The hottest Art Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Science Topics

The quiet place

Silentium • 639 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Silence can be a powerful tool for mental clarity. Taking time to be quiet can help us think better and feel more focused.
  2. Finding a 'quiet place' allows for personal reflection and relaxation. It's a chance to step away from the noise of everyday life.
  3. Creating silence in our lives can improve our overall well-being. It helps reduce stress and encourages a deeper connection with ourselves.

The Monday Media Diet with Anu Lingala

Why is this interesting? • 3680 implied HN points • 05 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. A trend strategist converts cultural signals into practical plans for product, marketing, and company strategy. They build workflows that track trends and translate them for different teams and timelines.
  2. An intentional, categorized media diet prevents overload and improves signal capture by grouping core, fashion, macro, and category sources, auto-labeling newsletters, and saving deep reads for focused time. Specific trend items are logged into a single database for later synthesis.
  3. Deep, creative research practices fuel original thinking: long rabbit holes into history and culture, focused reading, moodboarding from magazines, and visiting immersive art generate the insights that become essays, briefs, and product ideas. Personal curation and rituals turn scattered inputs into distinctive narratives.

Best of the year (so far)

Austin Kleon • 5755 implied HN points • 12 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The author enjoyed various types of reading, from essays and books to magazines that make great bathroom reads.
  2. They found joy in both music and movies, highlighting favorites from old classics to new releases, showing a preference for a mix of styles.
  3. The author shared experiences with family activities like pizza night movies and fun gadgets that made everyday life more enjoyable.

The teaching of mountains

Silentium • 699 implied HN points • 05 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Mountains can teach us the value of silence and reflection. Spending time in nature helps us connect with inner peace.
  2. Silence allows for deeper understanding and contemplation. It’s important to take breaks from the noise of daily life.
  3. Embracing nature's beauty can inspire personal growth. Mountains symbolize strength and resilience we can learn from.

The Pressure That Made Miyazaki and Takahata

Animation Obsessive • 28523 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Miyazaki and Takahata faced a lot of challenges early in their careers, producing shows that often did not succeed. They learned from these failures and began to create works that felt more real and relatable.
  2. Their work on series like Heidi focused on everyday life and human relationships, aiming to draw viewers into a believable world. This unique approach ultimately led to their success.
  3. As they grew as artists, they started to drift apart in their creative visions. Miyazaki loved fantasy, while Takahata leaned toward realism, showcasing how different pressures and experiences shaped their art.
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Audiences Prove that Experts Are Dead Wrong

The Honest Broker • 32315 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. People are now gravitating towards longform content, like movies and videos, instead of shorter clips. This shows that audiences want deeper, more engaging experiences.
  2. Experts have miscalculated trends, thinking that shorter content is the future. However, the audience's preference for longer, immersive storytelling is proving them wrong.
  3. The rise of longform content represents a cultural shift, with audiences rejecting quick, addictive media in favor of richer experiences that build lasting connections.

A few cultural thoughts

Noahpinion • 19470 implied HN points • 25 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. TikTok videos can be boring because they're designed for quick viewing, leading to lots of mediocre content. People often just scroll through them without really paying attention.
  2. Literary fiction can create a misleading view of characters and people since they often depict unusual traits. Genre fiction tends to have more realistic characters since the focus is on exciting settings and plots.
  3. Cosplay provides a unique platform for youth to express themselves and build confidence. Through dressing up as characters, many find a sense of belonging and the courage to be themselves.

SITREP (CONT.) 'WEEN/PORTLAND/FUNDRAISER/FRESH CONTENT

THREE SEVEN MAFIA • 599 implied HN points • 02 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The fundraiser is almost complete, with just $200 needed to reach the goal. Donations can be made through Cash App, Venmo, or Zelle.
  2. The writer will be traveling to Portland on Halloween, so they won't be in Chicago to meet people. There will be a cemetery walk to honor the fallen on October 26.
  3. A friend is moving to Chicago and will collaborate on content, making the project more dynamic and exciting.

Tom Stoppard's Ordinary Magic

The Common Reader • 5386 implied HN points • 30 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Tom Stoppard blended highbrow and lowbrow elements in his plays, creating a unique style that made serious ideas feel accessible and entertaining.
  2. His work often mixed humor and profound themes, showing that ordinary moments in life can hold deep meaning and mystery.
  3. Stoppard was known for his playful and experimental approach to theatre, merging dialogue with philosophical ideas, making art a lively discussion rather than a rigid argument.

The way you wanted to feel

Austin Kleon • 5295 implied HN points • 28 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Riding a bike can make you feel like a kid again, giving you a sense of joy you wanted when you were younger. It's important to give yourself those little joys in life.
  2. Think about what you loved doing as a child because it can help you discover your passions today. Reflecting on those moments can guide your hobbies and career choices.
  3. Creative work often connects with childhood memories. Embracing what made you happy as a kid can inspire you to be more creative and fulfilled now.

