The hottest Art Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

Margaret and Carrie White Go To A Restaurant

Disaffected Newsletter • 119 implied HN points • 19 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The restaurant scene highlights the clash between Margaret's strict beliefs and Carrie's desire for a normal experience. Margaret's reactions show her discomfort with anything that she sees as sinful.
  2. The interactions with the waitress illustrate the awkwardness of the situation. Margaret's intense comments make the waitress confused and uncomfortable.
  3. Carrie's frustration with her mother's extreme views is clear when she just wants dessert. This shows how challenging their relationship is and how different their perspectives are.

Recommendations II

Nice Try • 99 implied HN points • 13 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Resequencing albums can change how you experience them. For example, swapping tracks on 'Let It Bleed' can create a better flow and make it feel more like a complete piece of art.
  2. Taking your time with long books is important. It's not about how fast you read but how much you engage with the material. Marking notes can help deepen your understanding.
  3. Not all movies about famous artists hit the mark. Some, like the Van Gogh biopic, might not do justice to their subjects, even if they have good performances or interesting ideas.

My year of releasing differently

The Ideaspace • 39 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Taking your time with ideas can make them stronger. It's okay to wait for an idea to develop fully before sharing it with others.
  2. Working with others can lead to amazing results. Collaboration often brings new perspectives and can amplify individual creativity.
  3. Releasing work should be about authenticity and connection, not just seeking approval. Finding the right way to share your ideas can create more meaningful engagement.

RIP Pitchfork

The Rectangle • 113 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎶 Music Art
  1. Pitchfork music website is shutting down and moving under GQ.
  2. Music journalism is facing challenges with major publications closing.
  3. Professional music journalism is important for valuing and discussing art.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Horsin' Around

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. A unique furniture store in Brooklyn is packed with all kinds of antiques, including horses as furniture types. It's a quirky place that shows how obsessed the owner is with his collection.
  2. A comical robbery scene happens in the store where bandits in pantyhose steal a necklace. The whole thing plays out like a funny movie, with the robbers sneaking around furniture.
  3. Spending time with family reveals personal stories and lessons, such as learning about history from grandparents and the complexities of moral questions, like those involving J. Edgar Hoover.

Unpacking My Digital Library

What Is Called Thinking? • 45 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
📚 Literature Art
  1. Curating and sharing links can connect different ideas and inspire thought. It's a fun way to mix academic work with popular culture.
  2. Communicating the truth requires care; it's not just about saying what you think, but also about making sure others understand you. This highlights the importance of good rhetoric.
  3. Having strong convictions can guide important decisions in life, like investing. Knowing when to be passionate and when to be calm is a valuable skill.

The Anointed

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 36 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Having someone recognize your talent can feel important, but real success often comes from hard work and persistence. It’s not just about getting that big break; it’s about consistently putting in the effort.
  2. The media landscape is constantly changing, and many traditional outlets are struggling to survive. It's tough for writers today to find their place in an environment where less funding and fewer opportunities exist.
  3. Today, being 'anointed' or becoming famous in the cultural scene is not as common as it once was. Many traditional routes to success have shifted, and while there are famous figures, the pool of new stars has narrowed significantly.

Disaffected watch party today

Disaffected Newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. There will be a watch party today at 3 pm Eastern. It's a chance for subscribers to join and enjoy a show together.
  2. The show being featured is the mini-series 'Feud: Bette and Joan'. It's about two famous actresses clashing during the decline of old Hollywood.
  3. The link to join the watch party is available below the paywall for subscribers only.

The Heart Wants Inequality: The Inconvenient Truth of Mate Preference and Its Relevance to Today's Sexual Politics

Holodoxa • 59 implied HN points • 22 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Human mating dynamics are influenced by sexual selection and assortative mating, leading to significant social effects over time.
  2. The distribution of socially desirable or economically valued traits is profoundly unequal due to people's freedom to choose their mates, calling for a possible remedy of the mating market's externalities for equality.
  3. Debates on the 'right to sex' are complex within feminist theory, with arguments around consent, agency, objectification, and traditional gender roles.

