The hottest Art Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Science Topics

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 36

Why is this interesting? • 241 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. McDonald's self-service kiosks led to customers ordering more food than before. This shows technology can improve sales instead of just replacing workers.
  2. A piece explored how skillets are important during evacuations, highlighting their cultural and practical significance. It's a reminder of how everyday items can carry deeper meanings.
  3. An article showcased industrial photographer Christopher Payne's work, celebrating American labor. It emphasizes the beauty and honor in various types of work.

Lake Wakatipu

Cosmographia • 199 implied HN points • 28 Mar 23
🏝 Travel Art
  1. The post is about Lake Wakatipu and is part of the Atlas' Notebook series focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography.
  2. To access the full content of the post, one needs to be a paid subscriber to Cosmographia.
  3. The post includes images but requires payment for full access.

Somehow They Filmed a Movie From Inside My Internet-Addled Brain

Michael Tracey • 88 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The movie 'Eddington' effectively captures the chaotic nature of our online lives and how it spills into real life. It portrays how people get lost in social media and feel detached from reality.
  2. Joaquin Phoenix's character is complex and reflects contemporary political themes without endorsing any particular viewpoint. The film shows the absurdity of online behaviors and their real-world consequences.
  3. The film's representation of events like protests and conspiracy theories mirrors the strange and wild experience of recent years. It connects the dots between internet culture and current social issues in a unique way.

sunday meanpool

bad cattitude • 97 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. It's easy to think that the world is a scary place. Many people feel this way sometimes.
  2. Often, the negativity we see around us is caused by our own attitudes and perspectives.
  3. Changing how we think can help us see things more positively and reduce fear.

Links for June

By Reason Alone • 110 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. It's important to understand how trade agreements really work because they involve many details beyond just tariffs. Knowing the ins and outs can help you talk smarter about trade.
  2. Dublin's water infrastructure has been poorly managed for decades, with no new sources being built since 1940. This shows a serious need for investment and improvement.
  3. Exercise can help you feel more connected to your body and improve your mental health. Many people overlook the importance of physical activity and its positive effects on life.
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8 essential words you've never heard before

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 641 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Enshittification refers to how digital platforms decline over time by abusing users and businesses to benefit themselves before eventually failing.
  2. Public solitude is the ability to feel alone even when in front of a large crowd, allowing one to focus in the present moment or during a performance.
  3. Specieist is a term for prejudice based on species, demonstrated by the debate between Elon Musk and Larry Page over the future of artificial intelligence.

sunday memepool two

bad cattitude • 83 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Solutions for today's problems are out there. It's all about finding the right ones.
  2. Being clear and direct can resolve many issues. Speak softly but be firm when necessary.
  3. Humor and memes can lighten heavy topics. They help people connect and think differently.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Castalia • 179 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is more about the human cost of espionage than the spy work itself. It shows how pressure and ambition can wear people down and impact their lives.
  2. The series emphasizes the theme of waste, highlighting how many characters dedicate their lives to ideals without any reward. Their struggles often lead to feelings of emptiness and loss.
  3. While George Smiley and others navigate a morally gray world, the show suggests that maintaining one's dignity and doing your best work can be meaningful, even if the larger system feels corrupt.

An Ineffable Memory Of Effortless Mastery

Weekly Wisdom • 179 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
🎶 Music Art
  1. The author recounts experiencing a state of effortless mastery while playing jazz piano after a series of events including alcohol consumption and the unexpected presence of their father, creating a magical performance.
  2. Effortless mastery in music, as discussed in the book 'Effortless Mastery' by Kenny Werner, involves overcoming self-imposed limitations and negative thinking through affirmations and a love for the process.
  3. The author shares affirmations such as 'I am a master' and 'Music is easy' that counter self-criticism with positive beliefs, highlighting the importance of mindset in achieving mastery and enjoying the process.

Ten Little Things

Nice Try • 319 implied HN points • 29 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Writing can be done anywhere, even in a small notebook. It helps with creativity and can be more enjoyable than using a phone.
  2. It's important to take care of health issues, like allergies. Visiting a doctor can lead to better solutions for feeling good.
  3. Life can be busy with chores and personal projects, but spending time with loved ones, like going to a movie premiere, makes it all worthwhile.

Private thread: Can the humanities save cities and companies money?

The Recovering Academic • 178 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. One way to address water shortages in the American Southwest is through interdisciplinary approaches, such as investing in research, conservation initiatives, and public education rather than just focusing on increasing water supply.
  2. The aesthetic preferences and perceptions of beauty, particularly influenced by imported European ideals, play a significant role in creating water problems in regions like Arizona, highlighting the potential impact of humanities like art and literature in reshaping these views.
  3. Considering humanities expertise, including art, religion, philosophy, and history, could potentially offer valuable solutions to economic challenges faced by cities and companies beyond just water shortages.

Plus Ça Change, Plus C'est the Same Shit

Dada Drummer Almanach • 274 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. History often repeats itself, especially during tough times like culture wars. Understanding the past can help us navigate current challenges.
  2. In the 1950s, young musicians faced threats from a culture war but found ways to support each other and thrive despite the pressures around them.
  3. It's important to focus on surviving and adapting during difficult periods rather than arguing about what's better. There are always paths to move forward.