A quieter phone

Silentium • 199 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. A quieter phone can help bring more peace into your life. Reducing distractions allows you to focus better.
  2. Quiet wallpapers can serve as a gentle reminder to seek calmness. They can enhance your phone's look while promoting tranquility.
  3. Taking time for silence can lead to better mental health. Embracing quiet moments can help reduce stress and anxiety.

Indie Culture Is Great—But What's Coming Next is Better

The Honest Broker • 24169 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Indie culture started strong by emphasizing freedom and independence, but over time, it has become less influential as major platforms promote conformity.
  2. There's a need for a new movement that goes beyond indie, focusing on collaboration among artists, protecting their rights, and encouraging creative risk-taking.
  3. We can build a better artistic future by creating supportive communities, developing new platforms, and advocating for artists' ownership of their work.

The carousel keeps turning

Austin Kleon • 5495 implied HN points • 21 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The newsletter celebrates reaching 200,000 subscribers with a special offer of 20% off paid subscriptions. This helps support the free newsletter for everyone.
  2. There is a blend of personal reflections, like enjoying a vintage stamp carousel, and sharing creative projects and recommendations, such as books and music.
  3. Useful advice on research techniques includes maintaining a routine, taking notes, and exploring diverse perspectives to enrich creativity and learning.

Top reads of the week

gender:hacked by Eliza Mondegreen • 277 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Reading weekly highlights can help you discover new ideas and topics of interest.
  2. Keeping up with trending articles allows you to stay informed and engaged with current discussions.
  3. Subscribing to newsletters or content can offer deeper insights and access to exclusive material.

The New 80% Rule in Culture

The Honest Broker • 25799 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The entertainment industry is increasingly relying on old ideas instead of creating new ones. Nowadays, a large portion of movies and music comes from remakes or older content.
  2. This trend isn't just in movies; music streaming shows a similar pattern where most songs played are older hits, reflecting a shift from new to past favorites.
  3. People are getting tired of the same old stuff, and this won't last forever. The entertainment industry needs to focus on fresh, original content to keep audiences engaged.

Top Links 1014 19th-century brutalism. Gender gaps. Sinophobic Sinophilia & the biography of Habermas.

Chartbook • 500 implied HN points • 15 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. There’s a feature on 19th-century brutalism that looks at how industrial forms shaped art and architecture in that era.
  2. The links include analyses of gender gaps, highlighting persistent inequalities and the data that explains them.
  3. Coverage examines mixed Western attitudes toward China (Sinophobic Sinophilia) alongside attention to a new biography of the philosopher Jürgen Habermas.

Pluribus and Our Age of Hive Minds

The Intrinsic Perspective • 5349 implied HN points • 18 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. We live in a world where our thoughts and opinions are influenced by larger groups, like social media or advanced AI, which can feel both overwhelming and entertaining.
  2. The show _Pluribus_ explores a world where everyone is linked in a hive mind, raising questions about privacy and individuality in such a closely connected society.
  3. The idea of a positive hive mind, where everyone is cheerful and helpful, is intriguing but might also come with its own set of problems, like loss of personal freedom and constant scrutiny.

SHAME! SHAME! LET CHILDREN READ BOOKS!

The Common Reader • 3862 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Removing full-length novels from the 8th grade curriculum is wrong. Kids should be reading entire books to develop a deeper understanding.
  2. Watching movies on a small screen is fine, but experiencing them in a theater is a different and better experience. It's important to appreciate films as they were intended.
  3. There should be more emphasis on traditional reading and viewing experiences in education and entertainment. Kids deserve to have these opportunities.

Curator

Castalia • 1758 implied HN points • 08 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Literary writing should introduce new ideas, provide honest experiences, or unleash creativity. Unfortunately, much of what's out there feels repetitive and lacks depth.
  2. There's a growing disconnect between writers and publishers, as publishers often prioritize profits over the integrity of literary work. This leads to a system that might not serve those truly passionate about literature.
  3. The publishing industry is shifting, and some men feel left out of the conversation. It's essential to remember that literature should be about artistic expression, not just political representation.

The Wii Tennis Theme Edition

Why is this interesting? • 3619 implied HN points • 09 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The Wii Sports theme isn't just background music; it connects with people of all ages and reflects a joyful gaming experience. Its upbeat and jazzy style was designed to be inviting, especially for newcomers to gaming.
  2. Kazumi Totaka, the composer behind the theme, has made a significant impact at Nintendo since 1990. He's known for his catchy melodies and has hidden a special tune, 'Totaka's Song,' in many games, showcasing his creativity and influence.
  3. Wii Sports became a huge cultural phenomenon, selling millions and even being used in places like retirement homes for fun and rehabilitation. Its appeal helped redefine who plays video games, highlighting that gaming is for everyone, not just kids.

