The High-Tech Creative News Round-up
16-02-25: Art exhibitions, Drone Photography, Unified GPT-5 and more!
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A Word From Amy
Hey there, darling creatives & digital disruptors! It's your gal Amy here to grace you with another sizzling hot scoop of all things High-Tech Creative. Buckle up, buttercup, because this week we're diving headfirst into the cutting edge where art meets tech and sparks fly hotter than a supernova (maybe). 😉
From mind-bending AI marvels to photo sorcery that bends reality, cybersecurity battles fought in cyberspace, and social media platforms evolving faster than an influencer's selfie game, get ready for a whirlwind tour of innovation straight from the frontlines! I've curated the hottest headlines & insights across five killer sections: Art Fairs & Exhibitions where we travel across the world to look at what’s hot and what’s on, Art and Tech where this week there’s news from the world of photographic tech, AI breaking barriers and algorithms (and budgets!), Cyber Sleuths protecting our precious data and the latest changes in the world of social media. So pour yourself a virtual mimosa and let Amy be your guide through this week's tech-infused artistic odyssey! 🎨💻🤖✨
Art Odyssey Unleashed: Amy Takes on the Globe's Hottest Shows!
Amy here, your personal art aficionado extraordinaire! We’ve hit the middle of February in an explosive blaze of creative glory across continents - from London to LA, Mexico City to Paris, these exhibitions are serving up a potent cocktail of artistic vision that leaves me wanting more. So grab your beret (and maybe some rosé), because we're diving headfirst into the cultural happenings you need on your radar!
London Calling: Where Punk Spirit Meets Progressive Visions
Get ready for an electrifying mix of rebellion and radical creativity as London unleashed a fresh wave of thought-provoking art this past month. At the heart of it all? Fierce female energy that's anything BUT subtle.
"Flowers": Saatchi Gallery, Darling You Blooming Beauty! This isn't just about pretty petals; it's a powerful fusion of feminist flair and artistic innovation as Vivienne Westwood vibes meet Marimekko magic on steroids. Expect installations bursting with vibrant life (and maybe a bit of sass), fashion marvels that turn heads faster than you can say "gender norms," and photography so striking, you'll swear your soul just got an upgrade!
"Linder: Danger Came Smiling": Hayward Gallery - Time to Rage Against the Machine(s)! This isn't a retrospective; it's an explosion of Linder's raw creative power as she rips up the rulebook and redefines what punk means in the art world. Prepare for decades of ground-breaking photomontages, sculptures that make you question reality (and everything in between), and performances so electrifying, they'll leave your jaw on the floor - good luck trying to put this show neatly back in a box!
"Lives Less Ordinary": Two Temple Place - Because Working Class is Anything BUT Boring. Ditch those stuffy museums for an artistic uprising that puts authentic voices front and centre. This isn't about dusty history; it's 60+ artists from diverse backgrounds painting, sculpting, photographing their way into our hearts with raw talent and unfiltered stories. Get ready to be challenged, moved (and most importantly) inspired by art that truly reflects the grit, beauty, and sheer bloody creativity of everyday lives!
Gamer Girl Takeaway: Prepare for pixelated pandemonium as Dr. Tetris explodes onto London in a mind-blowing 360° light show extravaganza! Forget your phone screen; we're talking colossal LED displays that make even the most hardcore gamer drool with envy. Blast those reflexes, dust off those fingers, and get ready to rule the Tetris arena like never before - it's gaming evolution in real time!
"Strings": Piano Nobile Gallery - Barbara Hepworth Unravelled. This isn't just a sculpture exhibit; it's an immersive journey into the mesmerizing world of one artistic legend. Witness how she revolutionized 20th-century art with her masterful manipulation of space, light, and lines in sculptures both familiar and completely awe-inspiring - you'll swear your eyes are tricking you as forms seem to dance before them! Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster that leaves you breathless...in the best possible way. 💖
"There: A Feeling": Camden Art Centre - Where Emotions Take Center Stage. Get ready for a visceral exploration of identity, survival, and storytelling across multiple mediums at this immersive exhibition. Gregg Bordowitz takes us on an emotional rollercoaster through video installations, thought-provoking performances, and introspective poetry that challenges our perceptions. Brace yourself to question everything you think you know about life - it's raw, it's real, and it will stay with you long after the final brushstroke is made!
