The hottest Contemporary Art Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Art & Illustration Topics

The Enigmas of Gerhard Richter

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 449 implied HN points • 01 Mar 26
🎨 Art & Illustration Contemporary Art
  1. Gerhard Richter is often seen as possibly the greatest living painter because of his extraordinary versatility, moving from photorealistic blurred images to grey monochromes across a seven-decade career.
  2. Even though Richter claims his paintings 'mean nothing,' they repeatedly engage personal and historical trauma—World War II, the bombing of Dresden, and intimate family tragedies—and often explore the experience of looking at photographs of loved ones and enemies.
  3. Key techniques and series carry clear critical readings: the 1965 photographic blur was a major innovation, the 1980s–90s smear paintings are read as reflecting art‑world financial cynicism, and some late works like the Birkenau paintings have been judged aesthetic and moral failures.

The Colorful Fever Dream of Djeneba Aduayom

In the Flash • 1039 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Contemporary Art
  1. Djeneba Aduayom mixes color and black and white in her photography, choosing based on the story she wants to tell. This flexible approach helps her capture different feelings and interpretations.
  2. When dealing with creative burnout, she takes time to pause and reflect, engages in unrelated activities, and practices self-compassion. This process helps her recharge and reconnect with her creativity.
  3. Djeneba believes staying true to herself is the most important part of her art. Rather than following trends or fitting into categories, she focuses on creating work that reflects her unique experiences.

Seeing is forgetting the name of the thing one sees

Austin Kleon • 2078 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Contemporary Art
  1. Robert Irwin was an artist who focused on creating experiences rather than traditional paintings. He wanted people to think about how they perceive the world.
  2. Lawrence Weschler wrote a book about Irwin called 'Seeing is Forgetting the Name of the Thing One Sees'. It dives into Irwin's ideas and art philosophy.
  3. David Hockney and Robert Irwin had different views on art, but their conversation through Weschler's writing shows how meaningful discussions can happen even without direct contact.

Another clueless person attempts to defend generative AI "art"

Top Carbon Chauvinist • 19 implied HN points • 08 Sep 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Contemporary Art
  1. Generative AI art lacks true artistic intent because it does not involve a person making conscious creative decisions.
  2. Many famous art movements involved randomness, but they still required an artist's direction and vision.
  3. Using AI to create art can lead to results that are very different from what the person intended, making it hard to consider those results as true art.
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The future used to be better

The Novelleist • 575 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Contemporary Art
  1. There's a growing belief that combining nature with technology doesn't have to be a bad thing. We can have both clean energy and a beautiful environment.
  2. Art has changed from celebrating progress and modernity to often focusing on negative aspects of society and technology. Many people now struggle to see the potential for a better future.
  3. Believing in progress is important for society. If people lose faith in innovation, it can lead to stagnation and decline in creativity and development.

Twee Whistler: Internet Core

Do Not Research • 938 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Contemporary Art
  1. The term 'Internet core' emerged within contemporary art, encompassing net art, post-internet, and new media, highlighting a shift towards internet-centric reality and engagement.
  2. Artists within the Internet core scene are creating works more focused on personal narratives, political interpretations, and user engagement outside traditional gallery settings, shaping a distinct approach to digital art.
  3. The Internet represents more than just a medium; it is a mindset, an approach, and a language for artists, shaping their practices and leading to a diverse range of artistic expressions beyond categorizations.

Let’s throw an art show!

Austin Kleon • 1099 implied HN points • 28 Mar 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Contemporary Art
  1. We can now share pictures in our chats on the web, which makes connecting easier. It's a fun way to show off our art creations!
  2. There's a virtual art show happening where everyone can join and post their recent artworks. It's great to see what others have been working on.
  3. Engaging in these chats and sharing our work helps build a creative community. It's nice to connect and inspire one another!

Spotlight: Space Artist Michael Najjar

Space Ambition • 99 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Contemporary Art
  1. Art can connect people to space science, making complex topics more relatable and exciting. It invites everyone to explore the wonders of the cosmos.
  2. Michael Najjar merges technology and art to visualize the future of space exploration. His works reflect both current scientific realities and imagined possibilities.
  3. Collaboration with scientists and engineers enriches his art, helping bridge the gap between public understanding and advanced technological concepts in space exploration.

Imitation Games

Counter Craft • 542 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Contemporary Art
  1. AI art can imitate famous styles, but it often lacks originality and creativity. Just copying styles doesn't make it as good as the original.
  2. People unfamiliar with art may prefer simple or amateur pieces over professional ones. Knowing more about art can help us appreciate it better.
  3. The value of art comes from creativity and effort, not just the ability to copy. Real art involves developing unique styles and perspectives.

Top Links 632 Breakthrough analysis of the "Origins and Content of New Work in the USA, 1940–2018". The art of the photocopier & oil as the lubricant.

Chartbook • 386 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Contemporary Art
  1. The analysis focuses on the new job categories that have appeared in the USA from 1940 to 2018. It's interesting to see how work has evolved over time.
  2. It mentions the role of tools like photocopiers in changing the way art and work are created. This shows how technology can enhance creativity.
  3. The study sheds light on the connection between art and industry, suggesting that they can work together in innovative ways. This idea encourages thinking outside the box.

From "Shadow Artist" to Artist

Working Theorys • 174 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Contemporary Art
  1. Many creative people hide in jobs that don't let them express their art, sometimes called 'shadow artists.' It takes courage to pursue your true passion and make that leap into the arts.
  2. Art isn't just about skill; it's about sharing your unique human experience. What makes art special is that it reflects personal truths and emotions.
  3. Transitioning to a full-time creative career is challenging but rewarding. It's important to find joy in art and not let financial pressures ruin your passion.

