The hottest Art Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Science Topics

I've Been Watching These 17 YouTube Videos

The Honest Broker • 6416 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. YouTube has become a major platform, making more money than Netflix and attracting billions of user hours daily. It's like the new TV for many people.
  2. There is a lot of low-quality content on YouTube, but you can still find great videos if you know where to look.
  3. Artist exploitation in the music industry is still a big issue, with many musicians not earning money from their own work, and changes in technology are bringing past musicians back into the spotlight.

The Church of Minding One’s Own Business

Austin Kleon • 4256 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Minding your own business can be a refreshing approach to life. It allows you to focus on your own thoughts and interests instead of getting caught up in others' lives.
  2. Reading good translations can greatly enhance the experience of classic literature. Edith Grossman's work on 'Don Quixote' is a perfect example of how translation can bring a book to life.
  3. Nostalgia is powerful, whether through music or movies. Listening to favorite albums or watching beloved films can bring back fond memories and feelings.

What Happens in a Second?

Animation Obsessive • 2870 implied HN points • 23 May 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The length of the film 'The Adventures of Prince Achmed' varies between different editions. Some versions are 65 minutes long while others are longer due to differences in playback speed.
  2. There's a debate about how long the film originally was, with some believing it could be as long as 90 minutes. This confusion stems from how silent films are understood and played today.
  3. The discussion around the film highlights a broader issue about silent films in general and how one second can mean different things in different contexts. It's a fun puzzle that has had people talking for many years!

An Overstuffed Summer Bouquet of Links & Recs

Culture Study • 2282 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Traveling can expose us to the beauty of different cultures and histories. It helps us appreciate the world while also reflecting on the struggles that exist within it.
  2. It's important to find joy and hope even in tough times. Balancing happy moments with the reality of current events can be challenging but necessary.
  3. Supporting public art and education is crucial. Many people are advocating for change and ways to help those in need, highlighting our ability to work together for good.

Death is the Mother of Beauty

Cosmographia • 1837 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Art
  1. The post discusses the concept that 'Death is the Mother of Beauty'. (Henry's quote 'Death is the mother of beauty' is intriguing and prompts reflection on the relationship between life's transient nature and its beauty.)
  2. The post is part of the 'Venus’ Notebook' series on Cosmographia. (The 'Venus' Notebook' series on Cosmographia explores various beautiful things and adds to the charm of the publication.)
  3. The content is for paid subscribers only. (This exclusive content is reserved for paid subscribers, indicating the value and depth of insights shared.)
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It’s trying to tell you something

Austin Kleon • 4356 implied HN points • 25 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Writer's block can mean something important and may guide your creative process. It's worth paying attention to what your mind is telling you when you feel stuck.
  2. Understanding the impact of literature and quotes in our lives can help us grow. Reflecting on classic works can lead to deeper insights about ourselves and our experiences.
  3. Art is about pushing culture forward. Engaging with different artistic expressions can inspire personal and collective growth.

dialectical damage

bookbear express • 2339 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Relationships are essential in life, like clothes you can't avoid. The way we interact with others shapes our happiness.
  2. Different styles in relationships often clash. It's important to appreciate not just who someone is, but also how they handle situations.
  3. Love can be both beautiful and challenging. It brings change and growth, but also involves vulnerability and compromise.

Is The World Really Getting Less Colourful?

Everything Is Amazing • 556 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Some people believe the modern world is less colorful than the past. They think this could be a problem for our culture.
  2. It's important to question these big claims about color in our world. We should look for real data instead of just feelings.
  3. Movies are often cited as examples of this color loss, but there are still vibrant films being made. So, the situation might be more complex than it seems.

Afterimages of the eclipse

Austin Kleon • 3916 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Poetry can really help us through tough times, and Louise Glück's work is a great place to start if you're looking for comfort in words.
  2. When creating art, it’s best to just focus on the process and forget about success or failure for a while.
  3. Listening to music can inspire creativity, just like how Carla Bley started her journey in music by being an attentive listener.

