The hottest Art Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

Pluck the day

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 04 Jun 21
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Plucking the day means to fully embrace and take advantage of every moment. It's about recognizing opportunities and making the most out of them.
  2. Ideas can come from both within us and the world around us. Sometimes inspiration is influenced by outside experiences more than our own thoughts.
  3. Corita Kent’s studio has been honored as a historic landmark. This shows the importance of artists and their contributions to culture.

Popularity Equals the Maximum Distribution of Familiar Surprises

Holodoxa • 19 implied HN points • 11 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Popularity is often driven by the confluence of exposure, familiarity in a surprising way, and promotion from dominant players in the network.
  2. Thompson's model emphasizes that distribution and network dynamics play a bigger role in making something popular than content or quality.
  3. Thompson's book delves into the science behind creating popular cultural artifacts but falls short in addressing the complexity of human preferences and other explanatory variables.

Emilia Pérez Is Not a Progressive Message Movie

Gideon's Substack • 9 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The film 'Emilia Pérez' is unique and not exactly what you would expect for an Oscar movie. It's got a strange plot, focusing on a drug lord who changes her identity and tries to redeem her past.
  2. The main character shows that change isn't just about surgery or a new identity. Even after transforming, she still struggles with her old problems and selfish behaviors.
  3. This movie challenges the idea that all characters representing marginalized groups should be perfect heroes. It presents a flawed character who doesn't fit neatly into progressive narratives, which makes it stand out.

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 26 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
📚 Literature Art
  1. The novel 'Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow' explores the challenges and nuances of creating art and friendships, particularly in the context of the video game industry.
  2. The book is praised for elevating gaming to the level of art, alongside other creative forms like poetry and music, emphasizing the joy and bonds that come from creating something for others to enjoy.
  3. While the story is engaging and fast-paced, some elements of the plot and character development may fall short of the book's ambitious themes, ending with a less impactful conclusion.

Weakened by the weekend

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 23 Apr 21
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Taking breaks from social media can help reduce feelings of being overwhelmed or weakened after the weekend. It's important to unplug regularly.
  2. Paper dictionaries are unique and enjoyable tools that can make reading and learning new words feel magical.
  3. Composer Lou Harrison's motto of 'Cherish, Conserve, Consider, Create' is a great guideline for living a thoughtful and creative life.
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Of portals and pansies

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 16 Apr 21
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Reading and writing can feel like opening a new door to different worlds. It's an exciting way to explore new ideas.
  2. Music and movies can inspire and connect us, making us feel emotions deeply. It’s great to discover new films or songs that resonate with us.
  3. Spring brings new life and beauty around us, like flowers blooming. It's a nice reminder to appreciate nature and its changes.

Kanye, Deranged Penguin

The Carousel • 8 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Kanye West challenges people’s views on mental illness. Some believe his behavior is a result of mental health issues, while others think he uses it to provoke reactions.
  2. The loudest critics of Kanye often struggle with his different approach to expressing himself. His actions can make people uncomfortable, leading to a conflict between their beliefs and reactions.
  3. Some people see artists like Kanye as outsiders who break the rules of society. This outsider perspective can lead to creative and unexpected ideas, even if it seems strange to others.

Recursive Chess

Infinitely More • 12 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Recursive chess is a new twist on the traditional game where pieces must play their own mini-games before capturing. This makes each capture more complex and interesting.
  2. The rules of recursive chess are still being debated, with no clear answer on how to play. Different interpretations could lead to many unique gameplay experiences.
  3. Exploring the rules of recursive chess invites deeper discussions about game theory and the nature of games themselves, making it a fascinating topic for anyone interested in strategy.

A quilt made of days

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 09 Apr 21
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Quilting can represent the passage of time, where each piece reflects a different day or experience.
  2. Copying influences is important for creativity, but eventually you need to find your own unique voice.
  3. Good conversation can feel difficult, so it's helpful to explore new ways to connect with others beyond basic questions.

New essay: Mystifying the Appearances

Reactionary Feminist • 8 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The essay discusses how different thinkers, like Owen Barfield and Jacques Derrida, interpret our connection to what we perceive. Barfield sees it as magical, while Derrida views it as dangerous.
  2. Derrida's perspective has become more dominant, leading to a culture filled with confusion and skepticism. This has created a sense of emptiness in society.
  3. However, there seems to be a shift happening now, with people questioning this dominant way of thinking and exploring new ideas in politics and culture.

You have to be obsessed

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 19 Mar 21
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Being passionate or obsessed about something can drive you to achieve great things. It's important to let that passion show in your work and hobbies.
  2. Books, music, and movies can all inspire you and provide comfort or entertainment. Exploring different genres can open up new perspectives.
  3. Sharing recommendations and experiences with others can create connections and help build a supportive community. It's great to share what you love!