The Thursday Selects Edition

Why is this interesting? • 482 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Contemporary Art
  1. Jason Charles is a winemaker and photographer, sharing his artistic work with others. It's great to see creative talents represented in different fields.
  2. The Thursday Selects Edition highlights the importance of visually breaking up text to keep readers engaged. Using images can make a post more interesting.
  3. Sharing guest contributions can bring fresh perspectives and ideas to a platform. It's a nice way to involve a community and showcase diverse talents.

Call for Applications: International Biennale of Vallauris - Contemporary Creation and Ceramics

Ceramics Now Weekly • 255 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Contemporary Art
  1. The International Biennale of Vallauris is holding its 26th edition in 2024, encouraging creators to explore ceramics.
  2. The competition aims to showcase diversity in ceramic use and major trends, with prizes like the Grand Prize of the City of Vallauris.
  3. To participate, complete an online form, submit required documents, and pay a €20 participation fee by December 20, 2023.

The Six Million Dollar Banana

The Ruffian • 264 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Contemporary Art
  1. Conceptual art can be surprising and even absurd, like the banana taped to a wall that sold for millions. It makes people talk and think about what art really is.
  2. Artists like Maurizio Cattelan use controversy to gain attention and increase their art's value. They want people to react, whether it's outrage or curiosity.
  3. This kind of art blurs the line between art and commerce, showing how public reactions can actually become part of the artwork itself.

Clark Filio: Selected Works

Do Not Research • 99 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Contemporary Art
  1. Clark Filio's artworks include pieces like 'Children of Gont' and 'Neolithic Village, After Zdeněk', showcasing diverse themes and styles.
  2. His exhibitions like 'Heaven Ship' offer opportunities to view his artwork and appreciate the creativity behind them.
  3. Clark Filio's art often features scenes inspired by literature, original Gundam concept art, and real-life events, presenting a unique blend of imagination and reality.

The Conspiracy of NFTs

Banana Peel Pirouette • 59 implied HN points • 18 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Contemporary Art
  1. NFTs were a hype but have lost their appeal, leading to exhaustion and disinterest among many people.
  2. The debate on whether NFTs qualify as 'Art' highlights the evolving definition and role of contemporary art in today's society.
  3. The embrace of NFTs reveals the commercialization and elitism inherent in the art world, blurring the lines between art, investment, and spectacle.

The Greatest Piece of AI Art

Marginally Compelling • 24 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Contemporary Art
  1. AI can be a helpful tool for speeding up creative projects and making art, but it also raises big questions about our future.
  2. One important AI art piece is a completion of Keith Haring's unfinished work, which reveals deeper messages about art and technology.
  3. This artwork makes us think about our relationship with AI and what we value in art and creativity.

Paug, Peale and Artists like Edgeworth

The False Consensus Effect • 19 implied HN points • 26 Feb 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Contemporary Art
  1. The text discusses a vision of a harmonious world where all species work together for mutual completion and survival, contrasting it with the current competitive market personalities of humans.
  2. The piece explores the significance of Stuckism in the arts, emphasizing themes of fulfillment, communion, and the need to move away from individual perfection towards unity and shared ideas in art.
  3. The post highlights the work and philosophy of artist Edgeworth Johnstone, focusing on his impact on bringing life energy to the world and advocating for celebrating life-giving creativity over wasteful market trends.

The Manic American Humanist Show, Press Release by Abbey Pusz

Do Not Research • 19 implied HN points • 25 Feb 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Contemporary Art
  1. The exhibition 'The Manic American Humanist Show' features work from four core contributors to Do Not Research, showcasing an exploration of niche politics and post-Internet art.
  2. The artists in the exhibition address themes of cultural and political shifts in America post-2011, reflecting on movements like Occupy, Trump's election, and Bernie Sanders' campaigns.
  3. The exhibition aims to break from the nihilism in contemporary fine art and millennial politics, focusing on human agency, spiritual liberation, and self-reflection.

Artt in the Age of Artifficial Intelligence

Donkeyspace • 18 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Contemporary Art
  1. Art is not just pretty pictures; it's a project deeply connected to its context and history. Each piece of art tells a story influenced by the time and place it was created.
  2. Many people struggle with modern and contemporary art because they don't want to engage with the complicated ideas behind it. They just want nice visuals to enjoy without any deep thinking.
  3. The relationship between art and public taste can be messy. People may like things not because they are genuinely good, but because they want to fit in or impress others.

VFYW: Basquing In Erotica

The Weekly Dish • 31 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Contemporary Art
  1. The View From Your Window contest engages sleuths in detective work to identify locations based on subtle clues like hillside letters or unique landmarks.
  2. The contest participants showed dedication by researching historical and geographical details to make informed guesses about the view in the photo.
  3. The diverse reactions from participants, from excitement to frustration, add an element of fun and camaraderie to the competition.

The Family Romance of Srijon Chowdhury

Covidian Æsthetics • 10 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Contemporary Art
  1. The Chowdhury exhibition showcased his unique artistic style and family experiences. It's interesting to see how personal stories can influence art.
  2. This exhibition was hosted at the Frye Museum from October 2022 to January 2023. Museums play a big role in bringing artistic expressions to the public.
  3. The exhibition was curated by Amanda Doonan, highlighting the importance of good curation in presenting an artist's work effectively.