIGH

Cintra Wilson Feels Your Pain • 628 implied HN points • 24 May 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Only a few fillies have won the Kentucky Derby in its long history.
  2. The Kentucky Oaks weekend is more about the social scene than the actual races.
  3. The lifestyles and behaviors of some Kentucky Derby attendees can be scandalous and dramatic.

Geography of Love

The Forgotten Files • 373 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Heart maps from two eras show gender norms.
  2. Men's heart is portrayed as a citadel, while women's heart has canals and rivers.
  3. The images highlight stereotypical gender roles from different time periods.

#195: Alas, the Timothée Chalamet look-alike contest

Maybe Baby • 1101 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The Timothée Chalamet look-alike contest in New York was a fun, unexpected event that brought a lot of people together. It showed how much people enjoy whimsical and silly activities.
  2. The awkward moments during the contest reminded us that real life can be messy and unpredictable. Sometimes, those messy experiences create the best memories.
  3. In a world focused on comfort and ease, we often miss out on surprises and delightful chaos. Embracing a little discomfort can lead to richer, more memorable experiences.

Rex Romae: Blood and Beauty

Cosmographia • 619 implied HN points • 08 Oct 23
💾 History Art
  1. Early Rome was ruled by Kings called 'rex', with Romulus being the first King who founded Rome in 753 BC. The city remained a kingdom until the Republic was born in 509 BC.
  2. There were supposed to be seven Kings in total according to Roman tradition, even though early records are lost. Historical accounts by Livy and Plutarch, though sometimes unreliable, provide captivating stories about these Kings.
  3. Numa Pompilius, chosen as King after Romulus, is known for his peaceful reign where he established religious and political institutions in Rome and created the city's first codified laws said to be dictated by a nymph named Egeria.

American Vacuum

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 777 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The culture in America often values quick opinions over deep thinking. This makes it hard for creative and thoughtful ideas to grow.
  2. Young people in America face barriers in education and media that limit their intellectual development. Many don't even realize what they're missing out on.
  3. There are three main issues affecting American culture today: focusing too much on the present, lacking appreciation for art, and searching for meaning only through hard facts.

Here’s your ticket

Austin Kleon • 2378 implied HN points • 22 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Creativity can feel more like discovering something than making it from scratch. It's about uncovering ideas that already exist.
  2. Bookstores are becoming more diverse and popular, which is great news for readers. It’s nice to see so many indie bookstores thriving.
  3. RIP to influential artists like William Hart and Claes Oldenburg, who contributed a lot to the music and art world. Their legacies will be remembered.

The Nowness of Things

The Abbey of Misrule • 247 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Sometimes the best things in life happen on the edges, in the quiet places where we can truly appreciate them.
  2. New inventions like cars can have big impacts, but we often only see the downsides after time passes, like pollution and traffic accidents.
  3. Taking slower routes can show us a different world, where people are more connected to their surroundings and live at a different pace.

Hélène Finds Her Voice

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 414 implied HN points • 25 May 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The writer, Hélène, identifies as both human and supernatural, sharing a little about her life and mentioning the tension with her husband regarding her powers. It's a blend of reality and the mystical that makes her unique.
  2. There's a new book by JSR called _On Drugs_ that is getting positive reviews, and it seems to be creating a buzz as they start promoting it more widely. People are encouraged to pay attention to it and invite engagement.
  3. Hélène discusses the serious issue of how technology, like AI, can create barriers for certain groups, especially the elderly, highlighting it as a potential social problem that should be taken seriously rather than treated lightly.

Of Piscivory and Political Capital

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 359 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Cormorants have been unfairly hated throughout history, often seen as symbols of greed and gluttony by famous authors. Those views were likely from people's own faults rather than the birds' behavior.
  2. The cormorants are skilled fish-eaters and have even been trained for fishing in some cultures, showing their unique relationship with humans.
  3. People's negative opinions about cormorants appear to be changing, as awareness and sympathy for these birds grow, suggesting a shift in how we view wildlife.

Who Needs Love

Splattern • 99 implied HN points • 29 May 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Love is something we need, but asking for it all the time seems unrealistic. It's okay to want a little less love while we focus on our everyday lives.
  2. Even though it sounds nice to wish for constant love, the reality is that life is busy and complicated. We have work and responsibilities that often take priority.
  3. In the end, love would make life better, but we also need to manage our expectations and not let love overshadow our practical needs and goals.