VFYW: Everyone's A Winner

The Weekly Dish • 18 implied HN points • 31 May 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. In the latest contest, nobody won a prize, which is unusual. It shows that sometimes the competition can be really tough.
  2. Participants shared their experiences with travels and skiing, highlighting fun family times. It's great to see how hobbies bring people closer together.
  3. Many entries included clever guesses about the photo's location, showcasing the engaging nature of the contest. It's cool how people can connect over their insights and knowledge.

no. 50: a never ending grind

let them eat cake • 119 implied HN points • 10 Feb 22
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The post reflects on mortar and pestle, innovation, and modernity in Asia.
  2. The author recommends an organization called the Prepared for those interested in how things are built.
  3. The writer shares a personal experience working with an antique kueh mould from Penang.

#87 The rhythm of design

Design Lobster • 159 implied HN points • 27 Sep 21
🪑 Design Art
  1. Design can be inspired by the rhythmic elements of dance and motion.
  2. Visual representation in design needs to find the right level of abstraction to capture essential aspects.
  3. Design has the power to bring order and rhythm to chaos, much like the mesmerizing motion of a well-designed mobile.

An Exercise...

Story Club with George Saunders • 49 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
📚 Literature Art
  1. Art can spark different emotions and reactions in people. It's not always about getting things perfect, but about creating a reaction.
  2. The process of finding intention in art can be seen as an experiment. Artists should think about how they want to proceed and the impact they want to make.
  3. Discussion and shared experiences are important in art. Engaging others can lead to deeper understanding and powerful conversations.

Links & What I’ve Been Reading, November

By Reason Alone • 46 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. A lot of interesting media is highlighted, like books, podcasts, and films. There's something for everyone to explore and enjoy.
  2. The author encourages youth, especially those aged 16 to 19, to join programs focused on rational thinking and education. It’s a great chance for learning and growing.
  3. Several recent scientific papers and discussions are mentioned, showing ongoing debates and research that can spark curiosity. Staying informed can lead to deeper understanding of complex topics.

Why, actually, I am doing this

Sex and the State • 16 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
📚 Literature Art
  1. Writing can be both enjoyable and challenging. It's great when it's easy, but sometimes it feels tough.
  2. A helpful way to deal with perfectionism is to just keep trying and not worry about making things perfect.
  3. Finding motivation and reasons to write is important, even if you feel pressure to produce something great.

Is "The Brutalist" a Holocaust Film? An Architecture Film? Is This "Masterpiece" Even Much of a Film?

Gideon's Substack • 35 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The film 'The Brutalist' is criticized for its heavy-handed writing and lack of real character depth. The characters often feel more like symbols than real people.
  2. Despite being praised for its visuals, the film fails to convey a genuine sense of place or energy in its settings. It does not fully explore the historical context it claims to represent.
  3. Many viewers feel the film treats serious subjects like the Holocaust and American identity in a superficial way. This reduces the experiences of the characters to mere symbols rather than meaningful narratives.

CUcommunity vs. the Intruder From Harvard

Default Wisdom • 29 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Rehan's early years were shaped by the vibrant and experimental nature of the early Internet. It was a time full of new challenges and opportunities.
  2. Growing up in a mostly white community as a person of color brought unique experiences and perspectives for Rehan. These experiences influenced his understanding of identity and belonging.
  3. The story highlights the tension between local communities and outside influences, particularly from prestigious institutions like Harvard. This represents the ongoing struggle between tradition and modernity.

Poetry is an Art of Sound

Dada Drummer Almanach • 115 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
📚 Literature Art
  1. Poetry is an art of sound and speech, an art performed by the reader.
  2. Keith Waldrop emphasized the importance of combining different elements in poetry, like verse and prose, to create a new language.
  3. Music was a significant influence for Keith Waldrop, who admired composers like Monteverdi, Mozart, and Indian Carnatic music.

A Bit of a Hypocrisy

Tessa Fights Robots • 29 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The author highlights a feeling of hypocrisy in society, where people say one thing but do another. It's important to recognize and address these contradictions in our actions.
  2. Encouraging readers to support their work financially reflects the challenge many creators face in gaining sustainable support. It’s a reminder of how much we value content that resonates with us.
  3. The focus on a specific theme, like saving loved ones, illustrates the deeper emotional connections we have and the moral dilemmas we often grapple with in life. These situations can reveal our true values.