When you get confused

Austin Kleon • 6454 implied HN points • 31 May 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. It's okay if your writing isn't perfect at first. The important thing is to just get it out there.
  2. Taking time to relax and enjoy lighter activities can help balance out harder work, making you more creative.
  3. When you feel confused or stuck, sometimes just getting on your bike and listening to music can clear your mind.

When Disney Went Digital

Animation Obsessive • 16325 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Computers changed the way Disney made animations. Instead of using traditional cels, artists began to create and manage animations digitally, which saved time and opened up new creative possibilities.
  2. Disney was initially hesitant about using computer technology. They worried it might take away from the quality of their classic hand-drawn films and even tried to keep the new system a secret for a while.
  3. Despite the initial challenges, the move to digital animation helped Disney produce stunning films with more colors and effects. This technology allowed them to create ambitious scenes that were impossible or too costly with old methods.

The French Film That Changed Japanese Animation

Animation Obsessive • 24397 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The French film _The Shepherdess and the Chimney Sweep_ had a big impact on Japanese animation when it was released in Japan. It showed animators that animated films could be for adults, not just kids.
  2. Filmmakers like Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata were inspired by the film's unique storytelling and beautiful animation style. They noted how it created a vivid world that felt real and grounded.
  3. The film influenced new ideas about how animation could express deeper themes, such as social and political issues, which changed the way Japanese animated films were made going forward.

A process to process

Austin Kleon • 4955 implied HN points • 14 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Many people enjoy reflecting on memories, like going through old photos. It's a nice way to process feelings and experiences.
  2. There are always new books being released by different authors. Checking them out can introduce you to fresh ideas and stories.
  3. Gardening teaches us patience. Just like plants take time to grow, our creative projects need time to develop too.

Doomscroll: Trevor Paglen

Joshua Citarella's Newsletter • 437 implied HN points • 02 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Trevor Paglen discusses how art connects technology and politics, showing us what can often be hidden or ignored. His work helps us think about the important issues behind new tech.
  2. He talks about 'psyops capitalism', where media creates content based on user behavior, which can shape our views and experiences.
  3. Paglen compares early UFO stories to today's social media disinformation, highlighting how misinformation has always been a part of our society.

Learning the Real Lessons from Ghibli

Animation Obsessive • 14172 implied HN points • 11 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The film 'The Glassworker' tells a powerful story about art, love, and the impact of war on people's lives. It's a journey of two children from opposing worlds who discover their paths are not so different despite their backgrounds.
  2. Inspired by Studio Ghibli, the director aimed to capture deep emotions and realism rather than just mimic the animation style. The goal was to share feelings that resonate with viewers, similar to what Ghibli films evoke.
  3. Persistence plays a huge role in filmmaking. The director emphasizes that pursuing your passion despite obstacles can lead to success, and that it's important to hold on to your creative enthusiasm even during tough times.

Northampton MP labels plan to move statues ‘cultural vandalism’

NN Journal • 298 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Moving the statues is seen as cultural vandalism by MP Lucy Rigby. She believes they should stay in the town center where people can learn about the important figures they represent.
  2. The West Northamptonshire Council is exploring options for using the Guildhall, which has made the statue relocation a topic of discussion. They plan to consult the public before making any decisions.
  3. Local residents feel strongly that the statues belong in their current location. Many consider the historic Guildhall an important part of the town's identity and heritage.

Ampersanding

Austin Kleon • 4995 implied HN points • 07 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The ampersand symbol comes from the Latin word 'et', meaning 'and'. It shows how language can evolve over time.
  2. It's important to revisit your old notes because they can remind you of ideas and thoughts you may have forgotten.
  3. Finding the right music for writing is key; it should be upbeat but not too distracting so you can focus on your thoughts.

Oh, father

Disaffected Newsletter • 2018 implied HN points • 26 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The speaker's childhood was marked by trauma, particularly from their mother's inconsistent love and the presence of an abusive stepfather. They often felt unsafe and questioned their worth.
  2. Music and artists like Madonna became a refuge for the speaker, helping them process their feelings and experiences. Songs like 'Oh Father' resonated deeply with their struggles and emotions.
  3. The speaker reflects on the complexity of their feelings towards their parents, understanding that both love and pain can exist in relationships, leading to confusion about forgiveness and redemption.