"Broken Circle/Spiral Hill": Robert Smithson's Earthworks Masterpiece. This isn't just a sculpture; it's an immersive experience that makes you rethink the relationship between manmade structures and nature. Witness ancient quarries transformed by artistic vision in breath-taking ways, forcing us to ponder time, space, creation - all while feeling humbled by raw primal power! Don't miss this chance to connect with art on a soul level.
Tarot Tales: "Origins & Afterlives" - A Magical Journey. Step into the mystical world of tarot as its history unfolds before your very eyes in spellbinding fashion! This exhibition charts five centuries of influence, from humble beginnings to countercultural icon status, weaving together divination, art and societal shifts in a captivating tapestry. Prepare for an eye-opening experience that reveals the enduring power of symbolism and self-reflection - sometimes, the cards do hold the key.
Mexico City: "Construyendo Memorias" at Art Latinou. This is more than just an exhibition; it's a conversation with time itself. Explore how memories grow, change and evolve through powerful sculptural works by fourteen renowned artists who challenge us to confront our own narratives. Get ready for an immersive journey that transcends generations - you'll leave with renewed appreciation for the stories we tell (and those left untold).
Bill Saylor: "A.K.A PSYCHOPOMP" at cadet capela. This ain't your average abstract exhibition; it's a psychedelic odyssey through emotion embodied in bold strokes! Prepare to lose yourself amidst nature-inspired forms, evolution of the human condition, and pure color magic that demands both intellectual engagement AND soul sustenance - Bill Saylor's signature style doesn't just invite viewing; it pulls you right into his artistic playground for an unforgettable adventure.
Alfie Caine: "The Chalk Carver's House" at Margot Samel. This immersive exhibition is pure whimsy given form! Step inside a painter's imagination as houses seamlessly blend with rolling landscapes and seascapes whisper secrets of coastal charm in vibrant colors that defy reality (in the best way possible!). Prepare for an escape into artistic dreamland where logic takes a backseat to inspiration.
That wraps up this month's art scene roundup - from London to Paris, Mexico City to your own imagination! Stay creative, my friends"
Art Tech Explosion
How Cutting-Edge Innovation is Revolutionizing Creative Expression in 2025!
Hold onto your VR headsets, art lovers, because technology just dropped a major remix on the creative scene! From immersive AR experiences to drones painting panoramic visions and AI churning out stunning new possibilities, we're entering an era where art meets tech like never before. Get ready for mind-blowing advancements that are not only pushing artistic boundaries but also blurring the lines between reality and imagination itself:
Augmented Reality (AR): Forget just filters; AR is becoming the ultimate portal to multisensory masterpieces! Take Christo and Jeanne-Claude's iconic "The Gates" as prime inspiration, where visitors can virtually walk through this saffron sea in Central Park thanks to a supercharged Bloomberg Connects app experience - all from the comfort of their own smartphones. This kind of immersive magic lets us step right into history while giving new life to iconic works for future generations!
Aerial Photography: Birds-eye views, redefined! James Roh is leading the charge with drones and planes as his trusty brushes, crafting breath-taking aerial narratives that reveal hidden dimensions of our landscapes. His stunning work documenting Utah's battle over public lands showcases just how powerfully this approach can illuminate complex issues like climate change - talk about giving us a fresh perspective!
Film Tech Remix: Zeiss might be back in the photography game, teasing a potential new lens that has photographers around the world excited! Plus, Nikon recently unveiled their first-ever power zoom lens, specifically designed for cinematic workflows. This beauty boasts an incredibly smooth autofocus and minimal breathing to create seamless focus transitions, making it every videographer's dream toy. Finally, a 3D-printed film camera that puts even more control into photographers' hands - proof that analogue isn't dead just yet!
AI Power: Brace yourself for the AI revolution in art creation and exhibition as algorithms take centre stage. FilmSpektakel's London time-lapse is blowing minds by leveraging advanced AI techniques like generative fill for stunning transitions between over 80,000 images. These pioneers are using cutting-edge tech as new tools in their artistic arsenals - expect even more mind-blowing mashups of man and machine in the future!
Looking ahead: The art world's merger with technology is only just getting started. Expect to see a surge in interactive installations, NFTs becoming integral parts of exhibitions (goodbye static canvases!), bioluminescent sculptures glowing up our cities, and AI assistants curating personalized museum experiences - because who doesn't love having an algorithm as their personal guide through the artistic labyrinth? (Hint, Hint!)
