The hottest Art Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

Appropriate

Castalia • 159 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The play 'Appropriate' mixes two heavy themes: family conflict and the dark legacy of racial issues in America. It shows how families often ignore the painful truths of their past.
  2. The character Toni is deeply complicated, carrying a lot of anger and grief. Her struggles highlight the pressures women face in society, but her character can sometimes feel less connected to the play's main themes.
  3. Overall, the play's best moments come from its sharp writing, but it has some issues with tying together its different storylines. The photographs symbolize a history that cannot be easily resolved or forgotten.

Summer

Soaring Twenties • 146 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The importance of engaging with the real world rather than just spending time online is emphasized. It's good to experience life outside of screens.
  2. This summer issue features a variety of creative content, including essays, stories, and recipes, showcasing different perspectives and experiences.
  3. The founders aim to move the project towards more physical and in-person experiences in the future, strengthening connections beyond digital interactions.

The Artist’s Work Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1206 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Art
  1. Encountering artists that grant permission to be true to oneself is powerful.
  2. Redefining 'work' as a sense of purpose, like Rita Deanin Abbey did, can be a bold and pragmatic choice.
  3. Abbey's creation of her own museum challenges conventional gender roles and inspires self-trust and empowerment.

Philo Philo burning bright (part 2)

quite useless • 235 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Art
  1. Phoebe Philo's impact extends beyond just fashion to create a timeless allure.
  2. Philo's work embodies a blend of metaphysical desire and artistic transformation.
  3. Her designs evoke a spiritual experience, blurring the line between art and consumerism.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

👋 New name, new course, and other news

escape the algorithm • 319 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The newsletter changed its name from Deep Sea Diving to Escape the Algorithm to focus more on the 'why' rather than the 'how' of finding and sharing online content.
  2. The author will be teaching a course called Escape the Algorithm at Penn, delving into ideas explored in the newsletter and developing tools for web exploration.
  3. The author is now a regular contributing writer for Lens, a publication covering cultural trends, business creativity, and crafting art, which may lead to more consistent writing and paid opportunities.

Fossil records and paper trails

Austin Kleon • 1159 implied HN points • 12 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Museums can go paperless, which makes us think about the importance of both fossil records and how we document our lives.
  2. Trilobites are fascinating creatures, and there's a lot we can learn from their history and the work of scientists like Richard Fortey.
  3. Sometimes, dreaming of a simple life, like living on an island, can inspire us to appreciate art and literature more deeply.

Based Safety vs. Cringe Propaganda #50

Safety Propaganda • 314 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The author shares a heartfelt story about their deep grief and loss of their beloved pet
  2. The newsletter discusses the excitement in the world of bodybuilding and UFC fights, including notable events such as the Arnold Classic and Jon Jones' return
  3. The section 'Cringe Propaganda' explores various controversial topics in the art world and pop culture, critiquing trends and media personalities

The Clearing

lifeboat • 314 implied HN points • 28 Aug 23
📚 Literature Art
  1. The Clearing is a memoir about reflecting on family dynamics and mental health.
  2. The author delves into classical and scientific concepts of empty space.
  3. Praise for the memoir highlights its sensitivity and resonance with readers.

The Dazzle Camo Edition

Why is this interesting? • 482 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Dazzle camo is a design technique that started in World War I to confuse enemy targeting, using bold geometric patterns. It helps to break up the shape of an object, making it harder to see and aim at.
  2. Car manufacturers adopted a modern version of dazzle camo to protect their prototype vehicles from spy photography. Even though these prototypes look attention-grabbing, the patterns are meant to confuse potential onlookers about the actual design.
  3. Today, prototypes often embrace their visibility with eye-catching patterns and even QR codes. This shift turns a potential exposure risk into a marketing opportunity, generating public interest instead of hiding away.

Ask Me Anything (OR ELSE)

Singal-Minded • 137 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The author is attending a live event in New York and encourages people to join. It's a chance to see some interesting speakers and enjoy the atmosphere.
  2. In a future post, the author will answer questions from paying subscribers, urging them to comment and vote on their favorite questions.
  3. The author has a lighthearted tone and mentions an amusing personal detail about not drinking alcohol, making their post feel approachable and relatable.

Essay Club: In Praise of Silence by Vernon Lee

Mind & Mythos • 199 implied HN points • 30 Dec 23
📚 Literature Art
  1. The author values silence and suggests that it can be more comforting than chatter. Sometimes, less talking can lead to deeper thoughts and peace of mind.
  2. Silence allows for reflection and helps us connect with our inner selves. It gives us space to think and appreciate our surroundings.
  3. Constant conversation can feel overwhelming and distracting. Embracing quiet moments can improve our mental well-being and creativity.

Our Dumb Century

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 1520 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Avoid personally targeted combative writing to maintain dignity.
  2. Genius in literature accrues over centuries, can't be rushed or self-proclaimed.
  3. Value the cultivation of tradition and great works for a deeper understanding of humanity.

