The hottest Art Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Science Topics

On Arts Competition and Arts Cabals

Castalia • 519 implied HN points • 21 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Art does not have to be about being the best; it's about personal expression and the journey of creating. Everyone has something interesting to say if they express themselves sincerely.
  2. Competition in art can be helpful and push artists to improve, but it should be personal and not about judging others. It's okay to be ambitious and strive for greatness.
  3. Arts cabals, on the other hand, create unnecessary divisions and can stifle creativity by deciding who gets to be seen or heard. True art should be open and inclusive, valuing all creators.

Bring back the "Renaissance Man"

The Novelleist • 2215 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Embrace being a generalist with diverse interests and skills.
  2. Mastery comes not just from depth in one field, but from curiosity and exploration across various disciplines.
  3. You can create a better future through art, philosophy, and diverse experiences, not just politics or corporations.

How Woke Led to Cultural Decadence

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3438 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Cultural critics are concerned about the decline in original storytelling in movies, with studios relying more on established franchises.
  2. The influence of 'woke' ideology on art can limit the creation of compelling works by disregarding the natural differences and gendered characteristics between men and women.
  3. Wokeness has impacted art in areas like race representation in fantasy worlds, creating challenges for new storytelling while established franchises remain unaffected.

Last Week in AI #252: DeepMind's real-world robots, NYT sues OpenAI, Baidu's Ernie bot hits 100M users, AI art generator controversy, and more! 🤖📰🚀🎨

Last Week in AI • 377 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Art
  1. DeepMind is developing robots for real-world tasks like multitasking in different environments.
  2. The New York Times is suing OpenAI and Microsoft for allegedly using its work to train AI without permission.
  3. Baidu's Ernie bot has over 100 million users, and is primarily used in Chinese but also supports English.
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The Scan Artist

escape the algorithm • 279 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The poem 'Pad' by Steven Zultanski dives into the concept of copy and repetition through a lengthy exploration of objects and capabilities
  2. The Instagram account 'everything.can.be.scanned' is part of a trend focusing on comprehensive stunts, showcasing scanned reproductions of various everyday items
  3. Artists like Kenny Goldsmith and projects like 'everything.can.be.scanned' emphasize on attention to detail and the mundane in their work

Case Study: Feÿtopia

Supernuclear • 659 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
🏝 Travel Art
  1. Feÿtopia is a seasonal community in a French castle that operates as a coliving space and venue for rent.
  2. The community at Feÿtopia consists of diverse individuals who come together to experiment with different ways of living and foster a sense of intellectual and emotional engagement.
  3. Feÿtopia's inner workings involve communal responsibilities, varied activities, and a focus on contributing to the local community and economy beyond the castle.

A great new sci-fi novel for Iain M. Banks fans, a masterpiece French crime epic, and a great new jangly power-pop album

Read Max • 711 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. There's a new sci-fi novel that fans of Iain M. Banks will likely enjoy. It's about space travel and alien intelligence.
  2. A thrilling French crime story set in prison is now available on Netflix. It’s a gripping watch if you like intense dramas.
  3. A fresh album inspired by bands like Hüsker Dü and Big Star has been released. It's catchy and worth a listen.

Anniversary

Castalia • 699 implied HN points • 24 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Writing is a personal journey, and it's important to express yourself authentically without worrying about pleasing others. This way, you can share your true thoughts and experiences here.
  2. There’s a shift happening in writing that values individual voices over traditional publishing authority. People want to hear from real individuals rather than just big organizations.
  3. Writing can be an ongoing process where you learn and grow while sharing. It's possible to merge your work and personal interests, making writing something you love to do all the time.

On Cultivating “Genius” (Part I)

if not, Paris • 530 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The term 'genius' and language have been questioned by structuralists and post-structuralists, blurring clear meanings.
  2. Academic discourse can prioritize sounding smart over communicating effectively, leading to confusion and inadequacy.
  3. Academia's cultivation of 'genius' can limit new ideas and perspectives, impacting the understanding of genius in the 21st century.