Sinners Review

The Carousel • 16 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The movie 'Sinners' is bashed for being a total mess and not making sense. It mixes too many ideas poorly, leading to an unclear story and characters.
  2. There's a strong criticism of the film's approach to racism, suggesting it presents white people as bad without a solid storyline. This creates confusion rather than a meaningful message.
  3. The review expresses frustration that big-budget films like this can be made without proper quality control, making audiences wonder why they even go to see it in the first place.

Curator

Castalia • 79 implied HN points • 23 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Greed is not something we are born with; it changes over time due to different cultures and events in history. The 18th century saw a big shift towards capitalism, but it doesn't have to be our only way of living.
  2. Joseph Roth was a significant writer who managed to speak about personal experiences while also addressing the larger political issues of his time. His works are appreciated for being deeply human and emotionally resonant.
  3. The concept of 'choice architecture' suggests that people are subtly manipulated into making 'better' choices without realizing it. This can end up feeling controlling rather than empowering, questioning how much real freedom we have in our choices.

Balinese mask workshop

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 28 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The workshop involved a warm-up session similar to ecstatic dance, allowing participants to move freely without the usual pressure of performance. This created a relaxed atmosphere for expression and connection.
  2. Wearing hand-carved masks changed how participants felt and interacted, helping them to be more instinctive and less self-conscious, akin to being an animal in nature.
  3. Engaging with others during the workshop led to unexpected emotional moments, highlighting the importance of communication and understanding feelings in social interactions.

#91 The design of sleep

Design Lobster • 139 implied HN points • 25 Oct 21
🪑 Design Art
  1. Consider incorporating human biological rhythms into your design
  2. Think about how the characteristics of your design would change if scaled up
  3. Design is about imagining beautiful futures and holding onto those visions

Type of Guy studies; MAGA misfit toys; Adorno on the Mangiones; An old-time boss's farewell to politics

Unpopular Front • 35 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The author is excited about their book receiving recognition, appearing on several year-end best lists, which they didn't expect.
  2. They discuss the relevance of the film 'Taxi Driver' and encourage listeners to check out a screening of 'Ronin', highlighting its quality as a thriller.
  3. For those interested in art, fashion, and culture, the author recommends checking out a Substack called 'Selling Out' by Natasha Stagg.

People I would hate if seated near them at a party

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 179 implied HN points • 26 Feb 21
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The post discusses the intricacies and complexities of the crypto art world, questioning the value and perception of digital art and assets.
  2. Various thought-provoking reads are recommended, covering topics like OnlyFans, Amazon labor practices, Britney Spears' media portrayal, and the evolution of advice columns.
  3. A range of intriguing tidbits is shared, from tech moguls' interest in utopias to the censorship practices of social media platforms, providing a snapshot of contemporary internet culture.

The Lady in the Louvre

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 13 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Seeing the Mona Lisa in person is a completely different experience than just looking at pictures. She is more beautiful and graceful than I expected.
  2. Many people take photos of the Mona Lisa instead of just enjoying her presence. It seems they don’t know how to connect with the art without a camera.
  3. Her smile seems to suggest that she cannot be owned or completely understood by anyone. It's like she's saying her beauty and story are hers alone.

My Expectations for 2025 in One Meme

Tessa Fights Robots • 33 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. You are unique and important. Your individual voice and presence matter in the world.
  2. No matter the chaos around you, stay grounded and true to yourself. Focus on your inner strength and love.
  3. Even if life gets overwhelming, remember you have the power to navigate through it and make a difference.

5 oblique strategies for navigating Google Maps

escape the algorithm • 99 implied HN points • 23 Mar 22
🏝 Travel Art
  1. Use randomstreetview to virtually visit random locations and capture things that remind you of home.
  2. Explore Google Maps by following paths of low-rated reviews to discover interconnected places.
  3. Engage in a creative activity by zooming out on the world map and randomly exploring locations to find interesting visual compositions.