Roma Caput Mundi

Angela Nagle's Newsletter • 294 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The populist zeitgeist is skeptical of luxury, art, and culture due to perceived corruption in sources of power and patronage.
  2. The Renaissance in Rome produced great art and culture, reflecting the city's historical status as Caput Mundi, the head of the world.
  3. The aesthetic spirit in art and culture may reemerge when the current skeptical attitude shifts.

Introducing Maria Theresa

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 362 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The publication is looking to explore poetry more, feeling it is an area they haven't fully tapped into yet. They want to find a poet whose style fits their evolving themes.
  2. Maria Theresa, a pseudonymous poet, is introduced as someone who holds strong feelings of connection to her literary influences. Her poetry is deeply personal and tied to her admiration for another famous poet.
  3. Despite her reluctance to publish her work, Maria Theresa has agreed to share her poetry on this platform, noting her desire for her work to reflect a spiritual connection rather than a commercial one.

The Monday Media Diet with Ayo Fagbemi

Why is this interesting? • 784 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Combining timely and timeless information is important for staying updated without being overwhelmed. It's good to pick what you consume thoughtfully rather than mindlessly scrolling.
  2. Listening to podcasts and reading books are great ways to learn. Choosing insightful content helps understand complex topics better, like AI and Crypto.
  3. Following your curiosity can lead to fun discoveries. Getting lost in interesting interviews and street-style content can open your mind to new perspectives.

My Smartphone Was Ruining My Life. So I Quit.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 936 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Social media can create a false sense of connection, making people feel isolated even with many followers. It's easy to focus on appearances rather than real relationships.
  2. Taking a break from smartphones and social media can be liberating. Disconnecting can help you find clarity and happiness away from constant online pressures.
  3. Personal well-being should come first. Prioritizing mental health over online validation is important for a fulfilling life.

Encore Anxiety

Working Theorys • 299 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Encore anxiety is the fear of letting down people who expect great work from you after you've impressed them before. It can be more stressful than simply worrying about not impressing anyone at all.
  2. Success can create pressure that makes it harder to create freely. When you have an audience, you start to worry more about their expectations than your own creative ideas.
  3. To combat encore anxiety, focus on making work that feels true to you, rather than trying to please others. When you prioritize your own creative honesty, you’ll find more joy in the work.

a boy at a bookshelf

if not, Paris • 314 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
📚 Literature Art
  1. The story revolves around a boy at a bookshelf reflecting on historical events
  2. The significance of memories and family heirlooms in shaping identity
  3. Exploration of the themes of history, memory, and understanding through personal experiences

Fratricidal Foundation

Cosmographia • 579 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
💾 History Art
  1. The post discusses the legend of Rome's founding through the story of Aeneas and his descendants, connecting the narrative gaps and adding legitimacy to Roman origins.
  2. The next chapter explores the legends of Rome's founding as portrayed by Ovid, Livy, Plutarch, and various artists throughout history, depicting wolves, fratricide, rape, and war.
  3. The legend of Rome's founding is rich with tales of familial conflict and historical significance, as depicted by various ancient writers and artists.

The Monday Media Diet with Dan Sinker

Why is this interesting? • 1025 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Consuming too much news can cause anxiety, especially with events like elections coming up. It's easy to fall into a cycle of constantly refreshing for updates, but it won't change the outcome.
  2. Enjoying different forms of media can provide a needed break from stress. Listening to entertaining podcasts or watching a funny show can help lighten the mood.
  3. Reading good books, especially by talented writers like Hanif Abdurraqib, can be very rewarding. Their well-crafted words offer a chance to reflect on important themes and enjoy powerful storytelling.

Reviews of My Life #5

Nice Try • 359 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Using simple tools can help you create and track your goals, like coloring in a moon calendar instead of buying fancy gadgets.
  2. Collecting unique items, like books and art, can hold sentimental value and tell stories about your past experiences.
  3. Transforming your space for productivity, like turning a coat closet into a workshop, shows how you can make the most of what you have.

Numlock News: October 9, 2023 • BeiDou, Autopay, Noise Cancellation

Numlock News • 569 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
🔬 Science Art
  1. Counterfeit Native American art is a significant issue, with up to 80% of marketed art being fake.
  2. The global market for noise-cancelling headphones is expected to triple to $45.4 billion by 2031.
  3. Devices connected to China's BeiDou satellite system have reached 1.5 billion, with 98% of smartphones sold in China having BeiDou navigation.

