The hottest Art Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Science Topics

Zombie Buildings

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 339 implied HN points • 11 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Zombie buildings are old structures that remain even after the original buildings are gone. They often have unique stories behind them.
  2. Some examples include columns from demolished churches and schools that have been repurposed or displayed. They serve as reminders of the past.
  3. These remnants show how buildings can have a lasting impact on a city, even if the buildings themselves are no longer standing.

Vol. 1, Issue 41 - Interview with Craig Turvey (Create-a-Snorlax Card Contest)

Johto Times • 79 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Craig Turvey won the Create-a-Snorlax Card Contest in 2002 and created artwork that became an official Pokémon promo card. He was one of only two Western artists featured for that contest.
  2. Winning the contest gave Craig a unique connection to the Pokémon community. He still runs a Pokémon League and enjoys signing cards for fans.
  3. The popularity and value of Pokémon cards, especially Craig's Snorlax promo card, have greatly increased over the years, making it a noteworthy collector's item.

A walkthrough of my diary

Austin Kleon • 539 implied HN points • 18 Jan 22
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Keeping a diary can help you capture your daily thoughts and creativity. It's a good way to reflect and see how your ideas develop over time.
  2. One person's diaries can take on a unique style, like adding drawings or creative layouts. This can make the process more fun and personal.
  3. Starting a diary might feel tricky at first, but tools like journals or prompts can help get you going. It's all about finding what works for you.

Dispatches from the pre-post-purpose age

Thoughts on Writing • 79 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The ad industry is navigating the shift towards the pre-post-purpose age, where concepts like traditional values and future uncertainties intersect.
  2. Gen Z is a diverse and complex demographic that challenges the assumption of uniformity in purpose-driven marketing narratives.
  3. There is a growing discussion in the adland about redefining the concept of government and democracy, highlighting the evolving landscape of societal conversations beyond just corporate purpose.

T.V. Digest #21 Kicks off the Scrapbook line

Textual Variations • 132 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The Scrapbook series allows for quicker and more flexible writing on various topics like movie reviews and recent media news.
  2. Each Scrapbook post can mix different ideas and topics, making it easier to share thoughts that don't fit into standard articles.
  3. Researching for articles can lead to unexpected insights and larger pieces than originally planned, as shown with the piece on the extended X-Men version.
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Saturday Commentary and Review #148

Fisted by Foucault • 421 implied HN points • 02 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The USA benefits from its geographical location, resources, and Monroe Doctrine in maintaining power in the Americas.
  2. US easing of Venezuela oil sanctions indicates strategic economic concerns and reliance on oil market dynamics.
  3. Tensions between Venezuela and Guyana over oil reserves highlight geopolitical complexities and potential regional conflicts.

Angelica’s Notebook 11/6-11/12

Taipology • 13 implied HN points • 12 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Angelica shares her favorite things she read, wrote, and listened to in a weekly notebook.
  2. She actively engages on Twitter, sharing her thoughts and content with her followers.
  3. Her paid subscribers help support her work and allow her to continue creating content.

Not Supporting the Arts

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 364 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The idea of 'Supporting the Arts' is often vague and lacking in tangible action.
  2. Art is fundamental to life and society, not just something to enjoy after essential tasks are done.
  3. Artists struggle with valuing their work financially, and the wider public often underestimates the importance of art in their lives.

From Error, Virtue

Sunday Letters • 79 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Art
  1. Making mistakes can lead to unexpected and beautiful designs, just like fixing an error in a project can give it a unique charm.
  2. Life is full of mistakes, but some of them help us grow and become better, similar to how the best music often includes 'wrong' notes used creatively.
  3. Many great discoveries in science come from unexpected errors, reminding us that being open to failure can lead to amazing insights and new ideas.

On the Death of Cinema.

Through the Looking Glass • 99 implied HN points • 04 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Cinema is evolving as an art form, facing challenges with the rise of streaming services and the dilution of visual culture to 'content'.
  2. Auteurs like Martin Scorsese and Susan Sontag criticize the current state of cinema, pointing out the shift from art to transactional 'content'.
  3. The blurring line between cinema and visual content, technological advancements, and changing viewing habits are impacting how we consume and appreciate movies, sparking a need to rediscover the joy and art of cinema.

Celebrating 100+ readers

polymathematics • 39 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The community just reached over 100 monthly readers, which is a big milestone. It's exciting to see interest and support grow!
  2. To celebrate this achievement, a special discount for membership is offered to the first 100 readers. This makes it a great time to join for extra content.
  3. The writer shows appreciation for all readers, regardless of whether they decide to upgrade their subscriptions. It's all about valuing the support!

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 37

Why is this interesting? • 120 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Some popes in history had children, which is not something many people know. It's interesting to explore how this affects the image of the papacy.
  2. Research shows that playing Tetris might help prevent PTSD. This means a simple game could actually have a big impact on mental health.
  3. Mapping Middle Earth is a fun way to look at the geography of 'The Lord of the Rings.' It can help fans understand the story better.

