The hottest Art Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

Adventures on two wheels

Austin Kleon • 1418 implied HN points • 08 Mar 22
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Biking can become an all-consuming passion. Once you start riding, you might just want to do it all the time.
  2. Cycling requires full attention. It's a great way to be in the moment and really connect with your surroundings.
  3. Riding a bike can boost your mood and mental health. If you're feeling down, a bike ride might be just what you need.

Let me eat and not be eaten

Austin Kleon • 1179 implied HN points • 03 Jun 22
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Bicycles can inspire creativity and bring joy to life. Riding a bike is not just exercise; it can be a fun way to explore new ideas.
  2. Reading comics can be both entertaining and educational. They offer a unique way to learn about complex topics.
  3. Graduation is a big milestone, and it comes with new opportunities. It's important to embrace change and stay open to new experiences.

The Read Max Holiday Gift Guide

Read Max • 1238 implied HN points • 26 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Consider giving a Read Max subscription as a gift.
  2. Check out unique zines and design merchandise for gifting.
  3. Anker gadgets like the PowerCore Fusion 10000 make practical and appreciated gifts.
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A story from the margins

City Quitters • 199 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. A group of artists moved to a small village because they wanted a richer cultural life, not just to be closer to nature. They believe it's possible to create an interesting and fulfilling life in a remote place.
  2. Living in a rural area comes with challenges like power cuts and lack of infrastructure, but the group uses these limitations as inspiration for creativity. They focus on building a sense of community and care for the place.
  3. They regularly engage with others through programs and a magazine, inviting people to learn and share ideas. This approach shows that rural living can be vibrant and collaborative, despite its obstacles.

Paid content: Playing the arborist

Wood From Eden • 336 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Being an arborist involves caring for trees and understanding their growth. It's important to know how to maintain their health and beauty.
  2. There are different methods and tools used in arboriculture to safely manage trees. Learning these techniques can help prevent damage and promote growth.
  3. Working with trees requires both knowledge and respect for nature. Arborists play a big role in keeping our environment healthy and beautiful.

Watering the garden

Austin Kleon • 1238 implied HN points • 06 May 22
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. It's important to take time to appreciate nature and nurture creativity. Just like watering a garden helps plants thrive, engaging with ideas can help us grow mentally.
  2. Reading various books and articles can offer new perspectives on money and culture. Exploring different viewpoints is a great way to expand your understanding.
  3. Connecting with others through interviews and shared experiences can inspire and motivate us. Listening to creative people share their journeys can spark new ideas for our own lives.

Everything is a Remix

Seven Senses • 579 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Originality is hard to define because almost all creative work is influenced by what came before it. Many famous inventions and art pieces are built on prior ideas.
  2. People often prefer familiar themes and concepts, leading to industries that recycle ideas, like movie sequels and music remixes. This use of the remix can provide comfort and profit.
  3. Creativity is about participating in a long tradition of ideas rather than only seeking to be original. New works often honor and build on the past, showing how art is a conversation through time.

Here Be Dragons!

Fields & Energy • 239 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Dragons symbolize power and temptation, representing the dangers of being seduced by false promises. They serve as a reminder of the fight between good and evil in our desires.
  2. Electromagnetism plays a crucial role in communication and technology, influencing how we receive and interpret information. This reflects the battle between freedom and control in today's world.
  3. Fiction can reveal truths about our reality, helping us understand complex ideas like morality and human nature. Stories like _Draco Alchemicus_ can shine a light on these deeper truths.

Vol. 2, Issue 11 - Interview with Pokémon Zeo!

Johto Times • 99 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Pokémon Zeo was a community where fans could create their own fake Pokémon cards. It had resources like templates and tutorials to help everyone get started.
  2. The website was not just about cards; it built a friendly community. Many people found a positive space there, making lasting friendships.
  3. Even though Pokémon Zeo closed down in 2014, the memories and connections still live on through social media and gatherings among former members.

Top Links 556 Bang Bang. Funny pumpkins.

Chartbook • 457 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The post features funny pumpkins and interesting links, showcasing creative content.
  2. It discusses the complexity of understanding US economic growth and its reliance on consumer credit.
  3. Supporting the newsletter helps keep it running and accessible to readers.

What books define America for you?

Men Yell at Me • 142 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Books can shape our understanding of a country, and everyone's list of what defines America is different.
  2. Attending events like rallies can inspire new ideas and research for writing, revealing societal issues like masculinity crises.
  3. There's a feeling that people worry about not having enough, even when there is plenty available, reflecting a deeper anxiety in society.

The poetry of Steiner systems

A Piece of the Pi: mathematics explained • 42 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. A Steiner triple system is made up of a set and its unique 3-element subsets, called blocks. Each pair of elements only appears together in one block.
  2. Kirkman's Schoolgirl Problem is about scheduling walks for girls so each pair walks together just once. This problem is an example of how Steiner systems can solve real-life scenarios.
  3. Resolving Steiner systems allows for structured arrangements that can be creatively used, like constructing poetry, where each block represents a line and unique keyword pairs are included in an organized way.

