Breaking AI & Tech News Analyzed

Rian Brazil's Sonic Journey Rian Brazil, a Brighton-born producer, has had his track played by Björk while DJing at the Venice Biennale. His music masterfully blends earworms from the UK underground with deeply vulnerable vocals. The Engine Heartbreak EP Brazil's forthcoming Engine Heartbreak EP features a range of sounds, from drum’n’bass love-songs to gospel-inflected tracks and glitchy electronica. His real name, Brazil, weaves a sonic world that's both addictively online and yearning for real-life connection. This Week's Best New Tracks Jorja Smith – What’s Done Is Done: A song-of-the-summer contender with a heavily bassy beat and UKG influences. Helado Tropical – Tocando: A sweet guitar and lo-fi fuzz track about a slipping relationship. Show Me the Body​ – No God: A brutally funky, danceable hardcore punk track rejecting religion. The Avalanches – Together (ft Nikki Nair, Jessy Lanza and Prentiss): An electro-pop candyland track with a camera shutter beat. Overmono – Lockup: A masterful inversion of bass-driven tech-house with chaotic detail. Alys(alys)alys – Effervescence: A perilous, bassy track with splintered vocals and overwhelming drums. Ivy Knight – Beacon: A beautifully produced track with crisp acoustic guitar and amorphous bass. Playlist and Subscription Subscribe to the Guardian's rolling Add to Playlist selections on Spotify or transfer it to Apple, Tidal or other services.

Lead: Valie Export’s Death Marks End of a Pioneering EraThe Austrian performance artist and filmmaker Valie Export passed away in Vienna on May 15, 2026, just three days shy of her 86th birthday. Her death closes a chapter on a career that consistently challenged the male gaze and redefined feminist expression in contemporary art.Groundbreaking Performances that Redefined the Male GazeExport’s early work shocked and fascinated audiences. In 1968 she staged "Tap and Touch Cinema", strapping a miniature theatre stage to her chest and inviting passers‑by to touch her bare breasts through a curtain, while a megaphone‑wielding colleague timed each action. The 1980 Venice Biennale centerpiece "Birth Bed" featured an oversized female abdomen, neon lights emanating from a vulva, and a TV broadcasting a Catholic mass, confronting patriarchal power structures head‑on.Key Milestones and Numbers in Export’s Career1940: Born Waltraud Lehner in Linz, Austria.1967: Adopted the name Valie Export (nickname + cigarette brand).1968: Co‑founded the Austrian Filmmakers Cooperative.1970: Faced pornography charges; custody of her daughter briefly withdrawn.1977 & 2007: Exhibited at Kassel’s documenta.1980: First female artist (with Maria Lassnig) to fill the Austrian pavilion at the Venice Biennale.1985: Feature film The Practice of Love nominated for the Golden Bear at Berlin.1995‑2005: Professor of multimedia and performance at the Academy of Media Arts, Cologne.2015: Linz opened the Valie Export Centre for Media and Performance Art.Impact on Feminist Art and Contemporary CultureCritics and curators, including gallerist Thaddaeus Ropac, describe Export as “one of the most visionary feminist artists” of post‑war Europe. Her interventions exposed the objectification of the female body, influencing artists such as Marina Abramović, who re‑enacted Export’s “Genital Panic” in 2005 at the Guggenheim. Museums worldwide now feature her work as a cornerstone of feminist art history.Looking Ahead: Preservation and Influence of Export’s WorkWith the establishment of the Linz centre and ongoing retrospectives, Export’s oeuvre is set to remain a reference point for future generations. Scholars anticipate new scholarly editions of her performances, while digital archives aim to make her interventions accessible to a global audience, ensuring that her challenge to patriarchal structures endures beyond her lifetime.