LED candles are everything that's wrong with society

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 499 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. LED candles are convenient but lack the magic and unpredictability of real fire. Nothing beats the warmth and charm that comes from a real flame.
  2. Society tends to favor efficiency over quality, but that makes life feel dull and lifeless. Embracing challenges and imperfections brings more richness to our experiences.
  3. Screens dominate our daily lives, and we often forget to engage with the real world. It's important to seek out genuine connections and experiences instead of just tuning into pixels.

kitten corner: LA story

bad cattitude • 190 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Marketing needs to be thoughtful and reflective of the message you want to send. It's important to consider the image and branding carefully.
  2. When creating movements or campaigns, the visuals used can greatly influence public perception. A strong image can either support or detract from your message.
  3. Even newcomers to marketing can understand that the right imagery plays a crucial role in any campaign, highlighting the need for strategic thinking.

The Harmony of Opposites: A Creative Workshop Series

Seven Senses • 179 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The workshop focuses on combining two opposing themes: Light & Shadow, and Movement & Stillness. Participants will explore how these dualities can enhance their creativity.
  2. Activities will include writing and drawing prompts, meditation, and visual contemplations. These exercises aim to help participants understand their creative habits and try new approaches.
  3. The sessions are held live on Zoom, but recordings will be available for those who register. It's a great opportunity for paid subscribers to engage in creative exploration.

Welcome aboard The Life Boat

lifeboat • 216 implied HN points • 13 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Art
  1. Art and writing can help us find balance and resilience during turbulent times.
  2. Engaging with art and writing requires concentration and attention.
  3. Creating and sharing art and writing connects us with ourselves and the world around us.

Criticism is the ultimate compliment

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 356 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Criticism can be seen as positive feedback, showing that people care enough to offer their thoughts. It encourages growth and improvement.
  2. The importance of creativity is highlighted through various writing methods and the need for authentic expression in art. Hard work often makes writing look easy.
  3. The text discusses modern trends, like how people engage with social issues and popular culture, suggesting a mix of nostalgia and critique about today's lifestyles.

Won't somebody please

Disaffected Newsletter • 679 implied HN points • 06 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. We have many celebrities today, but they don't have the same star power as before. They lack the special quality that made stars unique.
  2. Stars used to carry a certain weight and admiration that we might not see in modern celebrities.
  3. The idea of a 'real woman' is being compared to the concept of a star, showing a desire for authenticity in today’s entertainment.

Best Housekeeping Yet!

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 397 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. There are big plans for 2025 at The Hinternet, including new features, a call for submissions with a good pay rate, and looking for new contributors and voice actors.
  2. A new publication called The Oort Cloud Review is set to launch soon, and it’s expected to make a significant impact.
  3. The Hinternet is trying to distance itself from low-investment free subscribers and is focusing on fostering genuine engagement from dedicated readers.

"do i need to subscribe to my friend's substack newsletter"

Both Are True • 167 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Supporting your friend's paid newsletter can feel like a tricky decision. If they've made it clear they expect support, think carefully about your own financial situation first.
  2. If you're not rich, there are still ways to help your friend. You can share their work, give them positive feedback, or simply tell them you're unable to pay right now.
  3. It's important to remember that artists and writers often need encouragement. Your praise can really help them feel valued, even if you can't support them financially.

Curator

Castalia • 299 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Liberalism is seen by some as losing energy and direction. There are calls for change, but people are unsure what will come next.
  2. Generation X reflects on their cultural identity and feelings of betrayal regarding the societal changes after the idealism of the 1960s. They struggle with the disillusionment of unmet hopes.
  3. Writers like Don DeLillo express concerns about how modern life has altered identities, making people feel more disconnected, while still hoping to capture the essence of shared human experiences.

Back to the Corecore

escape the algorithm • 299 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Reflecting on nostalgic online spaces like Myspace can evoke existential thoughts on our insignificance in the vast digital landscape.
  2. Considering the impact of AI-generated content and online manipulation leads to questioning the authenticity and purpose of online interactions.
  3. Engaging in unconventional internet navigation challenges, like exploring Instagram through tagged photos, can provide unique perspectives and experiences.

Sikhote-Alin

Cosmographia • 299 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Art
  1. The post is part of the Atlas' Notes series on Cosmographia, focusing on a specific location with art, poetry, literature, and photography.
  2. Access to the full content is for paid subscribers only, encouraging readers to subscribe for more exclusive material.
  3. The featured place in this post is Sikhote-Alin, offering a unique exploration of the location through various creative mediums.

Look away from the pit

Austin Kleon • 1678 implied HN points • 21 Jan 22
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. It's important to avoid doomscrolling and focus on positive aspects of life instead. Looking away from the negativity can help you maintain a better mindset.
  2. Starting a mailing list can be a great way to connect with others and share your thoughts. It's a simple but effective way to keep in touch and build a community.
  3. Showing your kids who you are is valuable. Sharing your experiences and passions with them helps strengthen your bond and teaches them about your life.