A Short Update + Giveaway Winners!

Am I Doing This Right? • 530 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The author thanks the readers for engaging with their content and shares excitement at having over 2000 followers.
  2. There is a poll for selecting the champion baby dragon on Instagram.
  3. Readers are invited to participate in voting for the best dragon in the bracket on Instagram.

Room

ASK MOLLY • 530 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Shares of this fantasy are falling faster
  2. Someone in the house has a crush on Pedro Pascal
  3. Post is for paid subscribers only

Envy Desire

Crumpstack • 255 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The short film 'Envy/Desire' is described as a subversive piece of cinema that challenges the audience's perception.
  2. The audience at the Sovereign House consisted mainly of young hipsters, with unique individuals like a fat bearded guy wearing a T-shirt saying 'RACEPLAY EXPERT'.
  3. To continue reading posts like 'Envy/Desire', one can subscribe to Crumpstack for a 7-day free trial and access to the full post archives.

Rundell, Ibsen, Gogh, Yoshida, Tanizaki, Atwood, Dolan, Bate, Chaucer, Orbital, Liberalism, Future, Monsters, Justice, Autism, Ass

The Common Reader • 815 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Katherine Rundell is a talented children's author, and her books are worth reading for both kids and adults. Her work promotes the importance of great children's literature.
  2. Ibsen's play 'Wild Duck' can be boring because it feels overly structured and focused on heavy themes. However, seeing it performed in Norwegian adds to its emotional depth.
  3. Van Gogh's exhibition has some beautiful works, even if he's not a favorite. Experiencing art with family can create lasting memories.

A 'Secret History'-ish period mystery, a great '90s true-crime black comedy, and four songs I like

Read Max • 711 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. There's a cool mystery book set in the 1900s, inspired by 'The Secret History.' It blends academic settings with intrigue.
  2. A fun '90s true crime black comedy is highlighted, exploring themes of media and ambition. It's both entertaining and thought-provoking.
  3. Four music tracks are recommended, showing the author's current favorites. It's a great way to discover new tunes.

Austen saved me from social media

The Common Reader • 708 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Reading Jane Austen can offer a refreshing break from the fast-paced and often shallow content of social media. It allows for a deeper engagement with language and storytelling.
  2. Switching from social media to classic literature can feel challenging at first, but it can lead to a rewarding reading experience. The complexity of Austen's writing is like a nutritious meal compared to fast food.
  3. Engaging with classic literature may require patience and effort, but it ultimately helps to develop a more thoughtful and enriching perspective on communication and social interactions.

Evading categorization

Erifili • 339 implied HN points • 27 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Evading easy categorization can allow for a richer, more engaging life experience, going beyond limiting definitions and boxes.
  2. Being multi-passionate and defying easy categorization, like Feynman did, can bring fulfillment and excitement to life.
  3. Embracing complexity and resisting simplification can lead to a more beautiful and meaningful existence.

december

bookbear express • 836 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Commitment helps you discover what you like and dislike in life. It can change you, sometimes in surprising ways.
  2. Living deeply in experiences can feel like being stuck in a 'tar pit', where leaving is hard but staying can also be rewarding.
  3. Dream-like experiences can shape our feelings and memories, making us appreciate moments with others even more.

Notes on Chapter 32

Life Since the Baby Boom • 691 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The characters have reached important milestones in their lives, like successful careers and personal achievements such as adoption. These moments show growth and fulfillment.
  2. The author acknowledges the loss of a friend who contributed to the writing process, highlighting the theme of family and community. This adds an emotional depth to the story.
  3. There is a hint at upcoming events, like the Microsoft antitrust trial, suggesting that the story will intertwine personal narratives with historical events. This keeps the reader engaged with both plot and context.

David Lynch, 1946-2025.

The Bottom Feeder • 630 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. David Lynch was a unique filmmaker who made strange but influential art that didn't always make sense. His work often blended reality with surreal elements, creating something both unsettling and captivating.
  2. Lynch believed in having the final cut of his films, which meant his vision was fully realized without outside interference. This independence can inspire other creators to prioritize their artistic integrity.
  3. Modern fantasy often makes magic too clear and predictable, which can take away its mystery. Lynch's work reminds us that magic can be strange and elusive, making it much more compelling.