The Iranian Poetry Culture Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1568 implied HN points • 12 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. In Iran, poetry isn't just for entertainment; it's a big part of everyday life and shared culture. People memorize it and use it to express deep feelings, making it a form of connection among them.
  2. The challenge of expressing criticism in Iran has made poetry a clever way to communicate complex ideas and emotions. This layered speech lets people share thoughts while also being cautious about what they say.
  3. While the West has many individual cultural references, Iran holds onto a shared poetic language that unites people. This common ground helps them deal with emotions together, unlike in more fragmented societies.

What is spite?

The Common Reader • 1701 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
📚 Literature Art
  1. Spite is a powerful emotion that drives people to act out of scorn or dislike towards others. It can inspire creativity and productivity, especially in art and literature.
  2. Much of what we do is shaped by personal spite, which reveals our histories and motivations. Even great works of literature often stem from this complex feeling.
  3. The study of spite is intertwined with biography, as understanding a creator's life often uncovers the spiteful influences behind their work.

Foxes or Red Foxes

Nice Try • 339 implied HN points • 09 Jul 24
📚 Literature Art
  1. A new short story titled 'Foxes or Red Foxes' has been published and can be read online.
  2. The story is paired with a beautiful painting by artist Scott Michael Ackerman.
  3. The author is currently working on a novel and finds inspiration while relaxing and daydreaming.

The Ring of Fire

Cosmographia • 1697 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Art
  1. The post is titled 'The Ring of Fire' and is part of the Atlas' Notebook series on Cosmographia, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography related to a specific place.
  2. The post is for paid subscribers only, indicating exclusive content for those who have subscribed.
  3. The author of the post is M. E. Rothwell, and it was published on February 25, 2024, with a link to their profile for further exploration.

Yukon River

Cosmographia • 1158 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24
🏝 Travel Art
  1. The Yukon River is named after the color of the glacial runoff that feeds it, and it travels almost 2000 miles from British Columbia to the Bering Sea, draining a land area 25% larger than the State of Texas.
  2. Robert W. Service, known as the 'Bard of the Yukon,' was a Scottish-Canadian writer and poet who spent years in the Yukon wilderness, inspired by the Goldrush.
  3. The Yukon River is home to the longest salmon run in the world, with king salmon traveling two thousand miles against the current to return to their spawning grounds and then die, exhausted from their journey.

The History of The Onion You Didn't Know You Needed

Culture Study • 2000 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The Onion started in Madison, Wisconsin, where a fun and collective writing approach helped create its distinct style. This Midwestern influence allowed the writers to focus on creativity without the pressure of big-city ambitions.
  2. The book discusses the conflicts between creativity and commercial success, suggesting that the essence of satire might struggle to survive under profit-driven ownership. This tension shapes how humor evolves in response to our changing media landscape.
  3. Satirizing the news plays an essential role in highlighting the flaws in how information is presented and understood. Even as the news environment changes, satire remains a valuable tool for challenging established narratives.

I don’t want to be the best

Austin Kleon • 4915 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Laziness can sometimes lead to more discipline. It's interesting how they can connect in unexpected ways.
  2. Reading apps like Libby and Hoopla have made it easier to discover new books, but it's concerning when access gets restricted for younger audiences.
  3. Midlife crises can be transformative opportunities, so rather than seeing them as negative, we should embrace the change and potential they bring.

Captioned Photos (22)

Tao Lin • 479 implied HN points • 17 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The post features a collection of personal photos with captions. It showcases moments with family, pets, and nature.
  2. There is a focus on sharing memories and connections with loved ones. The writer emphasizes the importance of these simple, joyful experiences.
  3. The writer invites readers to subscribe for more content and offers a free trial, suggesting an ongoing engagement with their work.

Petra

Cosmographia • 1557 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Art
  1. The post is part of the Atlas' Notebook series on Cosmographia, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography related to specific places.
  2. This post is for paid subscribers of Cosmographia, offering exclusive content for those who have subscribed.
  3. Samantha Childress, an American essayist living in Amman, Jordan, wrote a guest post featured in this publication.

