The blog post "Nice Things with SVG" explores creating visually appealing and interactive elements using SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics). It showcases techniques for crafting generative art, animations, and data visualizations directly within the browser. The author demonstrates how to manipulate SVG properties with JavaScript to create dynamic effects, like animated spirographs and reactive blobs, highlighting the flexibility and power of SVG for web design and creative coding. The post emphasizes the accessibility and ease of use of SVG, encouraging readers to experiment and explore its potential for creating engaging visual experiences.
By day, Dan Lane works at a Co-op in Exeter. By night, he's a globally recognized logo designer known as the "Lord of the Logos," creating iconic designs for bands like The Black Dahlia Murder and Aborted. His portfolio spans over 400 logos, including album artwork and merchandise designs for clients worldwide, a passion he pursues in his free time while maintaining his unassuming day job. He's built this impressive career largely through word-of-mouth and online networking within the metal music scene.
Hacker News commenters were generally unimpressed with the "Lord of the Logos" article. Several found the title misleading, as the designer's work, while prolific, wasn't particularly noteworthy or high-profile. Some criticized the writing style as hyperbolic and clickbaity, arguing the story wasn't deserving of such grand pronouncements. Others pointed out the irony of a Co-op employee designing logos for competing supermarkets. A few questioned the legality and ethics of designing logos for other companies while employed, especially given the potential for intellectual property conflicts. There was also a brief discussion about the prevalence of generic-looking logos.
Rivulet is a new esoteric programming language designed to produce visually appealing source code that resembles branching river networks. The language's syntax utilizes characters like /, \, |, and - to direct the "flow" of the program, creating tree-like structures. While functionally simple, primarily focused on integer manipulation and output, Rivulet prioritizes aesthetic form over practical utility, offering programmers a way to create visually interesting code art. The resulting programs, when visualized, evoke a sense of natural formations, hence the name "Rivulet."
Hacker News users discussed Rivulet, a language for creating generative art. Several commenters expressed fascination with the project, praising its elegance and the beauty of the generated output. Some discussed the underlying techniques, connecting it to concepts like domain warping and vector fields. Others explored potential applications, such as animating SVGs or creating screensavers. A few commenters compared it to other creative coding tools like Shadertoy and Processing, while others delved into technical aspects like performance optimization and the choice of using JavaScript. There was general interest in understanding the language's syntax and semantics.
Bruno Postle's "Piranesi's Perspective Trick" explores how 18th-century Italian artist Giovanni Battista Piranesi created the illusion of vast, impossible spaces in his etchings. Piranesi achieved this not through complex mathematical perspective but by subtly shifting the vanishing points and manipulating the scale of elements within a scene. By strategically placing smaller figures and architectural details in the foreground against exaggeratedly large background elements, and by employing multiple, inconsistent vanishing points, Piranesi generated a sense of immense depth and disorienting grandeur that transcends traditional perspective rules. This artistic sleight-of-hand contributes to the dreamlike and often unsettling atmosphere of his famous "Carceri" (Prisons) series and other works.
Commenters on Hacker News largely discussed the plausibility and effectiveness of Piranesi's supposed perspective trick, as described in the Medium article. Some debated whether the "trick" was intentional or simply a result of his artistic style and the limitations of etching. One commenter suggested Piranesi's unique perspective contributes to the unsettling and dreamlike atmosphere of his works, rather than being a deliberate deception. Others pointed out that the described "trick" is a common technique in perspective drawing, particularly in stage design, to exaggerate depth and create a sense of grandeur. Several commenters also shared links to other analyses of Piranesi's work and the mathematics of perspective. A few expressed appreciation for the article introducing them to Piranesi's art.
Kylie Minogue's song "German Bold Italic," from her 2001 album "Fever," uses the typeface as a metaphor for a passionate and intense romantic relationship. The lyrics describe the feeling of being overwhelmed and consumed by love, comparing it to the visual impact of bold italicized text. The song suggests that this intense love, like the typeface, is striking and unforgettable, even if it might be a bit much at times. It plays with the idea that this love is both desirable and potentially overwhelming, much like the often-overused stylistic choice of bold italic text.