All that's old is new again

Disaffected Newsletter • 539 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Older ideas and trends often come back into fashion. It's common to see things that are considered 'outdated' become popular again.
  2. Nostalgia plays a big part in why we embrace things from the past. People enjoy the comfort and memories associated with older styles.
  3. Recycling old concepts can lead to creativity. By mixing the old with the new, fresh ideas can emerge that resonate with different audiences.

The beautiful rebirth of Dresden (2)

Wrong Side of History • 303 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Dresden has seen a lot of restoration after being heavily damaged in WWII. Local efforts have helped rebuild parts of the city to bring back its historical beauty.
  2. A community group called the Dresden Historical Neumarkt Society played a big role in this rebuilding. They gathered thousands of signatures to push for the restoration of key sites.
  3. People in Dresden are excited about their city's revival and are looking forward to making it a beautiful place like other major European cities.

Winning time

Austin Kleon • 1278 implied HN points • 01 Apr 22
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Spring is here, and it's a great time for outdoor activities like biking and reading. Enjoying the season can really boost your mood.
  2. Algorithms on social media can harm small businesses and affect how we communicate. It's good to own your own content and not rely too much on platforms.
  3. There are interesting discussions happening around the impact of games and how they influence our experiences. It's worth exploring different viewpoints on this topic.

BlackBerry's Ode to Corporate Competence

Rough Cuts • 157 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The movie delves into the rise and fall of BlackBerry as a product, focusing on the competition between different visions for its future.
  2. The film is distinct from 'The Social Network' in style and tone, offering an entertaining take on corporate stories.
  3. Contrary to common interpretation, 'BlackBerry' presents a nuanced perspective on corporate influence, success, and the impact of competition from superior products.

Sierra Nevada

Cosmographia • 259 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Art
  1. The post is part of a series called Atlas' Notes, focused on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography about a specific place, in this case Sierra Nevada.
  2. Access to the full content and map featured in the post seems to be for paid subscribers only.
  3. The post includes images related to Sierra Nevada and provides links to the author and subscription page.

The Pointlessness of Punk

Litverse • 259 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Punk rock emerged as a rebellion against mainstream culture and conventional ideas, born in a decaying New York City in the late seventies.
  2. The authenticity of punk as a movement is questioned as its rebellious acts become mainstream and profitable, raising the issue of whether its purpose is lost amidst commercial success.
  3. The essence of punk lies in the performance, where the actions and symbolic gestures carry more weight than the individuals themselves, creating a form of rebellion that transcends traditional definitions.

What I Learned About AI in 2023

Cybernetic Forests • 179 implied HN points • 17 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Art
  1. Advancements in AI may not always lead to true improvement or problem-solving, as new technologies continue to replace previous ones without learning from past failures.
  2. There is evidence that AI may be making things worse, even in areas it is meant to excel in, such as ethics and safety, leading to a loss of expertise and rush to incorporate generative AI algorithms.
  3. AI models can have significant environmental impacts, using vast amounts of energy and water, highlighting the importance of developing more sustainable computational infrastructure and greener algorithms.

The Explosion Economy

Anima Mundi • 103 implied HN points • 10 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Modern capitalism creates endless cravings, but doesn't satisfy them. This means people spend more time wanting than actually enjoying what they have.
  2. Cities and technology design make it hard to escape this constant wanting. They manipulate our desires, so we feel like we always need more.
  3. Some communities are finding ways to live differently, focusing on real satisfaction instead of produced desires. They want to balance technology and personal happiness.

Study something you love in depth!

Austin Kleon • 1418 implied HN points • 01 Feb 22
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Focus on what you love and study it deeply. Spending time on something you enjoy can reveal new insights and spark creativity.
  2. When exploring an artist's work, you can go in order or pick and choose pieces that interest you. Both approaches can bring value to your understanding.
  3. Share your learning journey with others. It helps you connect with similar fans and encourages you to keep going, all while enjoying the process.

Bangers and Mash

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 414 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The authors of The Hinternet are using pseudonyms for professional reasons and to create a unique writing style. Despite this, they promise clearer writing in the future.
  2. The publication plans to produce more popular essays, referred to as 'bangers', to meet economic needs and subscriber interests, even if the topics seem controversial.
  3. Readers are encouraged to engage more deeply by submitting essays on featured works, highlighting the community involvement in shaping the publication.

dispatch from lesbians being visible

Paging Dr. Lesbian • 255 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Lesbian Visibility Day is celebrated with TV moments and reflections on representations.
  2. The cast of 'The L Word: Gen Q' at the White House highlights progress in LGBTQ+ visibility.
  3. Buzzfeed News shutting down shows challenges in journalism and the importance of supporting writers.

Jocasta's Silence

coldhealing • 255 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Oedipus's self-inflicted disability was tragic - what disabilities might his parents have had?
  2. Families can have conflicts over individuality - like in movies where children pursue different paths from their parents.
  3. Communication barriers between parents and children can lead to sad desynchronization, but can be resolved with effort and understanding.