PSG's Fifth Consecutive Ligue 1 CrownBy the time Paris Saint-Germain finally travelled to Lens on Wednesday evening, they had all but wrapped up their fifth consecutive Ligue 1 title. Their six-point advantage, bolstered by a clear lead in goal difference, was already insurmountable with two matches remaining. The match at the Stade Bollaert, though billed as a top-of-the-table clash, had been devalued by its postponement until the midweek before the final day of the campaign.The Controversial Postponement and Its AftermathThe decision to push back the match centered around the league's efforts to improve Ligue 1's European coefficient, following a precedent set in previous seasons. Lens had published a statement in late March arguing against the postponement, railing against the idea that "the 10th highest budget should adapt according to the demands of the most powerful, in the name of interests which seemingly go beyond the domestic scope." By the time they met on Wednesday night, both teams were more invested in preparing for their upcoming finals—Lens aiming for their first Coupe de France title and PSG seeking to retain the Champions League.On-Pitch Performance and Statistical AnalysisA clinical PSG duly wrapped up the league title with a 2-0 win. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia gave the visitors the lead with his 11th goal in 13 matches, having been played through by Ousmane Dembélé. Ibrahim Mbaye came off the bench to seal the result in stoppage time with an emphatic top-corner finish. The hosts managed no fewer than 25 shots but were thwarted at every turn by Matvey Safonov, who has firmly established himself as the No 1 keeper since the turn of the year.Changing Dynamics in French FootballDespite the controversy, PSG's nine-point advantage attests to their status as the best and most consistent team in the league. While their second-choice lineups have struggled domestically, at least one star has always been available to provide the decisive push. Lens, under Pierre Sage, have overseen one of the strongest challenges to PSG's domination, securing second place and a return to the Champions League after three seasons away. The club appears to have a long-term plan in place to challenge at the top more consistently in coming seasons.Future Outlook and Talking PointsThis year's title race deserved a higher-stakes finale, but Lens still have a chance to end their campaign on a high when they meet Nice in the cup final. PSG, meanwhile, finish their league season at Paris FC before their Champions League final in Budapest. Elsewhere, Le Mans' promotion to Ligue 1 was made official, with the league awarding them a 3-0 win after their game at Bastia was called off due to fan misconduct. The club, now owned by a Brazilian consortium that includes Felipe Massa and Novak Djokovic, intends to build a long-term project in the city.

Gen Z's Cinema Comeback People born between 1997 and 2012 are now more frequent cinemagoers than some older age groups, with 87% having seen at least one film in a cinema in the last 12 months compared with 58% of baby boomers. This shift in cinema attendance patterns is reshaping the film industry and challenging assumptions about younger generations' entertainment preferences. The Digital Escape to Big Screens Many young people cite the cinema as a rare distraction-free zone in an increasingly digital world. "It's a distraction-free zone," says Emma Balfour, 19, from Kirkcaldy in Scotland. "It helps me stay off my phone, since it's something I want to stop using so much. There's a lot more social stigma around being on your phone when a film's playing on a cinema screen versus your own home, and the complete darkness means I can fully immerse myself." Alex McAleer, 22, living in Berkeley, California, agrees. "The ability to block out two hours and have that time be your own is so rare in a world where you're constantly accessible, aware of the news cycle and aware of the potential for your phone to alert you." Communal Experience in a Fragmented Media Landscape Cinema provides a rare communal experience that appeals to younger generations. "You don't get a lot of opportunities any more to really watch things with people in a group," says Jae, 23, from Swansea. "There are moments when everyone in the cinema laughs in unison, or you can see people crying or gasping in shock. It's the kind of setting where there's absolutely no commitment to chat, but you are still spending time with people." This communal aspect has become particularly valuable as media consumption becomes increasingly fragmented. Cinema provides the few "water cooler moments" that Jae's generation has left, with films released universally allowing for shared cultural touchstones. Social Media's Influence on Cinema Culture Ironically, while many young people seek to escape their phones at the cinema, social media platforms are driving cinema's popularity with this demographic. "The cinema is romanticised on TikTok," Kate, 26, from Cambridge, explains. "Film TikTokers do films to look out for, and there are normal people showing their Letterboxd or their experience of going to the cinema. You put anything to nice music and make it a montage, and that content does very well on social media." Letterboxd, an app for cinephiles to log films and publish reviews, has over 26 million users and is most popular among those aged between 18 and 35. "I've used Letterboxd for probably four years now," says Kate, who has 850 films logged. "I'm on it more than probably anything else and that's my main way of tracking what might be worth going to see." The Future of Cinema in a Digital Age Despite the enthusiasm from Gen Z, the future of cinemas remains uncertain. Many young cinemagoers are conscious that theaters could be under threat as attendance declines. Cineworld closed 11 UK cinemas in 2024, and a 2025 survey showed almost a third of UK independent cinemas are at risk. Cost is also a significant factor, with many young people favoring more affordable options. "If my only option was to go to Cineworld or something which is at least £15, I think I would struggle to want to go as much," says Cesca, 26, from London. "But my local cinema is Peckhamplex and they do £6.99 tickets, so that's more reasonable." Despite these challenges, Gen Z's enthusiasm for cinema offers hope for the industry's future. "The cinema is really valuable," says Alex McAleer. "I try to encourage as many of my friends to go as possible."