2nd Annual Fiction Issue

Soaring Twenties • 139 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
📚 Literature Art
  1. The annual fiction issue is a special tradition that celebrates creative writing during the holiday season. It aims to offer readers an escape from negative online trends.
  2. Readers are encouraged to appreciate quality art and storytelling, moving away from the low-quality content often found on the internet.
  3. There is a sense of freedom in choosing what to engage with, and the importance of supporting meaningful creative work is emphasized.

If crisis or war comes

Soaring Twenties • 154 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Sometimes humor can help us cope with serious issues, like crises or wars. It can lighten the mood even when things feel heavy.
  2. Preparing for emergencies can feel overwhelming, but it's important to think ahead and be ready for the unexpected. Staying informed and having a plan can make a difference.
  3. Feeling a sense of obligation can drive us to act, even when we don't want to. We often do things for our loved ones, making the world a better place for them to live in.

Wisconsin Weeds & The Future of Lighters

The Broccoli Report • 59 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Wisconsin is a likely contender for cannabis legalization in 2024 due to public support and advocacy from the Governor.
  2. Hawaii and Florida are also potential states to legalize cannabis this year, with established medical cannabis markets.
  3. The use of AI in creating cannabis-related art and the impact of celebrity marketing on product sales are areas for exploration and reflection in the industry.

Curator

Castalia • 219 implied HN points • 08 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The idea of progress isn't universally accepted. While some people see the future as better, others believe that society can go backward, showing that change isn't always for the better.
  2. Success in art and writing isn't everything. Many artists find fulfillment in the process of creation itself, rather than chasing fame or success.
  3. Philosophers like Lasch and Trilling remind us that focusing too much on progress or collective goals can lessen individual integrity and creativity. They encourage a more personal approach to understanding ourselves and our art.

Institute of Modern Art: DNR Australia Book Launch

Do Not Research • 79 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Art
  1. Do Not Research (DNR) is a platform that focuses on internet culture and was founded in 2020 as a private Discord server.
  2. The platform publishes content twice a week, has over 200 contributors, and hosts physical exhibitions, film screenings, and book launches.
  3. The launch of DNR's new 402-page book 'Do Not Research 2022–2023' is being celebrated at the Institute of Modern Art in Australia.

Inside the mask

Austin Kleon • 599 implied HN points • 29 Oct 21
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Photographs of people wearing masks can be fascinating and revealing. They capture complex emotions and stories behind the masks.
  2. In storytelling, 'The Heroine's Journey' focuses on connecting with others and finding strength through cooperation. This approach is different from the traditional hero's journey and emphasizes community.
  3. Music is often seen as the highest form of art. Schopenhauer believed it expresses deep truths that other art forms can't, making it unique and powerful.

It's Only Pumpkin Pie That's Burning

Outlandish Claims • 19 implied HN points • 10 May 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The average person today has more limbs than ever before, due to advancements in medical care and prosthetics.
  2. Historical parallels can show progress, even when history seems to repeat itself. Improvement can be seen in the present.
  3. It's important to celebrate both past progress and potential for future improvements, balancing gratitude with a focus on areas for growth.

on low effort

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 661 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Effort and results may not always have a clear correlation.
  2. Sometimes high effort leads to success, but other times it's about being interesting.
  3. Deciding between high effort and low effort depends on the situation.

Notre Dame Jour et Nuit

Euro Desk Paris • 59 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Art
  1. Notre Dame in Paris celebrated the completion of the rooftop and spire reconstruction after the 2019 fire
  2. Skilled artisans rebuilt the structures in a traditional way similar to the 1300s
  3. Paid subscribers have access to more detailed content and updates on the reconstruction

Good Luck / Suicide in Bed

Nice Try • 39 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The author feels surprised to discover what an apartment really is after living in one for 14 years. This shows how life can hold unexpected lessons even in everyday situations.
  2. The author connects their personal experience with humor and reflection about living in an apartment, adding depth to the story.
  3. The mention of a movie, _The Apartment_, highlights the idea that art can mirror and influence our own lives and perceptions.

The tragic, forgotten story of Sita Valles

The Global Jigsaw • 119 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Goa has a rich history with a diverse cultural influence over thousands of years.
  2. The region was a hub for an eclectic diaspora, including freedom fighters, that spread across the globe.
  3. Sita Valles, a Goan-origin Angolan communist revolutionary, has a remarkable and forgotten story.

Passing Away

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 352 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Criticism of euphemisms like 'passed away' varies based on time and context.
  2. Language and values shift with time, affecting how we perceive events and people.
  3. As time passes, individuality fades, making collective interpretations more dominant.

