The hottest Visual Arts Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics
Things I Think Are Awesome β€’ 216 implied HN points β€’ 28 Feb 23
  1. Conceptual artist Sol Lewitt's wall drawings are executed by others based on his written prompts, highlighting different interpretations of instructions
  2. Poetry translation can lead to varied interpretations of the same text in different languages
  3. Copyright laws and the concept of dual authorship raise questions about originality and authorship in derived works
Austin Kleon β€’ 1398 implied HN points β€’ 26 Oct 21
  1. The Pentel Pocket Brush Pen is a great tool for drawing and writing. It helps spark creativity and makes it fun to express yourself on paper.
  2. Using a brush pen can change how you think about writing. Drawing slowly with it can free your mind, allowing deeper thoughts and ideas to flow.
  3. You can refill the brush pen with your own ink, which saves money and is more personal. It's easy to use, and you can experiment with different colors and styles.
Cosmographia β€’ 199 implied HN points β€’ 02 May 23
  1. The post is about Tasmania and part of the Atlas' Notes series on Cosmographia, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography related to a specific place.
  2. The content seems to be for paid subscribers only, as indicated by the mention that the post is for paid subscribers and the option to subscribe or sign in.
  3. The author, M. E. Rothwell, shares content related to Tasmania through images and likely detailed insights into the area's culture and geography.
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404EVER β€’ 196 implied HN points β€’ 22 Mar 23
  1. The author is working on a new episode of The Phantom Pleasure with more pages at a time for a smoother story flow.
  2. Consideration for starting a separate Instagram account for The Phantom Pleasure to share updates and in-progress posts.
  3. Teasing a potential special development for The Phantom Pleasure in the near future.
Cosmographia β€’ 199 implied HN points β€’ 11 Apr 23
  1. The post is part of a series called Atlas’ Notebook and features art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography centered on Seville.
  2. To access the full content, readers need to be paid subscribers to Cosmographia.
  3. The post includes a link for readers to subscribe to become paid subscribers.
The Novelleist β€’ 651 implied HN points β€’ 26 Jan 24
  1. TikTok can be seen as a modern art museum showcasing a diverse range of visual arts and human ingenuity.
  2. Curation is key on TikTok, as it allows for a personalized feed of artists and creatives.
  3. The platform introduces users to a wide array of talent, from handcrafters and dancers to performance artists and digital creators.
lettersonbeing β€’ 157 implied HN points β€’ 09 Apr 23
  1. The author shares a poem that made them smile, hoping it brings joy to others too
  2. There is a birthday sale offering 31% off for new subscribers in celebration of the author's 31st birthday
  3. The post extends wishes for various occasions and encourages readers to engage with the content
Cabinet of Wonders β€’ 231 implied HN points β€’ 11 Dec 24
  1. Designing your own typeface can be a fun and creative hobby. It's a way to express yourself and combine art with practical use.
  2. Creating a monospaced typeface for coding can make programming feel more magical, like working with ancient texts.
  3. Working on a typeface is an ongoing process. Even if it's not perfect, seeing your progress can be really rewarding and inspiring.
Generative Arts Collective β€’ 92 implied HN points β€’ 07 Jun 25
  1. There's a growing connection between art and technology, especially in generative arts. Artists now use programming and math instead of just brushes and paint.
  2. Questions about creativity, originality, and the role of the artist are becoming more complicated with advancements in AI and machine learning.
  3. New tools are making it easier for anyone to create art, which can help unleash more creativity in people who might not have tried otherwise.
Things I Think Are Awesome β€’ 117 implied HN points β€’ 15 Nov 23
  1. The film 'Enys Men' by Mark Jenkin is a poetic visual experience featuring a mysterious radio and glimpses of the past.
  2. The concept of 'stone tape theory' in the film explores the idea of objects recording and playing back the past, contributing to the eerie and weird atmosphere.
  3. Mark Jenkin's film delves into the fear of time breaking down and uses film as a medium to convey a sense of time and space.
Do Not Research β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 27 Nov 23
  1. Do Not Research Mapping Project is a mysterious and immersive publication that delves into various topics such as memetic tactics and emergent political trends.
  2. The publication has organized events like gallery exhibitions, film screenings, and book launches over the past few years.
  3. To support future projects and contributor fees, a limited edition print featuring titles of works published between 2021 and 2023 is available for purchase until the end of the year.
