An Essay on What’s Wrong with Traditional Media

HUR Reads is our definitive shortlist of the most prominent articles from around the web.

By HURS Team

1

Jumbo, the Design Duo Who’ve Turned Dumbing Down Into an Art Form

Mark C O’Flaherty explores the creative work of New York-based design studio Jumbo, founded by Justin Donnelly and Monling Lee in 2018. Known for their playful, minimalist designs, Jumbo’s pieces, such as tubular steel chairs and lamps, often resemble emojis and food, blending a sense of humor with socio-political themes. Their designs challenge traditional aesthetics, emphasizing simplicity while evoking emotional responses. Jumbo’s work engages with meme culture and contemporary issues, blurring the line between digital and physical design, positioning them as influential in modern furniture design.

HOW TO SPEND IT

2

Why Cakes Can Be a Powerful Form of Protest

Can a cake be used as a form of protest and add to social commentary? These "protest cakes" incorporate bold, creative designs and messages that tackle topics like climate change, feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial equality. Through their edible art, bakers aim to spark conversation and bring activism into everyday life, using a non-traditional medium to convey their messages.

T MAGAZINE

3

Is Minor Attractions the Alternative Art Fair That London Needs?

Minor Attractions is an alternative art fair in London, with an eclectic and community-driven platform during Frieze Week. Held at The Mandrake Hotel, it features art presented in unique spaces like bedrooms and bars. Founded by Jonny Tanna and Jacob Barnes, the fair emphasizes accessibility, and highlights both emerging and established galleries globally. The fair showcases London’s vibrant, diverse art scene, integrating cultural events and with a fresh alternative to traditional fairs, fostering new connections between galleries, collectors, and curators.

ARTSY

4

Taylor Lorenz’s Plan to Dance on Legacy Media’s Grave

Taylor Lorenz's rise as a journalist and her critical view of legacy media. Known for her reporting on internet culture, Lorenz has built a reputation by covering the digital world, influencers, and online trends that mainstream outlets often overlook. She argues that traditional media is out of touch with how information is consumed today, especially by younger audiences. Lorenz talks on the growing influence of social media and digital-first journalism, which she sees as the future of media.

THE NEW YORKER

5

Are Humans the Only Ones That Can Be Creative?

Sean Illing speaks with writer Meghan O’Gieblyn on her thoughts on creativity, art, and artificial intelligence. O’Gieblyn explores how AI's growing ability to produce art challenges traditional views of creativity and human uniqueness. She questions whether AI-generated art diminishes the value of human-created work or if it redefines creativity altogether. Their conversation touches on the philosophical implications of machines creating art, suggesting that AI might change our relationship with art and what it means to be creative.

VOX