Sensitive

The Line Between • 176 implied HN points • 15 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Take in good things to make good things
  2. Art can unexpectedly bring out emotions and offer what we need
  3. It's inspiring to see older individuals making comebacks in the film industry

Escaping a Hostage Situation

Five’s Substack • 3 HN points • 02 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Art isn’t just about making choices; it’s shaped by tradition and cliché. Artists work against old patterns to create something new.
  2. Writing essays teaches important thinking skills, just like exercising builds muscle. It’s about understanding tradition and learning to navigate it.
  3. There’s a growing issue with relying on AI, which can hurt self-confidence and creativity. We need to foster independence from these tools to create authentic art.

We Remember "The Future" Before We Create It

From The Future • 176 implied HN points • 24 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The future is protected by memory, so we must remember it to create it.
  2. Stories and conversations play a crucial role in shaping the future and preserving memories.
  3. Attention, patience, and the long conversation are essential for imagining and creating the future.

Happy birthday to us

London in Bits • 176 implied HN points • 27 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. London in Bits is celebrating its two-year anniversary
  2. The newsletter started due to a lack of credible alternative media sources
  3. Readers are being thanked with extended subscriptions and free content

Texas Tuxedo

Momspreading • 176 implied HN points • 22 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The author reminisces about their family's Texas roots and reflections on visiting old haunts.
  2. The experience of exploring ancestral graves and family history in Texas cemetery.
  3. Reflections on their relationship with a beloved godfather from Texas and the impact on their life.

What's the frequency, Tom?

Sundman figures it out! • 176 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The author shares personal stories and reflections from different points in their life, highlighting moments of realization and connection.
  2. The importance of intuition, symbols, and signs in guiding life choices and experiences.
  3. Reflecting on the interconnectedness of experiences and the mysteries of life.

Pouch is now available for preorder!

vrk loves paper • 99 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Pouch is available for preorder, and it's an indie magazine for paper lovers. The first issue has 22 pages and is set to ship around April/May 2024.
  2. The author is excited yet curious about how people will receive Pouch. They've put a lot of love and effort into this project, and it's a big milestone for them.
  3. A new zine store called Pouch Cafe is also launching, selling their various zines. They feel more legit as a zine maker now that they have a store, even if they sell zero zines.

To the dolphin that scared the hell out of me while I was surfing

That Damn Optimist • 87 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Dolphins can surprise us in unexpected ways, like when they suddenly appear while surfing. Their presence can be both thrilling and a little scary.
  2. Even though dolphins might seem intimidating with their big fins and shadows, they also bring joy and life to the ocean. They can remind us that not everything that seems scary is harmful.
  3. Dolphins have a playful and musical side that can lift our spirits. Their playful leaps and sounds can feel like a celebration of life in the water.

A Family of Foxes

The Commonplace • 1058 implied HN points • 26 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The different seasons in our lives are marked by unique experiences and pre-occupations.
  2. Foxes, often seen as cunning, may actually exhibit caution and circumspection in urban environments.
  3. Watching animals in their natural behavior can have a calming and healing effect on human emotions.

sunday extra mean pool

bad cattitude • 108 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The world can feel harsh and full of missed chances. It's important to recognize these feelings and acknowledge the challenges we face.
  2. Sometimes we need to take a step back and notice the things happening around us. This helps us stay aware of our experiences and struggles.
  3. Having a space to share these thoughts can be beneficial. Connecting with others helps us process what we feel together.

How to "not try too hard" | #48

The Pole • 79 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Making videos that people pay big money for requires good taste and understanding how to evoke feelings through art.
  2. Good taste involves accurately modeling reality, understanding feelings, and mapping them effectively.
  3. Trying too hard in creative pursuits can lead to inauthentic outcomes; building good taste by observing and understanding is key.

How to Read an AI Image

Cybernetic Forests • 379 implied HN points • 02 Oct 22
🔬 Science Art
  1. AI-generated images are informative about the underlying dataset and the human decisions shaping it.
  2. When analyzing AI images, it's crucial to consider the dataset's cultural, social, economic contexts, and how they influence the output.
  3. A methodology involving creating sample sets, content analysis, database exploration, and connotative analysis can help interpret the underlying biases and limitations in AI-generated images.

Curator

Castalia • 259 implied HN points • 21 May 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. There's a cultural shift where therapy and acting classes are now influenced by performance, politics, and social justice, which can lead to people feeling pressured rather than genuinely understood.
  2. Art has become bland and unoriginal, often falling into the trap of needing to fit into institutional standards, instead of embracing creativity and individuality.
  3. The Great Resignation reflects a change in how people see work; many are valuing their time and personal interests more than just traditional job expectations.

sunday memepool

bad cattitude • 93 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. We should recognize and appreciate ordinary people who do extraordinary things. These unsung heroes often go unnoticed but make a big impact.
  2. Taking action on your own can create change, especially when you see a problem that needs fixing. It's important to step up and do what you can.
  3. Supporting each other and sharing stories about these heroes can inspire more people to take action and help out in their communities. Everyone can contribute in their own way.