HN commenters were amused by the Kylie Minogue song "German Bold Italic," with several pointing out the unusual subject matter. Some discussed the song's quality, with opinions ranging from enjoyment to finding it silly. A few wondered about the typeface itself, with one commenter correctly identifying FF DIN as the likely inspiration. Some debated the merits of DIN, while others simply appreciated the unexpected connection between pop music and typography. A couple of users humorously suggested other typeface-inspired song titles. The overall sentiment seemed to be lighthearted appreciation for this quirky piece of pop culture trivia.
Someone modded a PlayStation 1 console by encasing it in a 3D-printed shell resembling a crab. Dubbed the "PlayStacean," this crustacean-inspired creation maintains full functionality while sporting articulated legs, claw-like controllers, and bulging eyestalks. The modder, known online as Emperor Yi, meticulously designed and printed the shell components, carefully integrating them with the original console hardware. The result is a quirky and playful reimagining of the classic gaming system.
Hacker News users generally found the PlayStation crustacean mod amusing and well-executed. Several commenters appreciated the craftsmanship and creativity, with one calling it "peak geek." Some discussed the practicality of the mod, noting the potential heat issues and the impracticality of actually using it. Others jokingly pondered the implications of "carcinization," referencing the evolutionary phenomenon where unrelated crustaceans evolve similar forms, and applying it to the PlayStation's transformation. A few commenters shared their own experiences modding consoles or creating unusual tech projects. The overall tone is lighthearted and appreciative of the whimsical nature of the modification.
A US appeals court upheld a ruling that AI-generated artwork cannot be copyrighted. The court affirmed that copyright protection requires human authorship, and since AI systems lack the necessary human creativity and intent, their output cannot be registered. This decision reinforces the existing legal framework for copyright and clarifies its application to works generated by artificial intelligence.
HN commenters largely agree with the court's decision that AI-generated art, lacking human authorship, cannot be copyrighted. Several point out that copyright is designed to protect the creative output of people, and that extending it to AI outputs raises complex questions about ownership and incentivization. Some highlight the potential for abuse if corporations could copyright outputs from models they trained on publicly available data. The discussion also touches on the distinction between using AI as a tool, akin to Photoshop, versus fully autonomous creation, with the former potentially warranting copyright protection for the human's creative input. A few express concern about the chilling effect on AI art development, but others argue that open-source models and alternative licensing schemes could mitigate this. A recurring theme is the need for new legal frameworks better suited to AI-generated content.
"Honey Bunnies" is a generative art experiment showcasing a colony of stylized rabbits evolving and interacting within a simulated environment. These rabbits, rendered with simple geometric shapes, exhibit emergent behavior as they seek out and consume food, represented by growing and shrinking circles. The simulation unfolds in real-time, demonstrating how individual behaviors, driven by simple rules, can lead to complex and dynamic patterns at the population level. The visuals are minimalist and abstract, using a limited color palette and basic shapes to create a hypnotic and evolving scene.
The Hacker News comments on "Honey Bunnies" largely express fascination and appreciation for the visual effect and the underlying shader code. Several commenters dive into the technical details, discussing how the effect is achieved through signed distance fields (SDFs) and raymarching in GLSL. Some express interest in exploring the code further and adapting it for their own projects. A few commenters mention the nostalgic feel of the visuals, comparing them to older demoscene productions or early 3D graphics. There's also some lighthearted discussion about the name "Honey Bunnies" and its apparent lack of connection to the visual itself. One commenter points out the creator's previous work, highlighting their consistent output of interesting graphical experiments. Overall, the comments reflect a positive reception to the artwork and a shared curiosity about the techniques used to create it.
Belgian artist Dries Depoorter created "The Flemish Scrollers," an art project using AI to detect and publicly shame Belgian politicians caught using their phones during parliamentary livestreams. The project automatically clips videos of these instances and posts them to a Twitter bot account, tagging the politicians involved. Depoorter aims to highlight politicians' potential inattentiveness during official proceedings.
HN commenters largely criticized the project for being creepy and invasive, raising privacy concerns about publicly shaming politicians for normal behavior. Some questioned the legality and ethics of facial recognition used in this manner, particularly without consent. Several pointed out the potential for misuse and the chilling effect on free speech. A few commenters found the project amusing or a clever use of technology, but these were in the minority. The practicality and effectiveness of the project were also questioned, with some suggesting politicians could easily circumvent it. There was a brief discussion about the difference between privacy expectations in public vs. private settings, but the overall sentiment was strongly against the project.