Embrace bewilderment

Austin Kleon • 1258 implied HN points • 10 Jun 22
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. It's important to embrace confusion and not just rely on cleverness. Being bewildered can lead to new discoveries.
  2. Reading graphic novels can be a fun way to learn about complex topics. They can explain important ideas in an engaging way.
  3. Using features on social media, like Instagram, can make the experience less overwhelming. Choosing what you see can help you enjoy it more.

All art isn't political

Thoughts on Writing • 439 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Art education is being influenced by former politicians pushing specific agendas onto creative realms.
  2. The focus on purpose-driven art can limit creativity and innovation by narrowing the scope of artistic expression.
  3. Creativity thrives when approached with an open mindset, allowing for exploration, unexpected detours, and connection beyond politics.

The rise of AI nihilism

Hot Takes • 294 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Debate between man vs machine and the future of creative work
  2. Efficiency and automation in creative fields may impact the essence of art
  3. Striking a balance between technology and preserving the craft behind art is essential

Update, Links, and the Future: March 2023

Anarchonomicon • 294 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The author has experienced significant growth in their online presence and newsletter subscribers, with plans to make it a full-time job.
  2. There are upcoming articles focusing on historical cycles and geopolitics, with the need to reframe and divide content.
  3. The author discusses topics like the decline of literature due to academia, challenges faced in writing, and the dominance of certain tabletop RPGs in different markets.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 38

Why is this interesting? • 361 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The C-17 Globemaster is a powerful military aircraft that's very maneuverable, like a sports car. It's known for its strength and versatility in transport missions.
  2. The Palais Garnier in Paris is a stunning opera house, and there are beautiful images showcasing its rich interior. It's a historic venue that attracts many visitors.
  3. The way we interpret classic literature, like 'The Great Gatsby', can change over time. A leading expert dives into how our understanding may have missed important themes.

My COVID diaries

Austin Kleon • 1159 implied HN points • 05 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Sharing when you're sick can feel a bit attention-seeking, similar to announcing a birthday. It’s like waiting for others to acknowledge your situation.
  2. During recovery, prioritizing what not to do is just as important as what to do. It’s okay to take a break from daily tasks and responsibilities.
  3. Finding comfort in simple pleasures like comic books and familiar music can be a helpful way to cope when you're feeling unwell.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 325 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Reading can be a way to challenge your thinking, especially about complex topics like divorce. It's interesting to explore new perspectives on familiar issues.
  2. Winter can feel long and tiresome for many, making people eager for spring. Sharing feelings about the season can connect us with others experiencing the same.
  3. Consuming various types of content can enhance our understanding of the world. It's a great way to discover diverse ideas and spark conversations.

SPOOKY SEASON EXTRAVAGANZA BONANZAHHHHHHH!!!!1!!!!1!!!!1!!

Secretum Secretorum • 505 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Nongqawuse was a Xhosa prophetess who convinced her people to destroy their crops and cattle, believing it would lead to a better future. Unfortunately, her prophecy failed, causing widespread famine.
  2. Victor Brauner was a painter known for his eerie art, which seemed to predict his future misfortune of losing sight in one eye. His life became a reflection of his work as he experienced similar events.
  3. Augustin Lesage, a miner, heard a voice that encouraged him to become a painter. He began creating artwork guided by what he thought were spirits, eventually gaining recognition for his unique style.

An easygoing hippie noir series; a fantastic, dark serial-killer movie; and an album of retro-pop bangers

Read Max • 500 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. There's a new easygoing hippie noir series to check out. It's in the style of cool stories like 'Inherent Vice.'
  2. A dark, thrilling serial-killer movie set in Hong Kong is being praised as one of the best of the decade. If you like thrillers, this one is a must-see.
  3. A fresh album featuring '90s-style retro-pop songs has been released. It’s perfect for anyone looking for fun and catchy music.

Sunday Strip: New York, New York -

Who is Robert Malone • 46 implied HN points • 09 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The author is leaving Italy and is excited to return home after a long trip. Travel can be exhausting, and they are looking forward to some relaxing time on the farm.
  2. There is a mention of a recent event in Canada that has had lasting negative effects, indicating a concern about its impact.
  3. The author is experiencing dog withdrawal and seems to miss their pet while they travel, which shows the emotional side of being away from home.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 56

Why is this interesting? • 180 implied HN points • 31 May 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. AI is making it really hard for new college grads to find jobs, even those with fancy degrees.
  2. People in Syria are now using metal detectors to search for gold after being free from the harsh Assad regime.
  3. Many startups fail, and there's a lot of confusion in the new media about how to get noticed.

Technopotheosis reconsidered

Sundman figures it out! • 157 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The discussion on cults and religions among technophilic elites
  2. The evolution of the author's newsletter from Technopotheosis to Sundman figures it out!
  3. The comparison between the writing style of the author and the essays of Michel de Montaigne