A quote a day

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 12 Mar 21
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Collecting quotes can be a fun way to inspire yourself and keep meaningful thoughts handy.
  2. Reading and enjoying books can provide comfort and joy, especially during tough times like a pandemic.
  3. Keeping a diary, even about daily life during lockdown, helps you reflect on experiences and can be therapeutic.

poetry as the current state of American media

Tumbleweed Words • 7 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. American media is chaotic and full of contradictions. It reflects a world where many things are happening at once.
  2. There are deep issues with governance and leadership. People feel unheard and question the decisions being made.
  3. Despite the turmoil, life goes on for many. People engage in everyday activities and seek entertainment amid the chaos.

The stream I go a-fishing in

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 26 Feb 21
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Time is a valuable resource, much like a stream we go fishing in. We should make the most of it.
  2. Reading can open up new worlds. There are many interesting books out there waiting to be explored.
  3. Creativity is important, and discussing it can help us learn more about ourselves and our interests.

The Year In Review

Cosy Moments • 9 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The author is thankful for their readers and encourages feedback on what topics they want to see more of in the future.
  2. Next year, the author plans to write about classic writers like Alexander Pope and William Shakespeare, as well as philosophy and religion.
  3. There will be a special Q&A post to celebrate a milestone for the 'Cosy Moments' series, inviting readers to send in their questions.

I’m making a movie

The Next Chapter • 3 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The film 'After Moonrise' focuses on the relationship between a mother and daughter, exploring themes of grief and healing together. It's about understanding and connecting across generations.
  2. The filmmaker is learning the craft through various classes and hands-on experience, despite not having a formal background in film. They are excited about the journey and value community support.
  3. The project relies on crowdfunding to cover costs like production and post-production, and the creator invites others to join in by contributing or spreading the word.

Creative Machines

polymathematics • 19 implied HN points • 10 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. People wonder if AIs can truly be considered artists. It's a big question because art is often seen as a human creation.
  2. If a favorite book was found to be written by AI, it might change how we feel about it. Many would ask if it makes the story less special or meaningful.
  3. The idea of AI creating literature challenges our ideas about creativity and originality. It makes us think about what it means to be an artist.

It ain’t Grand

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 19 Feb 21
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Living in a tough situation can be a slow journey. It's important to find comfort and look for helpers during hard times.
  2. If you're stuck with your creative work, try just pointing at things around you. It can help spark new ideas and inspiration.
  3. Reading is a great escape. Picking up interesting books can offer new perspectives and inspire your own writing.

Rabbit Holes 🕳️ #70

Creative Destruction • 22 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Living life as an art involves creativity within constraints, promoting virtues over self-improvement schemes.
  2. Involvement with land and soil can combat anxieties stemming from detachment in modern progress narratives.
  3. Digital lifestyles can lead to de-humanization, turning us into 'storysellers' and impacting how we form connections and perceive reality.

No Direction Home

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 8 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. China is thinking about selling TikTok in the US to Elon Musk, which could be bad for free speech and user privacy.
  2. Having a group of people control TikTok, rather than just one person like Musk, would be a better idea for users.
  3. Artistic geniuses mix different styles and cultures in a way that brings something new, like how Picasso combined African art with European influences.

Every day is Groundhog Day

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 05 Feb 21
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Every day can feel repetitive, like the movie Groundhog Day. It’s okay to find new ways to celebrate the same day, like suggesting fun alternatives.
  2. February is a unique month because it’s exactly four weeks long. It can make people think differently about how they plan and view time.
  3. What seems boring to us now can actually be interesting later. So, don’t hesitate to document your everyday life because it may tell a great story in the future.

Something that will outlast them

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 22 Jan 21
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Disgust can actually help us survive and grow. It can push us to develop new habits, like keeping a diary.
  2. Beautifully designed books can inspire us to write. A simple act of writing just one line a day can be meaningful.
  3. Reading deeply and taking ideas from others is encouraged. This helps us connect with more creativity in our work.

A Spooky Roundup (October 2022)

polymathematics • 19 implied HN points • 14 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. This list features fun short stories and podcasts that fit the Halloween theme. It's a great way to enjoy spooky content during the season.
  2. The artwork in the post is created by the author's talented sister, Abby. Supporting artists in your community is always a good idea!
  3. You can subscribe to receive regular updates on similar content. It's a nice way to discover more interesting projects and reads every month.

The power of crowds

Gray Mirror • 40 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The power of crowds is demonstrated through the community funding of projects.
  2. Support for art and culture projects, like films and magazines, is essential for new cultural movements.
  3. Encouragement to pre-order and support new creative publications and projects.