All Visible Objects β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 13 Feb 24
  1. The specific leg that Captain Ahab is missing in Moby-Dick is not definitively stated, creating a longstanding mystery in literary analysis and artistic adaptations.
  2. Melville scholars and artists have debated whether Ahab had a left or right missing leg, with historical studies showing a tendency towards illustrating him with a left leg prosthesis.
  3. Artistic interpretations of Ahab's missing leg throughout different mediums, such as books, films, and illustrations, tend to split almost evenly between left and right legs, showing a balanced artistic representation despite the lack of explicit text in Melville's novel.
On Looking β€’ 119 implied HN points β€’ 20 Oct 23
  1. Illustrators have the power to shape how AI is visually represented, moving beyond typical futuristic robot imagery to include aspects like human labor and material resources.
  2. The use of moodboards can offer a tool of resistance within the creative industry, helping artists challenge existing representations of AI and create new paradigms.
  3. Exploring different visual representations of AI, such as using colors from lithium mines or personifying AI as global workers, can lead to more critical engagement with AI and its impact.
Chartography β€’ 117 implied HN points β€’ 13 Jun 23
  1. Mathematician discovered a shape that can be tiled without repeating pattern, shown in a data map.
  2. Retired professor highlighted alarming anomalies in ocean temperature and sea ice extent through powerful graphics.
  3. Exploring robotic arts and geometric designs from the 1950s, showcasing artistic QR codes and industrial perfection.
The Joyous Struggle β€’ 98 implied HN points β€’ 03 Nov 23
  1. The post discusses the idea of selling the future using a love poem and the impact of revolution and existence.
  2. The writing touches on themes of injustice, humanity, and the connection between love and revenge.
  3. There's a reflection on the fragility of life, the endurance of love, and the commitment to following love even in times of extinction.
Do Not Research β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 23 Nov 23
  1. A deep fake artwork of Joe Rogan at an art exhibition critiques his problematic discourse on self-realization and individualism.
  2. The artwork visually represents Joe Rogan as trapped in a grotesque body, symbolizing the spreading of controversial and masculinist ideologies.
  3. The artwork highlights how platforms like Spotify can amplify anti-vax and conspiracist messages that oversimplify complex issues like depression and addiction.
Do Not Research β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 02 Oct 23
  1. The story 'The Town' by Genevieve Goffman explores a haunting tale of two children from a town, one of whom is drawn to a mysterious wasteland by mutated creatures.
  2. The town's growth, fueled by industrial and tech developments, experiences a destructive explosion and fire, showcasing a disconnect between the town and the tech center to the west.
  3. A unique relationship is depicted between a girl, the protagonist, and a dog that possesses intelligence and skills, warning her of dangers beyond the gate she crosses despite the foreseen consequences.
vrk loves paper β€’ 119 implied HN points β€’ 12 Jul 23
  1. Working for yourself can be really enjoyable and fulfilling, even if it's only been a short time. The freedom to set your own schedule can lead to a lot of excitement.
  2. Balancing social time can be trickier than expected. Meeting friends and networking is fun, but too many meetings can drain your social energy.
  3. Working on creative projects, like printers or art pieces, can be a great way to explore new ideas and keep yourself engaged while enjoying the process.
Tabletops β€’ 98 implied HN points β€’ 01 Jun 23
  1. Apple Bondi was the first Apple Store with indoor trees.
  2. The opening of Apple Bondi was hectic and finished just in time for the original iPad launch in Australia.
  3. Apple Bondi features a unique atrium with indoor trees, which influenced future store designs.
Counter Craft β€’ 168 implied HN points β€’ 31 Oct 24
  1. David Small creates art that shows big feelings and fears, often inspired by monster movies he loved as a kid. He relates to the giant creatures and uses them to express those feelings in his work.
  2. When deciding on colors and styles for his illustrations, he chooses what fits the mood of each story. For example, he picked bright colors for one story to match its lively vibe, while another used darker colors to create a more serious tone.
  3. Small emphasizes that in graphic novels, visuals are very important. Writers need to trust artists to bring their stories to life without over-directing them.
Tabletops β€’ 78 implied HN points β€’ 05 Jun 23
  1. Mirage at Apple Park is a public sculpture made of cast-glass pillars from deserts worldwide, creating a stunning visual during the day and a gentle glow at night.