Another day in paradise

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The creative process has two phases: gathering ideas freely and then adding structure to them. It's important to let each phase finish naturally.
  2. Setbacks in habits can be framed positively, like a market 'correction'. This can help you stay mindful and improve your habits.
  3. Experiences can vary wildly, like the contrast between a fancy club dinner and a social dance. These moments show the diverse experiences life offers.

the joy of browsing

visa's voltaic verses ⚡️ • 14 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Browsing bookstores can lead to unexpected discoveries and joy. It's exciting to find interesting books that you weren't specifically looking for.
  2. Book browsing is not just about buying books; it's also a social activity. Sharing this experience with friends can help deepen connections.
  3. Understanding the variety of genres and reader preferences in bookstores highlights the diverse interests people have. Everyone has their unique tastes when it comes to reading.

War Crimes

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 19 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The epic of the Iliad explores the limits of violence, with scenes like advocating for infanticide and portraying extreme brutality during war.
  2. The depiction of violence in ancient Greek art, like the Mykonos Vase, reflects the harsh realities of warfare and societal practices of that time.
  3. The breakdown of social conventions in the Iliad leads to brutal, dehumanizing violence, showcasing how individual actions can disrupt norms and unleash chaos.

Poll Worker or Poll Dancer

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Bill Gates faced a lot of anger from voters, but he stayed strong during tough times. His decision not to run for reelection shows how much the past elections affected him.
  2. A former poll worker shared her story of stepping up to help after Hurricane Sandy. She felt that young people are needed to improve the voting system in New York.
  3. Little Richard's influence on rock and roll was huge, even if he didn't get much credit. Many famous musicians looked up to him and acknowledged how he shaped their music.

Are Paintings of Birth Pornographic? Facebook A.I. Thinks So, and Why that's a Problem

Humanities in Revolt • 79 implied HN points • 11 May 22
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Popular cultural representations often portray childbirth as a passive event happening to women, rather than showcasing their agency in giving birth.
  2. Facebook's AI flagged images of childbirth as 'adult content', showing a lack of nuanced understanding between exploitative nudity and natural imagery.
  3. Art, like Amanda Greavette's paintings of childbirth, plays a crucial role in highlighting the true essence of maternal agency and human existence, inspiring deeper understanding and appreciation.

Give me a "busy mode" or give me death

The Rectangle • 28 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Many gamers wish for a 'busy mode' in games that allows them to focus on the main story without all the extra side quests. It would save time and make gaming more enjoyable for those with busy lives.
  2. As people get older, they may find it harder to fully commit to long gaming sessions. Shorter, story-driven experiences could be more appealing and realistic for adult gamers.
  3. There are concerns about how a 'busy mode' might affect the gaming experience, but the idea is to make gaming more accessible and fun without losing the essence of the game.

Is Big Tech using Data Laundering to cheat artists?[Storytime Saturdays]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 21 Nov 22
🕹 Technology Art
  1. Data Laundering involves converting stolen data to make it seem legitimate for different uses.
  2. Big Tech companies use non-profits to create datasets/models for research, then monetize them into APIs without compensating artists.
  3. There is a double standard between how Tech companies treat music and visual art, with considerations about replicating music, copyright standards, and the ethical aspects of compensation.

VFYW: Legends Abound

The Weekly Dish • 26 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The VFYW contest features a variety of fun and creative themes, showcasing unique views from windows around the world. It's a great way to spark creativity and engage with a community of puzzle lovers.
  2. Participants share stories and memories tied to their window views, turning the contest into a shared experience. This personal touch adds depth to the entries and makes the contest more enjoyable.
  3. The guessing process for the locations can be challenging but also intriguing. Many people enjoy the detective work involved in figuring out the right answer by analyzing clues from the photos.

The Occult Technology of the Rollercoaster

Happy Hauntology • 1 HN point • 06 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Rollercoasters are unique machines that don't serve a practical purpose, unlike typical machines that make goods or transport people. They provide thrilling experiences instead, which some believe reflects magical rituals.
  2. The Wicker Man rollercoaster at Alton Towers is designed to feel like a rite of passage for kids. It mixes fear with excitement, symbolically helping children transition into teenagers by confronting their fears.
  3. Newer rollercoasters, like The Ride to Happiness in Belgium, focus less on fear and more on joy and freedom, offering a different kind of magical experience that emphasizes fun and personal liberation.