Xi's Direct Warning to Trump Over TaiwanDuring the opening of the US‑China summit in Beijing, Xi Jinping told Donald Trump that the "Taiwan question is the most important issue in China‑US relations" and that any misstep could lead to "collision or even conflict" between the two nations.Numbers Behind the Summit: Duration, Approval Ratings, and Trade TalksTalks lasted 2 hours and 15 minutes.Trump’s domestic approval rating has slipped amid a protracted war in Iran.Pre‑summit economic negotiations in South Korea were described as achieving "balanced and positive outcomes".Strategic Ripple Effects on US‑China RelationsThe stark warning signals a shift from diplomatic niceties to a more confrontational tone. While Beijing offered flexibility on issues like trade, technology, and Iran, it drew a firm red line around Taiwan, demanding U.S. acknowledgment of the "one‑China" principle.What Comes Next: Scenarios for Taiwan and Bilateral TiesAnalysts see three likely paths:De‑escalation: Both sides keep the dialogue focused on trade, avoiding direct actions around Taiwan.Stalemate: Continued diplomatic posturing with limited progress, keeping the risk of miscalculation high.Escalation: Any perceived move toward Taiwanese independence could trigger military posturing, raising the prospect of a broader conflict.For now, the summit serves as a barometer of how far Beijing is willing to push its core interests while still courting economic concessions from Washington.

The Candid Champion's Career TransformationThere are few experiences on the professional tennis circuit more uncomfortable than being Alexander Bublik's opponent. The task of deciphering one of the more talented and unpredictable players is challenging enough, but there is also a risk of being on the receiving end of a few stinging insults. Over the years, Bublik has become notorious among Russian-speaking fans for his scathing rants about his rivals, while reserving plenty of scorn for himself and the sport as a whole.From Underachiever to Top Ten: Bublik's Remarkable RiseThis past year has marked a significant transformation for the Russian-born Kazakhstani player. Just twelve months ago, Bublik had fallen out of the top 80 and his dire form forced him to drop back down to the ATP Challenger circuit—a desperate low for someone already considered an underachiever. However, his enviable talent has propelled a rapid turnaround: Bublik ended the clay-court season by defeating Alex de Minaur and Jack Draper (ranked No 9 and No 5), en route to his first grand slam quarter-final at the French Open. He then toppled the world No 1 Jannik Sinner on his way to winning the ATP 500 title in Halle.The Financial Reality of Professional TennisWhile most millionaire players are hesitant to speak about their earnings, money is another subject that Bublik often speaks freely on. "I think you realise that quickly once you start making your first money playing tennis that it's a big business," he says. "It's nice to win trophies, it's nice to be playing in a beautiful arena, it's all nice but at the end of the day you got to pay yourself and I think that was the very first motivation that I had when I became a professional tennis player." This pragmatic approach to tennis as a business has been central to his career strategy, even during his less committed years.The Changing Landscape of Tennis AuthenticityBublik's outspoken nature has sparked debate about authenticity in professional sports. "I think emotions are emotions," Bublik explains. "I guess it's just we live in a world where everyone tries to fake and I think there's nothing wrong in just releasing your emotions in a way because it's a stressful sport." His perspective extends to social media as well: "I guess the entire social media is fake, so I guess all the people who are there pretending to be someone they're not. I guess it's fake." This stance positions Bublik as a counterpoint to the carefully curated public personas common in modern sports.Maintaining Momentum: The Challenges AheadReaching the top 10 is impressive, but as Bublik's recent defeat at the Italian Open demonstrates, it is far tougher to maintain that status week in, week out. The top players have targets on their backs and it is far easier to swing freely with nothing to lose. Bublik will have a significant amount of points to defend over the coming months, starting with his return to Roland Garros one year on from the most beautiful moment of his career. His handling of these new experiences will say plenty about whether his transformation is complete or merely a remarkable career resurgence.