Karl Hans Janke, though posing as a prolific engineer with fantastical inventions, was revealed to be a complete fabrication. His elaborate blueprints and detailed descriptions of complex machines, like the "nuclear reactor bicycle" and the "cloud-slicing airship," captured the public imagination and fooled experts. However, Janke's supposed inventions were ultimately exposed as technically impossible and physically nonsensical, products of a vivid imagination rather than engineering prowess. His legacy lies not in functional technology, but as a testament to the allure of creative invention and the blurring of lines between reality and fantasy.
Hacker News users discuss Karl Hans Janke's elaborate, fictional engineering projects, focusing on the psychological aspects of his creations. Some see Janke as a misunderstood genius, stifled by bureaucracy and driven to create imaginary worlds. Others compare him to a con artist or someone with mental health issues. The most compelling comments debate whether Janke's work was a form of escapism, a commentary on societal limitations, or simply a delusion. One user highlights the potential connection to outsider art, while another draws parallels to fictional detailed worlds, like those found in the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. Several commenters express fascination with the detailed nature of Janke's inventions and the effort he put into documenting them.
The post details a surprisingly delightful email exchange between the author and the famously reclusive Edward Gorey. Initiated by the author's simple fan letter expressing admiration for Gorey's work, the correspondence blossomed into a series of witty and whimsical emails. Gorey offered insights into his creative process, shared anecdotes about his cats, and displayed a playful, self-deprecating humor that contrasted sharply with his macabre artistic style. The exchange reveals a warm, engaging personality hidden behind the public persona of the enigmatic artist, offering a glimpse into the private world of Edward Gorey.
Hacker News users discuss the shared enjoyment of discovering hidden details in Gorey's intricate work, highlighting his meticulous cross-referencing and recurring motifs. Some commenters share personal anecdotes of corresponding with Gorey, describing his kindness and unique personality. Others delve into the deeper themes of his work, exploring the macabre humor and existential anxieties present beneath the whimsical surface. The thread also touches upon Gorey's influence on other artists and the enduring appeal of his distinct style. Several users recommend further resources for exploring Gorey's work, such as "Ascending Peculiarity: Edward Gorey on Edward Gorey." Overall, the comments reflect an appreciation for Gorey's artistry and the rich, interconnected world he created.
The blog post "Narrative and the Structure of Art" explores how narrative structure, typically associated with storytelling, also underpins various art forms like music, visual art, and even abstract works. It argues that art relies on creating and resolving tension, mirroring the rising action, climax, and resolution found in traditional narratives. This structure provides a framework for engaging the audience emotionally and intellectually, guiding them through a journey of anticipation and satisfaction. While the narrative might not be a literal story, it manifests as a progression of elements, whether melodic phrases in music, brushstrokes in a painting, or shifting forms in a sculpture, ultimately creating a cohesive and meaningful experience for the observer.
HN users generally found the linked article thought-provoking, though somewhat meandering and lacking in concrete examples. Several commenters appreciated the exploration of narrative structure in different art forms beyond traditional storytelling. One compelling comment highlighted the idea of "nested narratives" and how this concept applies to music, visual art, and even architecture. Another interesting point raised was the distinction between narrative and "narrativity," with the suggestion that even abstract art can possess a sense of unfolding or progression that resembles a narrative. Some users also debated the role of intent versus interpretation in determining the "narrative" of a piece, and whether the artist's intended narrative is ultimately more important than the meaning a viewer derives. A few commenters expressed skepticism about the overall premise, finding the concept of narrative in abstract art to be a stretch.
VietGD.com showcases Vietnamese graphic design, aiming to document and promote the country's evolving visual identity. The site features a curated collection of work spanning various disciplines, including branding, typography, illustration, and packaging design, from both established and emerging Vietnamese creatives. It highlights the unique blend of traditional Vietnamese aesthetics and modern design influences present in the showcased work, offering a comprehensive overview of the current graphic design landscape in Vietnam.
Hacker News users discuss the unique aesthetic of Vietnamese graphic design showcased on vietgd.com, noting its vibrant colors, bold typography, and occasional "maximalist" approach that contrasts with Western minimalist design trends. Some commenters draw parallels to Chinese and Korean graphic design, highlighting shared cultural influences and a preference for ornamentation. Others appreciate the website's organization and the historical context provided. A few express interest in learning more about Vietnamese design principles and the cultural context that shapes these aesthetics. Some users critique the site's English translation and suggest improvements. Overall, the comments reflect a positive reception of the website and a genuine curiosity about Vietnamese graphic design.