Borobudur ꦕꦤ꧀ꦝꦶꦧꦫꦧꦸꦝꦸꦂ

Cosmographia • 1198 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Art
  1. Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple, remains a mystery in terms of its origins, being built with 1 million stones weighing 100kg each.
  2. The temple's construction in a Hindu area, far from Buddhist thought, and its sudden decline after completion add to the curiosity surrounding its purpose.
  3. Borobudur's significance goes beyond its structure, shedding light on the ancient Javanese society, their resources, and devotion to a peaceful philosophy.

A love of life (or lack thereof)

Subtle Digressions • 599 implied HN points • 01 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. As we grow older, we often lose the excitement and dreams we had when we were younger. Life becomes more practical and less about following our passions.
  2. It's important to give ourselves permission to be creative and to fail. We often hold back because we worry about how our work will be judged.
  3. Being honest with ourselves and others is key to finding joy and meaning in life. When we stop pretending and show our true selves, we can reconnect with what we love.

Heliopolis

Cosmographia • 1897 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
📚 Literature Art
  1. The post is part of the Atlas' Notes series focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography centered on a specific place.
  2. The content is for paid subscribers only, with an invitation to subscribe for access to the full post.
  3. The post features M. E. Rothwell and includes a collection of images for engagement with the audience.

What Is Substack For?

Castalia • 3017 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Substack can help writers make money from their work, encouraging them to think like entrepreneurs and market their writing effectively.
  2. Some argue that Substack is more about building a community of writers, emphasizing creativity and support over money.
  3. Another view is to see Substack as a base for writing, where authors can share their voice while also engaging with wider audiences through different platforms.

Why You Should Still Build Your Raft of Art in the Sea of Slop

Counter Craft • 1494 implied HN points • 11 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Making art is still important, even when it feels hard because of all the noise around us. Your work can be unique and valuable, so focus on creating instead of getting distracted by trends.
  2. Don't worry about what others are doing or how popular their work becomes. Your audience will be different, and what you create is special to you, not a competition with mainstream stuff.
  3. Art enriches your life in many ways, and you should make it because you love it. Enjoy the creative process, regardless of whether anyone else sees or appreciates it.

The Monday Media Diet with Emma Apple Chozick

Why is this interesting? • 482 implied HN points • 17 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. A diverse media diet is important; it's beneficial to read and listen to content from various sources and topics. Exploring different perspectives helps you grow creatively and personally.
  2. Reading for fun is just as valuable as reading for work. Enjoying literature can lead to relaxation and new ideas, breaking away from the grind of constant productivity.
  3. Getting lost in rabbit holes of interest can lead to amazing discoveries. Following your curiosity might connect you with inspiring people and new opportunities.

Tony Soprano and the Jungian Death Mother

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 2462 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Tony Soprano is a complex character who shows both deep flaws and a desire for change, but his life as a mafia boss makes real transformation difficult.
  2. The show portrays struggles with familial relationships, particularly the damaging influence of Tony's mother, which shapes his behavior and emotions significantly.
  3. Unlike other antiheroes in TV shows, Tony's actions often reveal a deeper horror, as he inflicts pain on loved ones not just for survival, but from a deep-seated need to manage his feelings of inadequacy.

Atlas of Links #3

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 508 implied HN points • 23 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. It's common to feel overwhelmed when trying to create organized content from a messy list of ideas and links. Finding a balance between low-effort archiving and the necessary effort for publishing can be hard.
  2. When discussing complex topics like technology and resource management, it can be insightful to explore how our society rarely loses technology or resources completely, which provides a unique perspective on historical and current challenges.
  3. Quitting can have unexpected benefits, like leaving behind situations that might limit personal growth. It's important to reflect on when letting go can lead to improvement, just as much as persistence does.