Whatever happened

Austin Kleon • 1938 implied HN points • 16 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Nostalgia can be comforting, so it's okay to revisit old books and memories when things get tough.
  2. It's fun to discover new and interesting art and media, like books and podcasts, that bring inspiration and joy.
  3. Sharing experiences and recommendations can help build community and keep creativity flowing.

If you come at the king

Wrong Side of History • 261 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
💾 History Art
  1. The Medici family in Florence rose from humble beginnings as moneylenders to become powerful rulers and art patrons during the Renaissance. They changed how people saw wealth, showing that money could bring honor.
  2. Florence was unique for its time, prioritizing trade and commerce over noble lineage, which allowed wealthy merchants to gain influence in politics. This shift in power dynamics changed the course of the city.
  3. Despite their success, the Medici had to navigate a dangerous political landscape, facing enemies and rival families, which ultimately led to intrigue and violence in their quest for power.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 685 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The author shares a list of things they consumed over the week, which includes various articles and media. It's a way to share recommendations with readers.
  2. They mention a personal note about avoiding getting sick from a family member, highlighting their daily life.
  3. The post is primarily for paid subscribers, suggesting that the content may have more depth and value for paying readers.

How to avoid being legible (and why it's good)

Defender’s corner • 119 implied HN points • 10 May 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Explaining why "being legible" can be a challenge leads to a new perspective on creative work and self-expression.
  2. Embracing uncertainty and allowing oneself to follow instincts can lead to more productivity and a sense of fulfillment.
  3. Being comfortable with saying "I don't know" as a valid answer can alleviate anxiety and promote a healthier approach to creativity.

One year later

Jeff Giesea • 219 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Grieving is a personal journey, and it's okay to let go of sadness over time. It's important to find a way to remember loved ones while moving forward.
  2. Sharing memories and stories about those we've lost can lead to moments of joy, even amidst the sadness. Laughter and memories can help heal.
  3. It's normal to feel a mix of emotions when grieving. Allowing yourself to smile and celebrate the life of those who have passed can be a way to honor them.

Book-Objects

coldhealing • 569 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
📚 Literature Art
  1. When discussing a book, the physical object itself is the book-object, not just the text.
  2. Book-objects are unique because they are portable and self-contained, allowing for powerful expression of identity.
  3. People use book-objects in photos and bookshelves to curate identity and express themselves, creating 'reading scenes' and bookshelves as reflections of who they are.

You can help me escape

Austin Kleon • 1878 implied HN points • 23 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. It's a good time to enjoy the changing seasons and reflect on seasonal thinking. Fall brings an opportunity to re-evaluate our daily routines.
  2. Finding the right book can be a generous escape, as they can draw readers in so deeply that they want to stay up late reading.
  3. Embracing imperfection is important for creativity. It’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them instead of striving for perfection.

The Forster Craft Sticks Edition

Why is this interesting? • 904 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Craft activities for kids can be fun and engaging. Subscription boxes that include everything needed for crafting are a great way to keep children entertained.
  2. Popsicle stick lamps started as simple craft projects but can be worth a lot today. Vintage examples can sell for hundreds of dollars now.
  3. Forster Manufacturing Company grew from making toothpicks to craft sticks. Their clever marketing helped them sell millions of toothpicks in America.

ICYMI

Wild Holy & Free • 859 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Center Black people in antiracism for better education for all.
  2. Antiracism education can be a joyful experience.
  3. Laugh at the ridiculousness of white supremacy to make the work more meaningful.

It was not a request

Austin Kleon • 1778 implied HN points • 07 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Many people today struggle with hands-on skills, like cutting paper, which shows a disconnect from traditional crafts.
  2. Artists like Steve Keene focus on quantity over perfection, believing that producing more work can lead to better creativity.
  3. There's a shared appreciation for music and movies, with a nostalgia for past artists and a love for engaging stories told through film.

American Fiction and The Holdovers

Castalia • 299 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The movie 'American Fiction' challenges the current view of wokeness in art. It argues that reducing people to simple racial stereotypes limits true understanding and representation of complex human experiences.
  2. In 'The Holdovers,' the characters struggle with awkwardness and emotional distance. The film shows how hard it can be for people to connect, especially men, and it avoids the usual happy endings found in many films.
  3. Both films show the importance of honesty in storytelling. 'American Fiction' dives into the messy realities of life, while 'The Holdovers' highlights the idea that sometimes keeping things private can be a way to protect oneself.