Curator

Castalia • 139 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Roland Griffiths has played a big role in bringing psychedelics back to scientific study, showing they can have real mental health benefits. His research has changed the way people think about psychedelics and their potential uses.
  2. There is a complicated debate about separating an artist's work from their personal character. While some believe that art can exist apart from the artist's morals, many feel uncomfortable consuming art created by people who have done bad things.
  3. The #MeToo movement is important, but it has complicated the way we view allegations and public accusations. Some cases, like that of Junot Díaz, show that not every accusation is entirely accurate, highlighting the need for careful investigation.

Movie Recommendations: 3 Wordless Features

Soaring Twenties • 100 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Recommending good movies is important because it helps people discover great films instead of just focusing on negative critiques. It shows that you care about what you love and want to share it with others.
  2. Wordless movies can tell powerful stories through visuals and music alone, making them relatable to everyone regardless of language. This opens up new ways for filmmakers to connect with audiences worldwide.
  3. The success of wordless films highlights the need for movies that are unique and confident, pushing filmmakers to create innovative content rather than just following trends.

What comes after?

Secretum Secretorum • 580 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Art
  1. The future might hold a biosphere of minds interconnected like a rainforest.
  2. Imagining what comes after minds can challenge our current understanding.
  3. Exploring 'What comes after...' questions can push the limits of our imagination.

Beethoven vs. Baby Shark

Fake Noûs • 377 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Baby Shark has brought more total enjoyment and viewership compared to Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata.
  2. The quality of aesthetic pleasure produced by art can be a factor in determining its value.
  3. The purpose and definition of art play a significant role in determining its artistic value.

The Odyssey of Marion Desjardins

Euro Desk Paris • 59 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Marion Desjardins engages strangers in conversations on public benches in a small town.
  2. Direct human contact through conversations on benches reveals unique stories and experiences.
  3. Desjardins highlights the importance of public benches as spaces for connection and sharing in communities.

Artwashing

Teaching computers how to talk • 141 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Art
  1. A group of artists leaked access to OpenAI's new video generator, Sora, because they feel it's being used for corporate marketing instead of true art.
  2. They published an open letter saying that AI companies often use artists' work without proper credit or compensation, which hurts the creative community.
  3. The artists believe that by helping AI models, they might be contributing to their own downfall, as AI is taking over creative spaces.

Pre-Nostalgia in the Late Pre-AI Era

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 610 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Technological advancements, especially in AI, are about to bring major changes to the world.
  2. Pre-nostalgia is a complex feeling that combines joy and sadness about the anticipation of an ending.
  3. The uncertainty of whether the future will bring utopia, doom, or business as usual creates a mix of emotions, but embracing the changes is seen as necessary.

A Goodbye Love Letter to Madonna Ciccone

Disaffected Newsletter • 359 implied HN points • 09 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Madonna has had a huge impact on pop culture, especially for gay men, because of her bold and confident persona. Many admired her for challenging social norms and embracing her sexuality.
  2. Her life experiences, including childhood trauma and complex relationships, have influenced her music and public image. This has led to discussions about her mental health and the struggles that shaped her identity.
  3. As Madonna ages, there is a sense of loss as she moves away from her iconic status. Observers feel she has transformed from a trailblazing artist into someone who seems trapped by her past and struggles with self-identity.

Dog Day Afternoon: The Christmas Edition

The Chris Hedges Report • 128 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. This piece is a special holiday message focusing on themes relevant to Christmas. It reflects on emotions and connections, reminding us of the festive spirit.
  2. The author encourages readers to consider subscribing for more content. This shows the importance of supporting creators and their work.
  3. There are interactive elements, like sharing and commenting, emphasizing community engagement. Readers are invited to connect and share their thoughts.

On Glow, A Pre-Christmas Earwarm

Carefree Sketches • 39 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. In 2060, the concept of media consumption may evolve to include immersive VR performances of music albums called earwarms.
  2. Earwarms like 'On Glow' integrate live audiences into the experience through AR/VR sessions, setting a new trend in media delivery.
  3. Artists like Ribad collaborate with engineers like MeMo to create interactive and visually immersive performances that blend nostalgia with modernity.

The appreciation of rocks

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 159 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Rocks can tell us a lot about how things are built and how they should look. A stable pile of rocks feels solid, while a poorly built wall can look off or unstable.
  2. When things seem inconsistent between their appearance and their structure, it creates a feeling that's hard to ignore. This can happen in many areas, like furniture or buildings.
  3. Understanding the different types of not-knowing helps us make better decisions. Just like with rocks, recognizing when something feels off invites us to learn and improve how we build or create.

Vol. 2, Issue 7 - Backwards compatibility with Pokémon titles

Johto Times • 39 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The closure of the Nintendo eShop means players can't transfer Pokémon from older games anymore. This has affected many fans who cherish their Pokémon from previous generations.
  2. While Pokémon Bank is currently free after a recent shutdown, it's uncertain how long it will continue to operate. There are worries about losing access to older Pokémon data in the future.
  3. There is hope that Nintendo may offer classic Pokémon games online eventually. However, for now, links to older games feel cut off as technology changes.