Art and Human Nature, Heritage Americans, Female Chimpanzees

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1003 implied HN points • 04 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Female chimpanzees mate frequently with many males, which helps confuse paternity and reduces the risk of infanticide.
  2. Across many countries, attractive people are perceived as more intelligent, trustworthy, confident, responsible, caring, and sociable, and are also seen as happier and less odd.
  3. The average founder of a highly profitable tech company is about 42 years old, and older founders tend to have higher chances of success than the popular image of youthful founders suggests.

A big pile of imperfect things

Austin Kleon • 5815 implied HN points • 24 May 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Reading big books can be enjoyable, especially when you take your time with them. Some people like to read them in parts over several weeks.
  2. It's okay to create imperfect things. The idea is to enjoy the process and keep going despite not being perfect.
  3. Finding joy in what you like can lead to happiness. It's about discovering new things to appreciate and even learning to like things you didn't before.

Immigrant memoir comics!

Noahpinion • 13706 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Immigrant memoir comics offer a unique, personal glimpse into the experiences of immigrants, often presenting their stories in a relatable and engaging way through illustrations. They can show different perspectives, from those who thrive in America to those facing challenges.
  2. Many of these comics highlight the complexities of assimilation and identity while providing insight into the immigrant journey. They often balance humor and serious themes, helping readers understand both the struggles and joys of immigrant life.
  3. Reading these memoirs can be a quick and accessible way to gain empathy and knowledge about the diverse immigrant experiences, especially in today’s political climate where such understanding is crucial.

Success means you get to do it again tomorrow

Austin Kleon • 6554 implied HN points • 10 May 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Success is about doing what you love and getting to keep doing it, day after day. It's not about reaching a final goal, but enjoying the process.
  2. Understanding what you like can help you feel less stressed about being liked, which can make your work more authentic and free.
  3. Artists like Steve Albini believe that goals can create unnecessary stress. Instead, focusing on enjoying the process can lead to true success.

Soviet Anime?

Animation Obsessive • 15786 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Soviet audiences embraced Japanese anime as early as the 1960s, with films gaining popularity in the 1970s. This cultural exchange showed a unique appreciation for animation in the USSR.
  2. The film _The Mystery of the Third Planet_ was produced as a response to successful Japanese animations. It aimed to connect with teenage viewers and became a beloved classic.
  3. Director Roman Kachanov focused on creating relatable characters and a warm atmosphere in his films. He believed in capturing human emotions, which helped make his animation feel alive and engaging.

Psycho

Nice Try • 379 implied HN points • 07 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The movie _Psycho_ has a famous shower scene where a woman is killed, but it cleverly tricks viewers into questioning who the real 'psycho' is throughout the film.
  2. Marion Crane and Norman Bates have mirrored characteristics, showing how both characters are driven by desires that lead to their own downfalls.
  3. On multiple viewings of _Psycho_, you can notice different aspects of characters, suggesting many of them might also have their own hidden psychotic traits.

Experimental hello

Patti Smith • 25492 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The writer shares a message from the airport, mentioning the struggle of buying coffee without a credit card.
  2. The writer reflects on the upcoming family gathering and the significance of significant events for them.
  3. The post ends with a wish for the readers to have a great day while considering the challenges faced by others.

Funny Ha Ha (2002) by Andrew Bujalski

Tao Lin • 879 implied HN points • 18 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The movie _Funny Ha Ha_ shows everyday life without dramatic events. It focuses on real emotions and simple moments between characters.
  2. Marnie, the main character, struggles with her feelings and relationships, reflecting a relatable sense of uncertainty and disconnection.
  3. The ending is unique and surprising, leaving viewers with a sense of closure that feels earned and satisfying, even without traditional resolution.

How We Lost the Flow

The Honest Broker • 31317 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The flow state is a special experience where everything feels easy and natural, like playing music or sports. It's when you lose track of time and feel completely engaged.
  2. Technology and businesses have taken the idea of flow and turned it into a way to make money, which can lead to negative effects on our well-being. Things like social media and gambling can manipulate our desire for that flow state.
  3. There are many ways to experience flow outside of technology, like dancing, gardening, or spending time in nature. These activities can make us feel fulfilled without giving our attention and energy to profit-driven platforms.

The 99-Year-Old Film That Stops People

Animation Obsessive • 18567 implied HN points • 19 May 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. A film called _The Adventures of Prince Achmed_ is really special because it's the oldest animated feature still around. Even after almost 100 years, people are still amazed by its magic and creativity.
  2. The director, Lotte Reiniger, used a unique cut-out style that made her work stand out from others. Her approach was different from American cartoons, focusing more on artistic storytelling through puppetry and silhouettes.
  3. Despite the struggles during its creation and the trouble faced by her team with the rise of the Nazis, the film gained huge popularity and helped show the power of animation even in tough times.