A Century of Chess

Castalia • 419 implied HN points • 18 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Chess is like art. Great players show their personality through their game, just like artists do in their work.
  2. Chess has a history of evolution. The early 20th century was a key time where strategies were developed, changing how the game is played.
  3. Chess history reflects broader trends in society. The struggles and successes of famous players give us insight into the culture and hopes of the early 1900s.

You're Alone and You're Scared but the Banquet's All Prepared!

Default Wisdom • 284 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. People are feeling more lonely these days, which makes them look for companionship in unexpected places, even with objects like robots or machines.
  2. The internet can change how we think and relate to things, making it easier for some people to connect with objects rather than other humans.
  3. Technology is designed to feel more alive, which makes it easier for us to see machines as having feelings, leading to a mix of friendship and use in our relationships with them.

Water in the well

Austin Kleon • 1898 implied HN points • 05 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. It's important to keep your creative well full so you can keep making good work. Think of it as filling up a water tank; you need it to be full to use it.
  2. Creativity often faces resistance, and overcoming that resistance can lead to better creative outcomes. Embrace the challenges as part of the creative process.
  3. Finding joy in what you read or watch can inspire and refresh your creativity. Explore new books or films to keep the ideas flowing.

I cannot defend this defense of slop

Sex and the State • 32 implied HN points • 29 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Lowering the cost of making and sharing media didn’t produce a creative golden age; instead it concentrated attention on a few winners, made mainstream culture more repetitive, and harmed trust in institutions.
  2. Automating discovery with AI isn’t a guaranteed fix—replacing human gatekeepers with profit-driven algorithms can repeat the internet’s problems and worsen content quality and polarization.
  3. Funding models matter: historically profitable intermediaries underwrote risky, less-commercial art and journalism, so if AI generates large profits we should funnel some of that money to human curators and to projects that aren’t immediately profitable.

Best of 2024

Obvious Bicycle • 723 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The best of 2024 includes a wide range of media like songs, movies, and books that made an impact. It's great to keep track of what we've enjoyed over the year.
  2. Live events like concerts and stand-up shows are memorable experiences that often stand out. They bring joy and a sense of community.
  3. Quotes from various sources can inspire us and offer different perspectives on life. They remind us to think deeply and reflect on our experiences.

Hidden Open Thread 389.5

Astral Codex Ten • 275 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The post is intended for paid subscribers only, so it's exclusive content.
  2. There seems to be a focus on sharing and community engagement in the discussion.
  3. Many readers have participated in the comments, showing a lively interaction among subscribers.

Conclave is an M. Night Shyamalan Movie for Viewers Who Want to Feel Sophisticated

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 814 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Conclave is a film that tries to appeal to an audience that enjoys complex stories. It presents itself as sophisticated and intriguing.
  2. The movie features a twist ending that many viewers may find unearned or silly. This can leave a frustrating impression on the overall experience.
  3. While the film has decent elements, it may not live up to the expectations set by other movies in the genre, particularly those by M. Night Shyamalan.

Energy in the gap

Austin Kleon • 1578 implied HN points • 11 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Creative tension is the gap between what you create and what you wish to create. It's common for beginners to feel disappointed because their work doesn't match their high standards.
  2. Everyone starts somewhere, and it's important to push through the awkward early stages of creativity. Many people give up here, but sticking with it is key to improvement.
  3. Reading and learning from others can help process your own creative thoughts. Books often show us that our ideas are not as original as we think.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 80

Why is this interesting? • 60 implied HN points • 22 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Crying can be a good release for emotions, and it helps people feel better in real life too. It's okay to let your feelings out sometimes.
  2. There's a strange commercial flight in America that connects two very quiet airports, even though it doesn’t make much economic sense. It shows how some things are about more than just money.
  3. Joan Didion was very serious about hosting Thanksgiving, paying attention to every little detail. This shows how much love and care can go into making traditions special.