01/15/24 - The whole structure is an 8-story building with a free carpark, all-you-can-drink drinks, all-you-can-eat fruit and ice cream.

Moly’s Substack • 98 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. An 8-story building with free carpark, all-you-can-drink drinks, fruit, and ice cream is a unique setup for a bathhouse.
  2. Marriage dynamics in China can involve non-traditional customs like equal sharing of responsibilities and surnames.
  3. People are critical of historical figures like Chiang Kai-Shek and Song Meiling, highlighting the realities behind their public personas.

An Introduction to Donkeyspace

Donkeyspace • 9 implied HN points • 05 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Games are a broad category — from video games to board games, sports, party games, and theoretical models — and studying them helps reveal how rules, play, emergence, and systems work.
  2. Games are an artform that mixes creative, aesthetic experience with technical, STEM-like qualities, so conversations about them naturally involve taste, craft, identity, history, ideas, and ethics.
  3. Games act as metaphors, models, and laboratories for big philosophical and practical questions, and because our world is increasingly driven by software and new technologies, games can offer valuable insight for understanding and shaping the future.

A state of flow

Austin Kleon • 1119 implied HN points • 22 Oct 21
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi is known for the concept of 'flow', which describes a state of being fully immersed in an activity. It’s important to recognize moments when we feel completely engaged and focused.
  2. Joy Williams is a talented short story writer whose work can be enjoyed through various podcasts. Listening to authors read their stories can provide a deeper appreciation for their writing.
  3. David Epstein’s book 'Range' discusses the benefits of being a generalist in a world that often rewards specialization. It’s a good reminder that having a diverse range of skills and interests can be very valuable.

Fuck around & find out (who you fucked)

Situation Normal • 257 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Climate change is a big concern for many people. Most agree it's a serious issue that needs attention.
  2. People often feel overwhelmed by politics and media. Some choose to avoid it and prefer discussing other topics.
  3. Social connections are important, even if casual. Sharing interests can lead to new friendships or dates.

Book Review: Primates of Park Avenue

Passing Time • 234 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The book explores motherhood and social dynamics among wealthy women on the Upper East Side, showing how much status revolves around children and schools.
  2. The author, who comes from a different background, reflects on her experiences fitting into this elite community, emphasizing the pressures and competition involved.
  3. Despite some harsh observations about the social scene, the book reveals a sense of compassion among the women, suggesting there’s more to their stories than just rivalry.

The creative seasons

Austin Kleon • 959 implied HN points • 11 Jan 22
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Creativity goes through seasons, just like nature, and it's important to recognize this cycle. Sometimes, we feel dormant or stagnant, but that doesn't mean we're not growing.
  2. Winter can feel long and challenging, especially in January, but it's also a time for reflection and rest. This downtime can prepare us for new ideas and growth in the future.
  3. Spring always arrives, and with it comes new energy and opportunities. Patience is key, as the hard times often lead to beautiful new beginnings.

Who is your nemesis?

Men Yell at Me • 204 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Everyone has an enemy or something they dislike strongly, which can be a source of motivation. It’s normal to have feelings of rivalry or frustration towards certain people or situations.
  2. Yelling or expressing frustration, like in a big stadium, can be a powerful way to release emotions and bond with others. It’s almost like a communal way of dealing with anger.
  3. Reflecting on who or what your enemy is can help you better understand your own feelings and drive. Identifying your 'nemesis' can give you a clearer perspective on challenges you face.

On First Looking into Brand’s Whole Earth Catalog

Dada Drummer Almanach • 221 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The Whole Earth Catalog was more than just a book; it represented an idea that individuals can take control of their own education and lives. It promoted the power of personal agency in shaping one’s environment.
  2. Stewart Brand's famous quote about information highlights a tension between making information accessible and recognizing its value. While information can be freely shared in some ways, its worth still holds significant economic implications.
  3. The catalog’s legacy is complicated. It began with a vision of ecological awareness and individual empowerment, but its ideas have been co-opted by corporate interests, raising questions about the true impact of technology on society.

A brief history of creativity (and power)

escape the algorithm • 179 implied HN points • 24 May 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Creativity has a complex history tied to power dynamics, transitioning from divine origins to human control over time.
  2. The concept of creativity evolved alongside the shift in gender roles and power dynamics, affecting societal views on art and innovation.
  3. In modern times, creativity is intertwined with capitalist productivity, leading to value creation and power imbalances in various spheres of society.

No yelling!

Austin Kleon • 879 implied HN points • 11 Feb 22
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Reading and re-reading thoughtful works can deepen your understanding, like Rebecca Solnit's writings about Virginia Woolf.
  2. Exploring archives and profiles of creative figures, such as the woman behind 'Goodnight Moon,' can be really inspiring.
  3. Finding new music and podcasts can enhance your listening experience, like discovering Cate Le Bon's albums or Annie Murphy Paul's ideas on thinking.