  2. Apple Battersea in London is Apple's 40th store in the UK and is located in a redevelopment area with offices and apartments.
  3. Apple Watch Pride Edition is celebrated in stores with new displays featuring colorful geometric shapes, and Apple Camp offers kids aged 8-12 a chance to design inventions on iPad.
Seven Senses β€’ 259 implied HN points β€’ 26 Sep 22
  1. Art and storytelling can change lives and connect people. They help communicate feelings and ideas we all share.
  2. Creating art is a personal journey that needs practice and often feels vulnerable. It's important to share these creations with others.
  3. Being curious and open-minded is key. Asking questions can lead to a deeper understanding and connection with ourselves and the world.
As Ever β€’ 2 implied HN points β€’ 23 Jan 26
  1. The film captures a pre-smartphone loneliness that could still breathe and lead to meaningful, face-to-face encounters. Modern technology would likely have erased the conditions that let this strange intimacy happen.
  2. Tokyo is shown as a vivid, often warm backdrop rather than the source of alienation; the real emptiness comes from the characters' own interior desolations and fantasies. Coppola's painterly visuals, soundtrack, and loose, improvisational style create the film's moody atmosphere.
  3. The relationship feels equal parts performance and genuine feeling, with both characters afraid to collapse their fantasies into real life. The ambiguous ending suggests growth and hard-won awareness more than a tidy romantic escape.
Do Not Research β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 11 Jan 24
  1. There are meme accounts associated with Do Not Research that have played a significant role alongside the blog's art and essays.
  2. The meme accounts are anonymously organized by the community, with their identity remaining unknown but greatly appreciated.
  3. The post pays tribute to specific meme accounts and commemorates others that are no longer active, expressing gratitude for their contributions.
Do Not Research β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 05 Oct 23
  1. The film GODMODE released in 2023 was written and directed by Dana Greenleaf and Chris Comfort.
  2. The cast and crew of GODMODE includes individuals like Sarah Abbey, David Cardoza, and more, with contributions from various professionals such as the director of photography and composer.
  3. The film production received support from Do Not Research and involved a team of skilled individuals for different roles like editing, sound, costumes, makeup, and more.
Generative Arts Collective β€’ 65 implied HN points β€’ 16 Feb 25
  1. Creating generative art involves using programming to make things like color palettes or music inspired by nature. These projects let you explore creativity with technology.
  2. NeuralSVG is an interesting method for generating vector graphics from text prompts. It helps create more structured designs, which can be really useful for artists.
  3. Using tools like Blender and Three.js can make it easier to design stunning generative visuals. Tutorials are available to help you learn these skills step by step.
Alberto Cairo's The Art of Insight β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 11 Mar 24
  1. Learning basic rules of data visualization helps you make better choices but it's also important to know that there aren't hard and fast rules. Understanding conventions allows you to decide how to present data effectively.
  2. Using a bar graph is often better than a pie chart for comparing numbers, but beyond that, your choices matter more than following strict rules.
  3. The key is to use the knowledge you've gained about perception and cognition to guide your decisions, creating a unique approach to data visualization.
Journal of Gurdjieff Studies β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 29 Feb 24
  1. The post is titled 'Sweet and Bitter' and is for paid subscribers only on journalgurdjieffstudies.substack.com.
  2. The post includes a beautiful image of a red rose painted by Frants Diderik BΓΈe in 1888.
  3. Readers are encouraged to subscribe or sign in to access the full content of the post.
Castalia β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 13 Sep 22
  1. Productivity in art can be surprisingly high, as shown by Paul Klee who sometimes created 500 works a year. This suggests that making art can be more about the enjoyment and flow of the process rather than just the final product.
  2. There’s a common belief that art needs to be carefully crafted and special, but prolific artists often create works continuously for their own satisfaction rather than for external validation.
  3. Instead of viewing work and leisure as separate, finding joy in continuous creation like Klee did can lead to a more fulfilling life, where making art feels more like living fully rather than just a job.
The Experiment β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 10 Feb 24
  1. The post discusses the story of a fascinating case where a client shot her husband's testicle and the surprising legal outcome.
  2. McCracken Poston Jr. is highlighted as an exceptional storyteller, with a talent for captivating narratives.
  3. The post shares insights into Poston's life and experiences, showcasing his skills as a lawyer and the journey of writing his book.