All the nerds are dead

Numb at the Lodge • 36 HN points • 09 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Hipsterism thrived in an era of information overload but became obsolete with the rise of efficient algorithms.
  2. Nerds are characterized by liking things for the sake of consumption rather than quality.
  3. Mass culture, dominated by nerd culture, is showing signs of collapse as people are becoming disillusioned with repetitive, low-quality content.

Vision Board Edition

As Ever • 7 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Art
  1. Setting goals with a vision board can help make your dreams a reality. When you focus on what you want to achieve, you're more likely to see it happen.
  2. Our thoughts and mindset can influence the world around us. It's important to be mindful of what we think and pray for, as these can shape our experiences.
  3. Anxiety and worry can be spiritual burdens, but prayer and faith can offer comfort and guidance. Being honest in our desires when praying can help us grow and connect with God.

Start the week #84

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 9 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Modesty isn't the same as being jealous of others' success. It’s okay to celebrate achievements without feeling bad about it.
  2. People often react differently when you share news of success, especially in different cultures. Americans can be more supportive, while some in England might be less encouraging.
  3. Feeling overwhelmed by constant bragging can make someone unsubscribe or mute others on social media. It's fine to want a balance and appreciate modesty in sharing achievements.

This Emptiness is Normal

Cybernetic Forests • 39 implied HN points • 14 Mar 21
🕹 Technology Art
  1. Contemporary computing culture stems from a simple idea of punch cards, leading to a series of binary choices that automate decisions.
  2. Yuk Hui suggests viewing organisms as behaviors of their components and interactions, blurring the lines between organic and built systems.
  3. Hui encourages a shift from mechanistic thinking to understanding machines based on their behaviors, interactions, and integration into human lives.

Gathering seeds

SatPost by Trung Phan • 31 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Art
  1. The importance of gathering seed ideas for creativity and writing
  2. Popular articles and tweets from the first half of 2023
  3. Various trending topics and tweets on Twitter in 1H 2023

How Burning Man Failed

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 27 implied HN points • 29 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The Burning Man festival has shifted from its original vision and become more focused on wealth and status, losing its self-parody and social critique.
  2. Burning Man now reflects a culture of hollow hedonism and narcissism, with art and experiences tailored for Instagram and wealthy attendees.
  3. The lack of a meaningful critique on societal issues within Burning Man and the psychedelic renaissance highlights a need for collective action and political activism.

Sampler #2

Internal exile • 31 implied HN points • 09 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Cringe theory: Discusses the concept of 'cringe' entertainment and its relationship with authenticity and comedy.
  2. Vibes as bias: Highlights how language models like GPT can inadvertently amplify biases in text generation.
  3. Frame analysis: Explores how fan culture's desire to expand narratives can diminish the original work's impact and mystery.

#11 - What's behind the interface of Lethal Company

A Good Interface • 2 HN points • 28 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Art
  1. The user interface of Lethal Company is successful because it matches the game's genre and atmosphere with carefully chosen colors, shapes, and ornaments.
  2. A key aspect of the UI design is displaying the right amount of information, ensuring the player remains immersed without feeling overwhelmed.
  3. To make the UI easily understandable, leveraging common icons, patterns, and familiar elements is crucial. It helps simplify the learning curve for players.

Escape the ouroboros of BS

I have thoughts • 2 HN points • 27 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. There is a widespread perception that many products and services are of lower quality and filled with scams.
  2. Be cautious of online business coaches and the potential for falling into pyramid schemes; skepticism is key.
  3. In a media landscape filled with dissonance and negativity, finding genuine connections with others and engaging in creative, uplifting conversations can be a valuable way to navigate through the noise.

20241117

Curious futures (KGhosh) • 8 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Occupying public spaces can help resist the negative effects of consumerism. It encourages people to reclaim shared areas for community building.
  2. A balanced society needs three sectors: public, private, and plural. The plural sector includes community groups and NGOs that are not controlled by big corporations or government.
  3. Art and culture should be explored in everyday places. Simple experiences like listening to music or viewing art can enrich our lives and connect us.

March 27

Internal exile • 33 implied HN points • 27 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. AI-generated images are becoming commonplace in memes and do not signify the end of reality.
  2. Reality is socially constructed and not solely based on realistic appearances.
  3. Homogeneity is prevailing in many cultural domains, leading to sameness and average aesthetics.

lists of 5 pt. 2

Midnight Musings • 19 implied HN points • 05 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Everyone worships something in life. If you put your faith in things like money or appearance, you'll never feel satisfied.
  2. You can change yourself instead of wishing to change the world. Focusing on personal growth can lead to real change.
  3. Luxury can make you feel disconnected from others. It's better to embrace shared experiences rather than always seeking comfort.