"The Human Alphabet," published in 1848, presents a whimsical yet structured exploration of letterforms created by contorting the human body. Engraved by artist Edward Lumley, the illustrations depict men, women, and children individually and in groups, painstakingly arranged to mimic each letter of the alphabet. The poses range from simple to complex, demonstrating both the flexibility of the human form and the ingenuity required to achieve these typographic representations. Ultimately, the work serves as a playful intersection of art, anatomy, and typography, offering a unique visual interpretation of the alphabet.
Hacker News users discussed the historical context and artistic merit of human alphabets. Some noted similar formations depicted in older works, like a 15th-century manuscript. Several appreciated the diversity represented by including non-Western alphabets, pointing out examples from Ethiopia and India. There was debate about the practicality and accuracy of the formations, with some questioning how legible or standardized they truly were, particularly for languages with larger character sets. Others found the concept aesthetically pleasing and fascinating, appreciating the ingenuity and creativity of representing language through the human body. A few comments focused on the photographer's skill in capturing these intricate poses. The overall sentiment leaned toward appreciation for the historical curiosity and visual appeal of the human alphabets.
John McPhee's "The Pinball Philosophy" explores the world of competitive pinball through the lens of Roger Sharpe, a top-ranked player in 1970s New York City. The piece delves into the intense focus, strategy, and almost mystical approach Sharpe takes to the game, highlighting the nuanced skills involved beyond mere luck. It contrasts his zen-like calm and calculated nudges with the frenetic energy of pinball parlors, ultimately portraying pinball not as a mindless pastime, but as a demanding game of skill requiring precision, anticipation, and a deep understanding of the machine's mechanics. Sharpe's pursuit of mastery reveals a unique subculture where dedicated players strive for perfect games and fleeting moments of control in a world of chaos and flashing lights.
HN users largely enjoyed McPhee's writing style, praising its evocative descriptions and engaging narrative. Several commenters shared personal anecdotes about pinball, reflecting on its enduring appeal and the unique focus it demands. Some discussed the cultural and historical context of pinball, including its past association with gambling and its resurgence as a hobby. A few users expressed interest in the technical aspects of pinball machine design and operation. The overall sentiment was positive, with many commenters appreciating the rediscovery of this older article. A couple noted the philosophical connections McPhee makes, linking pinball to broader life lessons about skill, chance, and persistence.
The Surrealist Compliment Generator is a web-based tool that generates random, nonsensical, and often humorous compliments using a pre-defined grammar and a large vocabulary of unusual words. It combines disparate concepts and imagery to create bizarre yet strangely charming phrases like "Your laughter is a flock of iridescent rhinoceroses," or "Your mind is a velvet accordion filled with star-nosed moles." The generator's purpose is purely for entertainment, aiming to evoke a sense of playful absurdity and spark the imagination through unexpected juxtapositions.
HN users generally found the Surrealist Compliment Generator amusing and clever. Several pointed out the humor in the juxtaposition of mundane objects/concepts with elevated, poetic language. Some discussed the underlying mechanics, suggesting improvements like incorporating a larger word list or using Markov chains for more coherent output. One user humorously noted its potential use for writing performance reviews. A few expressed disappointment that the generator wasn't more truly surrealist, finding it relied too heavily on simple templates. Others shared their own generated compliments, further showcasing the generator's sometimes nonsensical, yet often charming output.
This project is a web-based recreation of Tom Dowdy's "Kaos", a screensaver from 1991. It features the same swirling, colorful lines and pulsating geometric shapes that made the original popular. Built with JavaScript and rendered on a canvas element, this modern homage aims to preserve and share the mesmerizing visual experience of Kaos with a new generation while offering a glimpse back in time for those familiar with the original.
HN commenters largely expressed nostalgia for the original Kaos screensaver and praised the recreation's faithfulness to it. Some shared memories of using it in the 90s, while others discussed technical aspects like the original's algorithm and the challenges of recreating it using web technologies. A few pointed out minor differences between the homage and the original, like the color palette and the behavior of the "fly" element. Several commenters appreciated the simplicity and hypnotic nature of the screensaver, contrasting it with modern, more resource-intensive alternatives. There was also some discussion about the legal implications of recreating copyrighted software, and whether screen savers are still relevant today.
