The hottest Modernism Substack posts right now

AI is changing literature and writers need to pay attention to it. It's becoming a tool that helps with research and creates new possibilities in storytelling.
Some see AI as a threat to writing because it can generate content, which might take away from the unique human experience in literature. Others believe it's just another tool that can enhance creativity.
Literature has always adapted to new technology, and ignoring AI might leave writers behind. Engaging with AI might lead to new forms of art and storytelling that we cannot yet imagine.

Modern architecture started as a reaction against traditional styles and aimed to be functional and non-bourgeois, but many people ended up disliking it.
Even though architects thought their designs were better for society, many real workers preferred the old styles and often complained about the new ones.
The focus on modern architecture continued because top schools and institutions pushed it as the only acceptable style, ignoring the opinions of the general public.

The poem _Context Collapse_ lacks real poetic qualities, reading more like flat prose than verse. It doesn't have rhythm or flow, making it hard to see it as true poetry.
Many lines in the poem are filled with clichés and tired phrases, which stifle creativity. The use of overly familiar language takes away from any potential wit or originality.
The poem seems to take itself too seriously despite claiming to be a 'mock-academic' work. It ends up being more of a pastiche than a clever commentary.

When writing stories, it's important to focus on storytelling first. Characters and plots should come alive naturally without feeling forced.
Hemingway's approach shows that exploring deep themes works best when they arise from character experiences, rather than pushing a political agenda.
Readers lose interest if the story feels too political or preachy. Good stories engage emotions and allow ideas to unfold organically.

James Joyce's Ulysses is a retelling of Homer's Odyssey in a modern setting.
The main characters in Ulysses are inspired by major figures from the Odyssey, like Leopold Bloom as an 'everyman' version of Odysseus.
Ulysses follows a unique structure influenced by the Odyssey, with each chapter reflecting elements from the ancient epic.

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Art has changed a lot over the last hundred years, and many feel that modern art doesn’t resonate as strongly with people today. Unlike the past, when artists were central to cultural life, modern artists often seem disconnected from the public.
The shift from painting’s focus on realistic representation to abstraction was influenced by technology, leaving behind traditional techniques. While early modernists responded creatively to these changes, later artists seem to have lost that boldness.
The art world is heavily influenced by money and market trends. Many notable artworks were pushed to success by a few wealthy individuals rather than by a collective appreciation of good ideas, which can cloud our understanding of what makes art valuable.

Gustave Flaubert's perfectionism in creating realistic characters and worlds in 'Madame Bovary' shows that literary fiction can be immersive without sacrificing depth.
Flaubert's meticulous attention to detail, word choice, and irony in 'Madame Bovary' sets a standard for prose style that effortlessly transports readers to 19th-century France.
'Madame Bovary' not only exemplifies literary realism and modernism but also influenced future writers to explore themes like female sexuality and social alienation.

Stories can often be seen as practical jokes, repeating the same patterns that people fall for over and over. This can make writing feel cheap or formulaic.
Some writers want to break free from traditional story structures to explore deeper, more honest experiences. They think the best writing comes from simply sharing real-life observations.
There's value in both traditional storytelling and more experimental writing. Each has its way of connecting with readers, whether through polished craftsmanship or open exploration of truth.

Gilles Deleuze describes a shift from 'disciplinary societies,' which controlled individuals through strict boundaries, to 'societies of control,' where control is more fluid and ever-present. This means that instead of moving from one fixed environment to another, people are constantly being monitored and influenced.
In societies of control, people never truly finish tasks; their work and identity are always intertwined. This blur of work and personal life can lead to stress and a feeling of never being able to disconnect.
Deleuze suggests that in control societies, what's important isn't individual identity but rather the access one has, like passwords. Our personal information and identities are now tied to digital access, raising questions about autonomy and what it means to be an individual.

Design in digital interfaces has evolved from skeuomorphism to flat design to neumorphism, combining elements of the real world with digital aesthetics.
The history of architectural movements like Modernism and Post-modernism can provide insights into the evolution of digital design trends, such as Flat Design and the potential for a Digital Baroque.
Current trends in neumorphism in interface design show a shift towards expressive and 3D elements within the constraints of digital screens, akin to the principles of architectural Mannerism.

Modern science, especially biology, is challenging old ideas about evolution and focusing on more complex factors like mutations and environmental changes. Many scientists believe it's time to rethink our understanding beyond just natural selection.
The story of modern art isn't just about creative geniuses overcoming the establishment; it's also about how money and powerful patrons influence what art gets recognized. Support from wealthy collectors played a huge role in modern art's acceptance.
Contemporary fiction seems stuck in old debates and doesn't explore new angles, like global perspectives or the realities of modern life. There’s a call for fiction to be more imaginative and engaged with present-day issues rather than just following trends.