Homework every night for the rest of your life

Austin Kleon • 1139 implied HN points • 13 May 22
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Being a writer means doing homework every night, but that's not always a bad thing. It keeps you engaged and always learning.
  2. Reading and recommending books isn't just about single titles; it's more about seeing how they connect. Understanding these connections can enhance your reading experience.
  3. Having hobbies, like gardening or walking, can bring joy and creativity to your life. They can also inspire your work in surprising ways.

Freud and the Beatles

In My Tribe • 440 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Sigmund Freud had a huge impact on how we view ourselves, and even those who reject his ideas still carry some of his influence. It's hard to imagine our culture without him.
  2. The Beatles changed their music style after 1965 and became more complex, which helped them stay relevant. If they hadn't evolved, they might not have had the same lasting impact on music.
  3. The Beatles influenced popular culture in various ways, from hairstyles to attitudes towards drugs and spirituality. Their actions and style helped spread the hippie culture much wider than it would have gone on its own.

The Winnipeg Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1508 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Winnipeg is a city that requires curiosity and appreciation for what it is.
  2. Winnipeg has architectural gems, cultural venues, and exceptional cuisine.
  3. Winnipeg's cheap cost of living attracts artists and musicians, making it a unique and vibrant city.

A response to The Lost Generation

Theory Matters • 20 implied HN points • 26 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. People want recognition and meaning, not just economic comfort. Many face a painful choice between a safe, mundane life and risky creative struggle, and the struggle itself can be valuable even if success never comes.
  2. We should listen to people’s frustrations instead of dismissing them, because luck, limited opportunities, and social structures often decide who gets scarce jobs. Discounting lived experience—no matter who speaks—stops us from understanding real problems.
  3. Politics and policy that focus only on utility, prestige, or short-term fairness miss the realities of human experience. Society needs more empathy and a vision that respects struggle and the desire for recognition beyond material gains.

Announcements – November 2024

The Upheaval • 455 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. A dialogue with Freya India is now available for free, so you can share it with others who might enjoy it.
  2. Recently, a great gathering in the Catskills brought together interesting people for discussions and good times, and there are opportunities to join similar events in the future.
  3. A book proposal expanding 'The China Convergence' is underway, and the author is looking for potential publishers to bring it to life.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 451 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. A great commencement speech by Bill Watterson can really touch your heart. It’s about understanding life and making choices, and you might feel emotional listening to it.
  2. Engaging with creative content, like an Instagram reel, can spark joy and inspiration in your day. It’s fun to see what others are sharing online.
  3. Feeling emotional and reflective is totally normal, especially during certain times. A simple piece of content can really resonate with your feelings.

Say yes and never do it

Austin Kleon • 1258 implied HN points • 11 Mar 22
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Mel Brooks suggests that sometimes it's better to just agree to a boss's idea, even if you don’t plan to actually do it. It can save you from unnecessary conflict.
  2. Reading different perspectives, like a close analysis of poetry or an oral history of music, can refresh your thinking and inspire creativity.
  3. Creating silly or fun projects, like making drawing games with kids, can be a great way to bond and enjoy creativity together.

#132 Designing to surprise

Design Lobster • 299 implied HN points • 01 May 23
🪑 Design Art
  1. Balance familiarity and surprise in design to create a pleasant and exciting user experience.
  2. Introduce whimsical elements to add surprise and creativity to your design.
  3. Strive to strike a balance between novelty and familiarity in your designs, following the MAYA principle.

Date stamps

Austin Kleon • 1578 implied HN points • 09 Nov 21
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Date stamps are still useful in many jobs today, even if they seem old-fashioned. You can find them easily at office supply stores.
  2. Kids enjoy using date stamps on their drawings. It's a fun way to encourage them to write or keep track of their work.
  3. If you get a date stamp that's running out of years, you can sometimes fix it. Cutting off some numbers with a knife can help you get more use out of it.

Excruciatingly Boring Dystopia

antoniomelonio • 332 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Many people feel life is painfully boring and routine. It seems like everyone is just going through the motions without any excitement.
  2. Work and social life often feel monotonous and unfulfilling. People long for genuine connections and creativity but get stuck in boring tasks and small talk.
  3. There are hints of change and hope, like workers' movements and the potential of technology to make our lives easier. We need to find small ways to break free from this boredom.

2025 recap

Both Are True • 329 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Time feels like it moves really fast, especially when we're busy. We often miss the little joys around us because we're too focused on our phones.
  2. Even though life is busy, the special moments we share with others exist outside of time. Those moments, filled with love, can feel infinite.
  3. Life has its ups and downs, and we often joke about it, but it's important to find happiness in the little things. We should appreciate the good stuff that makes life meaningful.

#148: Too much music

Maybe Baby • 1552 implied HN points • 21 May 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Using music to create a mood is common in modern culture, from public spaces to social media.
  2. The use of headphones and music may lead to isolating ourselves from shared sounds and communal experiences.
  3. Considering the value of naturally occurring sounds and silence in our lives is important, even amidst our fascination with music.