Hannah Ilea built a physical rendition of Steve Reich's "Clapping Music" using two flip-disc displays. These displays, commonly found in old train station departure boards, create a visual and auditory representation of the piece. One display plays a steady, repeating 12-beat pattern while the other shifts by one beat after every 12 cycles. The clicking sounds of the flipping discs, combined with the visual pattern changes, mimic the rhythmic structure of the original composition. The project showcases a unique intersection of music, visual art, and vintage technology.
HN commenters generally enjoyed the project, praising the creator's ingenuity and the pleasing visual/auditory result. Several noted the clever use of readily available hardware and appreciated the clear explanation of the build process. Some discussed the potential for extending the project, suggesting using more complex rhythms or different types of displays. One commenter linked to a similar project using split-flap displays, while another pointed out the similarity to a "flip clock" art piece they had encountered. A few users expressed interest in the code and hardware specifics, leading to a brief discussion of microcontroller choices and potential improvements to the driving circuitry.
Artist David Bowen's "Tele-present Wind" installation physically translates real-time wind data from a remote location to the movements of a robotic arm holding a flag. The arm's joints are mapped to the wind speed and direction captured by an anemometer, recreating the flag's flutter as if it were directly experiencing the distant wind. This creates a tangible, kinetic representation of a remote weather phenomenon, bridging the gap between distant locations through technology and art.
Hacker News users discussed the artistic merit and technical implementation of David Bowen's "Tele-Present Wind" project. Some praised the elegant simplicity of the concept and its effective conveyance of remote environmental conditions. Others questioned the artistic value, finding it more of an interesting technical demo than a compelling piece of art. Several commenters delved into the technical specifics, discussing the choice of motors, potential improvements to the system's responsiveness, and the challenges of accurately representing wind force and direction. The use of real-time data and the potential for experiencing distant environments resonated with many, while some debated the meaning and implications of digitally mediated natural experiences. A few users also mentioned similar projects they had seen or worked on, highlighting the growing interest in combining technology and nature in artistic endeavors.
Psychedelic graphics, inspired by the altered perceptions induced by psychedelic substances, aim to visually represent the subjective experience of these altered states. Characterized by vibrant, contrasting colors, intricate patterns like fractals and paisley, and often morphing or flowing forms, these visuals evoke feelings of otherworldliness, heightened sensory awareness, and interconnectedness. The style frequently draws upon Art Nouveau, Op Art, and surrealism, while also incorporating spiritual and mystical symbolism, reflecting the introspective and transformative nature of the psychedelic experience.
Hacker News users discuss Ben Pence's blog post about psychedelic graphics, focusing on the technical aspects of creating these visuals. Several commenters delve into the history and evolution of these techniques, mentioning early demoscene graphics and the influence of LSD aesthetics. Some discuss the mathematical underpinnings, referencing fractals, strange attractors, and the role of feedback loops in generating complex patterns. Others share personal experiences with psychedelic visuals, both drug-induced and otherwise, and how they relate to the graphics discussed. The connection between these visuals and underlying neurological processes is also explored, with some commenters proposing that the patterns reflect inherent structures in the brain. A few commenters express interest in modern tools and techniques for creating such effects, including shaders and GPU programming.
Rafael Araujo creates stunning hand-drawn geometrical illustrations of nature, blending art, mathematics, and biology. His intricate works meticulously depict the Golden Ratio and Fibonacci sequence found in natural forms like butterflies, shells, and flowers. Using only compass, ruler, and pencil, Araujo spends hundreds of hours on each piece, resulting in mesmerizing visualizations of complex mathematical principles within the beauty of the natural world. His work showcases both the inherent order and aesthetic elegance found in nature's design.
HN users were generally impressed with Araujo's work, describing it as "stunning," "beautiful," and "mind-blowing." Some questioned the practicality of the golden ratio's influence, suggesting it's overstated and a form of "sacred geometry" pseudoscience. Others countered, emphasizing the golden ratio's genuine mathematical properties and its aesthetic appeal, regardless of deeper meaning. A few comments focused on the tools and techniques Araujo might have used, mentioning potential software like Cinderella and GeoGebra, and appreciating the dedication required for such intricate hand-drawn pieces. There was also discussion of the intersection of art, mathematics, and nature, with some users drawing connections to biological forms and patterns.