The familiar loneliness of the Kinetoscope

Res Obscura • 4510 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. The 2020s and the 1890s share many similarities, like protectionism and social division. People from both eras worry about advancing technology taking away jobs.
  2. The Kinetoscope, a one-person movie viewing device, represents a kind of loneliness in technology. It mirrors how today's technology often isolates us despite being connected.
  3. Edison's decision to focus on the Kinetoscope instead of larger audience devices highlights a trend toward personal, individual experiences in media. This shift continues with modern technology, where we consume content alone.

🎬 Hollywood’s doomer economy

Faster, Please! • 639 implied HN points • 07 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Hollywood is focusing more on dystopian futures instead of shiny, optimistic ones. This shows a general lack of faith in a better future.
  2. The types of films being made reflect a cultural shift from hope and exploration to fear and despair.
  3. There used to be a strong sense of belief in progress, but now entertainment often leans toward themes of apocalypse and societal collapse.

Why did clothing become boring?

Res Obscura • 5754 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Clothing became more boring because it shifted from being handmade and unique to mass-produced and cheap. This change made individual items less valuable and less personal.
  2. The Industrial Revolution played a big role in making clothes more affordable, allowing people to own many outfits but reducing the distinctiveness of each piece.
  3. As social norms changed and people gained more freedom, they found other ways to express themselves that didn't rely on clothing, leading to a simpler style in fashion.

Open Mic: Tell Us About Anything You Want

The Honest Broker • 4853 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. It's an open mic day where everyone can share their thoughts on any topic. Feel free to express yourself!
  2. The host encourages friendly conversation and a sense of community. Let's keep things positive!
  3. Consider supporting the host by subscribing to their work. Paid subscriptions really help out.

Things Worth Remembering: What You’re Really Hungry For

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1711 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Supernormal stimuli are everywhere online, making us crave more extreme experiences than usual. This can lead to unrealistic expectations about beauty and lifestyle.
  2. Social media boosts these supernormal stimuli, creating a cycle where people feel pressure to look or act in exaggerated ways.
  3. AI and technology make the problem worse, reflecting and amplifying our desires in ways that can seem like a confusing and unrealistic mirror.

Does the flame of genius burn past 30?

The Common Reader • 4181 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Genius can continue to shine bright after age 30, not just in youth. Many inventors and artists create amazing work later in life too.
  2. The age at which people achieve great things has changed over time, often due to the increasing complexity of knowledge in various fields.
  3. Not all talent comes from young people. Many famous poets and thinkers made their best contributions after they turned fifty.

Friday Thread: How Have You Grown?

Culture Study • 1615 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. It's important to recognize the ongoing suffering in Gaza and to address it by naming the issues clearly. Ignoring such situations can make them seem less real or urgent.
  2. While many feel powerless to help, it's essential to keep discussing these matters and raising awareness among others.
  3. Personal growth can also involve reflecting on how we respond to global events and what actions we can take to support those in need.

Today I Wrote Nothing

Public Universal Friend • 59 implied HN points • 01 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Writing on Substack feels better than other social media. It encourages creativity and connection with people you know.
  2. The platform's design helps with writing, making it easy and rewarding to create. Watching your own writing grow is satisfying.
  3. A regular writing practice helps maintain a sense of community and keeps you engaged in your thoughts rather than being a passive consumer.

On Mary and the Mob

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5332 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was Jewish, and it's important to acknowledge her heritage. Denying this fact is seen as foolish or antisemitic.
  2. There is a current controversy over the casting of a Jewish actress to play Mary in a Netflix film. Some people are upset that an Israeli Jew was chosen for the role.
  3. The debate around the film reflects a broader conflict and misinformation about Israel and Palestine. Many narratives surrounding this issue are manipulated to serve certain political agendas.

Things Worth Remembering: Without Forgetting, It Is Impossible to Live

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1228 implied HN points • 24 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Art
  1. Forgetting can be a healthy way to cope with loss. It helps us move on and live our lives without being weighed down by the past.
  2. Nietzsche suggests that humans can learn from animals to live more in the moment. Animals don’t hold onto their past experiences, which allows them to be happier.
  3. Carrying the burden of past memories can make life harder. Letting go can open up new possibilities and make life more enjoyable.