The Lead: Art Pushing Boundaries in VeniceThe 2026 Venice Biennale has once again proven to be a platform where contemporary art challenges conventions and expectations. This year's edition has particularly stood out for its unconventional installations and performances, with several pieces capturing global attention through their audacious nature and public interaction.The Event Details: Unconventional Art Takes to the Water and SkyAmong the most talked-about installations at this year's Biennale is a performance art piece featuring naked jetskiers navigating the Venetian canals, creating a striking juxtaposition between human form and historic waterways. Another notable work includes a series of giant bells that produce resonant tones throughout the city, creating an immersive auditory experience for visitors and locals alike.Perhaps the most unexpected sensation of this year's Biennale has been a seagull that has become something of a celebrity, regularly appearing at exhibitions and even participating in what appears to be curated interactions with artists and visitors. The bird has been photographed numerous times and has its own social media following, becoming an unintentional but beloved part of the exhibition.The jetski performance art piece has drawn both acclaim and controversyThe giant bell installation spans multiple locations across VeniceThe celebrity seagull has become an unofficial mascot of the BiennaleThe Impact Analysis: Redefining Contemporary ArtThe unconventional nature of this year's Venice Biennale reflects a broader shift in contemporary art toward immersive, participatory, and even unpredictable experiences. These boundary-pushing works challenge traditional notions of what constitutes art and how it should be experienced. The public's enthusiastic response to these pieces suggests a growing appetite for art that breaks free from gallery spaces and engages with everyday environments in unexpected ways.Venice, as a city with its own unique relationship to water and maritime culture, provides an ideal backdrop for these unconventional art forms. The integration of these works into the city's fabric creates a dialogue between art and environment that is particularly potent in this historic setting.The Prediction: The Future of Immersive Art ExperiencesGiven the success and attention garnered by this year's unconventional installations, we can expect future iterations of the Venice Biennale to continue exploring the intersection of art, public space, and everyday life. The trend toward more participatory and unpredictable art experiences is likely to grow, with artists increasingly seeking to blur the boundaries between artwork and audience, art and environment.The celebrity seagull phenomenon, while likely unintentional, may inspire more artists to incorporate elements of chance and serendipity into their work. This could lead to a new appreciation for art that evolves organically and responds to its environment in real-time, rather than remaining static throughout the exhibition period.