The Hacker News post showcases CFRS[], a minimalist esoteric programming language with just six commands designed for creating turtle graphics. The post links to a collection of community-created demos demonstrating the surprising complexity and artistic potential achievable with this limited instruction set. These demos range from simple geometric shapes to intricate fractal patterns and even animated sequences, illustrating the power of constrained creativity within CFRS[]. The project aims to explore the boundaries of what's possible with minimal coding and encourages experimentation with generative art.
The Hacker News comments are generally positive and intrigued by the simplicity and potential of the CFRS[] project. Several commenters express interest in exploring the system further and appreciate the clear documentation and interactive examples. Some discuss the educational value for teaching programming concepts and the potential for creating complex patterns from a limited instruction set. A few commenters draw parallels to LOGO and other turtle graphics systems, while others suggest potential improvements like adding color or exploring different command sets. The overall sentiment reflects admiration for the project's elegance and its potential for creative exploration.
Hélène de Beauvoir, younger sister of Simone, was a talented painter whose career was often overshadowed by her famous sibling. Though she moved in the same intellectual circles as Jean-Paul Sartre and Picasso, who even painted her portrait, Hélène forged her own artistic path. This article highlights her skill as a portraitist, capturing the nuances of her subjects' personalities, and celebrates her independent spirit, which led her to choose a different, less conventional life than her sister's. Despite facing sexism within the art world and familial complexities, Hélène's dedication to painting and her unique artistic vision deserve recognition and rediscovery.
Several Hacker News commenters express surprise at not knowing about Hélène de Beauvoir, with some noting that Simone de Beauvoir's fame overshadowed her sister. A few discuss the common phenomenon of siblings of famous individuals being overlooked. One commenter questions the framing of Hélène as "forgotten," pointing out her successful art career and suggesting the article aims to capitalize on Simone's name. Others find the dynamic between the sisters fascinating, particularly Hélène's seemingly more traditional life choices compared to Simone's. There's also some discussion of the article's mention of a supposed romantic relationship between Hélène and Picasso.
Infinigen is an open-source, locally-run tool designed to generate synthetic datasets for AI training. It aims to empower developers by providing control over data creation, reducing reliance on potentially biased or unavailable real-world data. Users can describe their desired dataset using a declarative schema, specifying data types, distributions, and relationships between fields. Infinigen then uses generative AI models to create realistic synthetic data matching that schema, offering significant benefits in terms of privacy, cost, and customization for a wide variety of applications.
HN users discuss Infinigen, expressing skepticism about its claims of personalized education generating novel research projects. Several commenters question the feasibility of AI truly understanding complex scientific concepts and designing meaningful experiments. The lack of concrete examples of Infinigen's output fuels this doubt, with users calling for demonstrations of actual research projects generated by the system. Some also point out the potential for misuse, such as generating a flood of low-quality research papers. While acknowledging the potential benefits of AI in education, the overall sentiment leans towards cautious observation until more evidence of Infinigen's capabilities is provided. A few users express interest in seeing the underlying technology and data used to train the model.
The Atlantic has announced the winners of its 2024 infrared photography contest, "Life in Another Light." The winning images, showcasing the unique perspective offered by infrared photography, capture surreal and dreamlike landscapes, transforming familiar scenes into otherworldly visions. From snowy mountains bathed in an ethereal pink glow to vibrant foliage rendered in shades of red and white, the photographs reveal a hidden dimension of color and light, offering a fresh perspective on the natural world.
Hacker News users generally praised the striking and surreal beauty of the infrared photos. Several commenters discussed the technical aspects of infrared photography, including the use of specific film or digital camera conversions, and the challenges of focusing. Some pointed out how infrared alters the way foliage appears, rendering it white or light-toned, creating an ethereal effect. A few users shared links to resources for learning more about infrared photography techniques and equipment. The overall sentiment was one of appreciation for the unique perspective offered by this photographic style.
Charles Darwin's children, particularly his sons Francis and Horace, used his scientific manuscripts as canvases for their youthful doodles. These drawings, discovered on the backs of and within the pages of important documents like early drafts of On the Origin of Species, include whimsical sketches of ships, houses, and fantastical creatures. While initially seen as distractions, these markings now offer a charming glimpse into the Darwin family's domestic life, humanizing the renowned scientist and demonstrating that even groundbreaking work can coexist with the playful chaos of raising a family. Cambridge University Library's Darwin Manuscripts Project has digitized these marked-up manuscripts, making them accessible to the public online.