Labor and wait

Austin Kleon • 1758 implied HN points • 26 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Patience is key in the creative process. Sometimes, you just have to put in the work and wait for the results.
  2. Art and creativity can often be inspired by what we experience in life and what we consume, whether it's books, movies, or music.
  3. Sharing and discussing what you love helps you connect with others. There’s value in sharing your thoughts and favorites with friends.

How Many Children Had Lady Macbeth?

Life and Letters • 34 HN points • 19 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Lady Macbeth's childlessness raises interesting questions about family and succession in Shakespeare's plays. It's not just about how many kids she had, but why children are such a big deal in the story.
  2. In the past, having many children was common, especially among the wealthy, but it often led to struggles for social standing. Too many kids could mean fewer resources and competition for inheritance among siblings.
  3. Shakespeare's comedies often show families with one or two children, creating more opportunity for social mobility. In contrast, his tragedies frequently highlight the issues and conflicts that arise with larger families.

Fighting Franco; Stormin' Norman Podhoretz; Italy's Red Cities

Unpopular Front • 34 implied HN points • 21 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. A live conversation with Max Read and Jay Caspian Kang drew thousands of viewers, and related interviews and book promotions show the newsletter’s active reach and audience engagement.
  2. Norman Podhoretz, a prominent neoconservative, has died; his memoir and career reveal a cynical, competitive worldview and he ultimately came to welcome Donald Trump’s combative politics.
  3. New research shows Franco’s regime relied on virulent antisemitic conspiracy theories (the contubernio judeo-masónico-bolchevique) and continued publishing antisemitic propaganda after the Holocaust, making praise for Franco especially troubling.

How to Be an Intellectual

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3438 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Write about controversial topics with strong opinions to build an audience.
  2. Embrace your quirks and be unashamedly yourself to stand out as a writer.
  3. Take risks in your writing and don't be afraid to challenge your audience to make an impact.

More of what I'm reading about the election, a masterpiece "erotic thriller," and four songs I'm digging

Read Max • 816 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. There's a collection of interesting reading material about the election that can help understand what's going on.
  2. A unique 'erotic thriller' book is recommended, noted for its dreamy qualities and great music rather than typical thriller elements.
  3. Four cool songs are also highlighted, showing a mix of various forms of entertainment to enjoy.

A heavy canceling by asteroid

Austin Kleon • 1938 implied HN points • 01 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Access to health care, including abortion, is super important for artists and everyone else. Supporting established organizations can really help with this big issue.
  2. Experiencing live music, like a Kraftwerk concert, can be a fantastic family outing and create lasting memories.
  3. Enjoying a good book or watching lighthearted shows can be comforting when you're feeling unwell; it's a nice way to relax and escape.

Cloud Time

Vague Blue • 479 implied HN points • 10 Aug 23
📚 Literature Art
  1. The concept of time for freelancers is different with a focus on personal freedom and measuring productivity in unique ways like word count and joy.
  2. Artists blur the boundaries between work, leisure, and art, showcasing how time is a complex tool for creativity without strict divisions.
  3. Certain artworks and films like _Blue_ by Derek Jarman challenge traditional narrative structure and compel viewers to explore abstract experiences, highlighting the fluidity and constraints of time.

Why stories matter

Tilting At Windmills • 275 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Stories have a significant impact on shaping our thoughts and behaviors.
  2. The entertainment industry often presents stories from a progressive perspective, influencing cultural norms.
  3. Seek out diverse sources of stories to ensure a balanced and broader view.

Jim Morrison's End

Litverse • 219 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Jim Morrison's art was more like possession than process, often acting beyond his own spirit and becoming a product for the audience.
  2. Morrison's legacy teaches the importance of balancing performance, poetry, personality, and product in one's life to create authentically and without self-consciousness.
  3. Morrison's journey shows the impact of not conforming to societal expectations and the struggle between conscious creation and unconscious artistry.