The Lead: Olivia Colman's Personal Reflections on 'Jimpa' In Jimpa, Olivia Colman plays a woman named Hannah who visits her father in Amsterdam, only to have family dynamics and personal revelations come to the surface. The film has triggered deep personal reflections for Colman about her relationship with her own father, who passed away recently. The Film's Exploration of Family Dynamics and Queer Identity Jimpa, a compound of "Jim" and "grandpa," follows Hannah as she travels to Amsterdam with her husband and 16-year-old trans child Frances. The film explores themes of intergenerational queerness, as Hannah's father Jim (played by John Lithgow) left his family 40 years ago to live a fuller queer life than Australia could offer at the time. Director Sophie Hyde wanted to challenge assumptions about how families respond to conflict, asking: "Can we ask our characters to respond with loving kindness, when usually our instinct is instant conflict?" Colman's Personal Connection to the Material Colman found a sharp parallel between her character's experience and her own relationship with her late father. "My dad and I, in real life, fought a lot. We adored each other, but oh my God, did we fight, and I don't really fight with anybody else," she shared. The role taught her to "listen and shut up" and to be "that nicer person" she wished she could have been with her father. Sexual Awakenings Across Generations Each character in Jimpa experiences a sexual encounter that changes them, challenging assumptions about sexuality and age. "I definitely didn't want Jim to not have a sexuality about him because he was older," explained Hyde. "I didn't want him to become somebody who talked about gayness as a theory. I wanted him to be a virile human being." The film portrays these awakenings with honesty and complexity, particularly for the young trans character Frances. The Impact of Authentic Representation The film's approach to queer identity and family relationships represents a significant shift in mainstream cinema. Aud Mason-Hyde, who plays Frances and is Sophie Hyde's real-life child, noted the pressure on young trans people to be "palatable and agreeable" while their own needs are often minimized. The film provides a nuanced portrayal of these dynamics without resorting to stereotypes or simplistic resolutions. The Future of Intergenerational Storytelling Jimpa represents a growing trend in cinema that explores complex family relationships across generations, particularly within LGBTQ+ communities. As audiences increasingly seek authentic and nuanced portrayals of diverse experiences, films like Jimpa pave the way for more honest explorations of identity, sexuality, and family dynamics. Colman's performance, informed by her personal reflections, adds a layer of authenticity that resonates beyond the screen.

The Artist's Journey Through Love and LossFalling in and then out of love is a universal experience that often brings sadness, grief and heartbreak, and with time, hope and healing. Photographer Diana Markosian used her camera lens to document these complex feelings in her new project, Replaced.She brings the viewer on her journey of having, losing and reclaiming love, in a project that blurs documentary and fiction. "[The moments] no longer existed in the way they had, and I wanted to reclaim them," she says. "I wanted to feel that I could exist in my own story again."Recreating Intimate Moments Through ArtTo document their relationship, Markosian and her team worked with an actor to play her ex-partner. Each intimate image from the series, taken over three months, is a replica of an exact moment once shared with her ex and now shared between her and the actor. Her connection to him deliberately led to his being cast as her partner in the series so that the experience would feel as real as possible.With the actor, she visited Miami, Paris, Naples, Capri and Nice, all places she had once traveled to with her ex-partner. "These locations carry an existing weight of romantic myth," she says. "They are already shaped by cultural narratives of love, desire and idealized experience."The Emotional Toll of ReenactmentShe stayed at the same hotels and did the activities they had once done together, describing the experience as painful but cathartic. "It hurts so much, watching myself be replaced, watching those memories erased, and I didn't want to live in this any more," she says. "I'm so grateful that the project happened quickly."One of the most tender moments she recreates with the model appears in an image of them seated in a bathtub, holding one another with a red light glowing around them. Their vulnerability allows the viewer to reflect on a delicate moment between two people whose past love no longer exists, fostering empathy and prompting the audience to reflect on their own past relationships.Art as a Tool for Processing EmotionsCreating these intimate photographs enabled her to contemplate her journey. "I wanted to acknowledge how these same spaces can be reoccupied," she says, before adding: "If anything, [the project] just showed me how much I loved this person."For the past 16 years, Markosian has not let go of her camera, often using it to reach back and understand her past. "Art has given me a way of processing. I was studying writing, and suddenly found myself holding a camera and not wanting to let go of it; it became just a friend in my life," she says.A Career Built on Memory and ReconnectionShe first picked up a camera at 20, during graduate school at Columbia University. After graduating with a master's degree in journalism, she wanted to see the world, so she moved back to Moscow, Russia, where she was born. There she taught herself how to use the camera.Today, her lens serves as a tool for reconnecting with her past life and reclaiming it as her own. In her previous, highly regarded photo monograph Inventing My Father, she demonstrates her unique ability to reveal the unseen past through her images. Working on the book for 10 years, she depicts her journey of finding her father after 15 years of no contact, following her move to California in 1996 from Armenia, where he lives."Father, my previous work of the past decade, it's all rooted in memory, and I think what's beautiful about memory, there's a blend of fiction, interpretation, and it's very subjective," she says. "So I think I love existing in that territory because none of it is really real."