Commenters on Hacker News appreciated the humanizing glimpse into Darwin's life as a father alongside his scientific pursuits. Several noted the charm and humor of the children's additions to such important work, with one pointing out the irony of corrections made on the theory of evolution by the next generation. Another commenter shared a similar anecdote about their own father, a physicist, whose work was "decorated" by their sibling. The overall sentiment reflects a fondness for the story and a sense of connection to the playful chaos of family life, even in the context of groundbreaking scientific work. A few users also expressed interest in seeing more of these marked-up manuscripts.
The blog post "Das Blinkenlights" details the author's project to recreate the iconic blinking LED display atop the Haus des Lehrers building in Berlin, a symbol of the former East Germany. Using readily available components like an Arduino, LEDs, and a custom-built replica of the original metal frame, the author successfully built a miniature version of the display. The project involved meticulously mapping the light patterns, programming the Arduino to replicate the sequences, and overcoming technical challenges related to power consumption and brightness. The end result was a faithful, albeit smaller-scale, homage to a piece of history, demonstrating the blend of nostalgia and maker culture.
Hacker News users discussed the practicality and appeal of "blinkenlights," large-scale status displays using LEDs. Some found them aesthetically pleasing, nostalgic, and a fun way to visualize complex systems, while others questioned their actual usefulness, suggesting they often display superficial information or become mere decorations. A few comments pointed out the potential for misuse, creating distractions or even security risks by revealing system internals. The maintainability of such displays over time was also questioned. Several users shared examples of interesting blinkenlight implementations, including artistic displays and historical uses. The general consensus seemed to be that while not always practically useful, blinkenlights hold a certain charm and can be valuable in specific contexts.
Summary of Comments ( 10 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43666439
Hacker News users generally praised the author's SVG artwork, describing it as "beautiful," "stunning," and "inspiring." Several commenters appreciated the interactive elements and smooth animations, particularly the flowing lines and responsive design. Some discussed technical aspects, including the use of GreenSock (GSAP) for animation and the potential performance implications of SVG filters. A few users expressed interest in learning more about the author's process and tools. One commenter pointed out the accessibility challenges sometimes associated with complex SVGs and encouraged the author to consider those aspects in future work. There was also a short discussion about the merits of SVG versus Canvas for this type of art, with some advocating for Canvas's potential performance advantages for more complex scenes.
The Hacker News post "Nice Things with SVG" (linking to https://fuma-nama.vercel.app/blog/svg-art) has generated a moderate number of comments, primarily focusing on the technical aspects of SVG creation and manipulation, as well as sharing personal experiences and alternative tools.
Several commenters appreciate the author's approach to SVG art, highlighting the elegance and simplicity of using vanilla SVG and JavaScript. They commend the avoidance of unnecessary libraries and frameworks, emphasizing the educational value of understanding the underlying technologies. One commenter specifically praises the "back to basics" approach, finding it refreshing compared to the often-complex workflows involving external dependencies.
A recurring theme in the discussion revolves around the tooling used for SVG creation and editing. Some users share their preferred tools, including Inkscape, Illustrator, and various code editors with SVG plugins. The conversation explores the pros and cons of each, with some advocating for the precision and control offered by vector graphics editors, while others champion the flexibility and programmatic manipulation enabled by code-based approaches. One commenter details their experience using a specific editor for initial design and then refining it with code, highlighting the benefits of a hybrid workflow.
The discussion also touches upon specific SVG techniques and features, such as the use of
<path>elements and the benefits of programmatic animation. One user questions the perceived complexity of<path>data and suggests alternative methods for simpler shapes. Another comment thread delves into the possibilities of dynamic SVG manipulation using JavaScript, showcasing examples of interactive elements and animations.A few commenters express interest in exploring the intersection of SVG and other web technologies, such as CSS and WebGL. They discuss the potential for combining SVG's vector graphics capabilities with the styling power of CSS or the 3D rendering capabilities of WebGL to create more complex and visually appealing web experiences.
While there isn't a single overwhelmingly compelling comment, the collection of comments provides a valuable perspective on the diverse approaches and opinions within the web development community regarding SVG art and its underlying technologies. The discussion reveals a shared appreciation for clean, efficient code and a desire to explore the creative potential of SVG.