High Culture
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How AI learned to paint like Rembrandt
The Rijksmuseum employed an AI to repaint lost parts of Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch.” Here’s how they did it.
Tim Brinkhof
Tim Brinkhof is a Dutch-born, New York-based journalist reporting on art, history, and literature. He studied early Netherlandish painting and Slavic literature at New York University, worked as an editorial[…]
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The forgotten paintings of ancient Greece and Rome
Paintings played an important role in these ancient civilizations. Unfortunately, pigment is not nearly as durable as marble.
10 of the greatest classical composers alive today
Many contemporary composers live in the shadow of Bach and Beethoven, even though they’re just as interesting to listen to.
Artist Agnieszka Pilat’s strange journey from communist Poland to capitalist San Francisco
The so-called "court painter of Silicon Valley" was shaped by her youth in communist Poland but looks forward to a future ruled by celebrity robots.
Americans might love Cinco de Mayo, but few know what they’re celebrating
Contrary to popular belief, it’s not to mark Mexican independence.
Machine learning predicts who will win “The Bachelor”
The researchers consumed a lot of wine while watching 15 seasons of the show.
Why do some people love cringe comedy while others can’t stand it?
It may depend on whether you're an "easily empathetically embarrassed" person.
“Is It Cake?” feeds viewers visual catharsis for uncertain times
Moments of social anxiety around truth tend to be accompanied by similar “fool the eye” pop culture phenomena.
How to paint like Rembrandt, according to a professional portrait artist
Frank Slater’s book "Practical Portrait Painting" reveals the secrets of masters old and new, from Leonardo da Vinci to Augustus John.
Tolkien on the importance of fantasy and science fiction
According to Tolkien, fantasy requires a deep imagination known as "sub-creation." And the genre reflects a fundamental truth of being human.
10 of the greatest classical composers of all time
From Brahms to Tchaikovsky, here's a curated list of composers whose music has shaped the classical canon.
North Korea wanted better propaganda movies, so it abducted foreign directors
While there is more to North Korean cinema than meets the eye, the country’s film industry ultimately amounts to little more than a mouthpiece for the ruling Kim dynasty.
What classic literature knows about refugees fleeing persecution and war
“How can we live without our lives? How will we know it’s us without our past?” Steinbeck writes.
Oscars: the most controversial acceptance speeches in the history of the Academy Awards
Far from being inappropriate, many of the most controversial acceptance speeches highlighted important issues in the film industry.
Even in the digital age, libraries are an investment in children
Investments in public libraries are a long-term investment in children and communities.
The silent power of great movie soundtracks
Movie soundtracks don't just help us recall the plot of a film; they also allow us to better understand its meaning.
Psychology of Wordle: Why are people addicted to this viral word game?
Wordle activates both the language and logic parts of our brain and give us a nice boost of dopamine, whether we win or lose.
The physics of foamy beer
If you want to have foamy beer inside the comfort of your own home, you need to invest in a special nucleated glass.
Have chess computers destroyed the game?
What was once an art form has been drained of color and personality by ruthless algorithms. Can we make chess human again?
What is “Dark Academia,” and why is it trending on social media in 2022?
People around the world, mostly Generation Z, are obsessed with the look and feel of gothic, elitist universities. Why?
Chess boom: Will the U.S. produce another Bobby Fischer?
It has been 50 years since an American has claimed the title of World Chess Champion. Will it ever happen again?
Stendhal syndrome: Can beautiful art make you mentally ill?
People who visit Florence seem strangely susceptible to Stendhal syndrome, which is blamed on an overwhelming sense of awe.
How to write like Ernest Hemingway
The author of classics like "A Farewell to Arms" and "The Sun Also Rises" is known and loved for his simple yet effective writing style. Here’s how to imitate it.
Boléro: Was Maurice Ravel’s famous music the product of a brain disease?
Undiagnosed brain disease or divine inspiration? The origins of the French composer’s most provocative composition remain up for debate.
Christmas Blues: Why the “most wonderful” time of the year is sometimes the saddest
Ever felt sad during the holidays but weren't sure why? Chances are you were suffering from a case of Christmas Blues.
Most popular Christmas toys in the world
It's that time of year when the hours of meticulous wrapping of Christmas toys are viciously undone in seconds by tiny children.
Grammy winner explains why Adele is right – album tracks should not be shuffled
Just as storylines make sense only when you have the context of the beginning and the end, listeners need to understand the impetus for why the album was even made.
Why Arthur Schopenhauer would have hated modern education
Many of his criticisms ring true today.
A history of the American family, as told through television’s biggest sitcoms
Hit shows are like societal mirrors, capable of reflecting the cultural zeitgeist whose likeness they try to record.
How Mariah Carey stole Christmas
The singer-songwriter distilled the essence of the holidays into a hit song, and for her efforts she was crowned the Queen of Christmas.
James Bond: Witty one-liners go back to ancient times
What value does wit hold in genres defined by brute strength?