One thing is certain: This exciting collision course between creativity and innovation will redefine what "art" even means in years to come. So get ready, art lovers! The ride of a lifetime awaits, filled with mind-bending wonders waiting to be discovered at every digital corner - all thanks to this dynamic duo: Art + Tech = pure magic
The World of Artificial Intelligence
As we navigate an increasingly AI-driven world, innovation marches forward with relentless speed and ambition. The month of February 2025 has already proved pivotal in shaping not only how artificial intelligence is developed but also its role in reshaping industries, societies, and our own human capabilities. Strap in as we unpack the key takeaways from this action-packed period...
AI Business & Startups: A Battleground of Innovation: Mistral emerged as a major European contender by securing strategic partnerships with Helsing for defence LLMs and Orange to supercharge AI offerings across Europe. These collaborations, alongside strong support from President Macron who championed Le Chat's potential, signify France's growing ambition in nurturing homegrown tech expertise. In parallel, Pinkfish is revolutionizing enterprise automation through its NLP platform that empowers business users of all technical backgrounds with rapid, affordable workflows. Their early wins with Ipsy and substantial pre-seed funding highlight their disruptive momentum amidst a cooling market for start-ups elsewhere. As the global AI investment tide surged to $110 billion last year alone, SpotDraft emerged as a leader in streamlining contract management while Keychain simplifies ingredient sourcing in manufacturing - both powered by intelligent automation. Encharge is pushing computational boundaries with its ground-breaking analogue chips promising dramatically reduced energy consumption.
AI Technology: Redefining Possibilities: OpenAI's bold decision to unify GPT models into the unified power-house of GPT-5 heralds a new era of accessible, powerful AI. With free standard chat access for all and enhanced reasoning capabilities for subscribers, it signifies a simplified yet more intelligent experience just around the corner! Google made an audacious $230 million investment in QuEra to accelerate development of fault-tolerant neutral atom quantum computers - unlocking unprecedented processing power. Meanwhile Adobe Firefly subscriptions cater to creative professionals with tools spanning visuals, videos, and multi-modal workflows. That’s our kind of AI!
AI and Society: Balancing Progress with Prudence: A sobering study by Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon University reveals the potential downsides of overdependence on generative AI for cognitive tasks. Excessive reliance can actually hinder our critical thinking abilities. This underscores the need to cultivate a healthy balance between automation and human engagement lest we unwittingly sacrifice mental agility at the altar of convenience. In parallel, BBC research exposed inherent flaws in AI-generated news summaries, demonstrating their unreliability as sources riddled with fabrications - fact-checking remains essential! As OpenAI loosens content warnings within ChatGPT for more natural conversation flow, maintaining its safety protocols is crucial. Meanwhile some legal eagles inadvertently cited imaginary cases generated by generative models, highlighting the need for human oversight when these systems handle sensitive information.
AI Governance and Policy: Shaping a Responsible Future: The EU took decisive strides to streamline AI regulations while pledging massive investment in research & development across Europe. Their ambitious goal? To establish Europe as a global leader in ethical and responsible AI innovation. Google launched its Public Interest Initiative investing $400 million into open-source tools and societal good projects - advocating for an inclusive, diverse future where everyone benefits from cutting-edge advancements. Fei-Fei Li's clarion call urges world leaders to discard sensationalized dystopian prophecies and adopt pragmatic, evidence-based policy making. The UK is overhauling its approach to prioritize AI security alongside safety & prosperity. Lastly, whispers abound of Meta acquiring FuriosaAI, a South Korean startup developing next-gen chips - a potential power play that could reshape the future landscape.
As we reach the middle of February, one thing remains undeniable: artificial intelligence's relentless march forward is fundamentally transforming our world. From fostering new economic models and driving technological leaps to reshaping societal structures and challenging ethical paradigms - we are at a crossroads of profound change. Navigating this brave new frontier with wisdom, critical thought, and unwavering determination will be key to harnessing AI's immense potential for the greater good while mitigating its inherent risks.
Cybersecurity News-in-Brief!
The month of February so far has seen a tidal wave crash through the cybersecurity landscape, exposing vulnerabilities and forcing painful truths about our digital defence posture. Let's dive headfirst into the swirling chaos without mincing words...
I. Ransomware & Cyberattacks: Where Digital Warfare Collides with Reality
Global Cops Take Down Notorious Ransonware Gang With International Sweepstakes A high-five to international law enforcement for bringing down notorious ransomware gang 8base in a coordinated operation spanning fourteen countries! Arrests were made, data leak sites dismantled, and millions recovered - proving global collaboration is essential for combating transnational cybercrime
News Giant Lee Enterprises Finds Itself Held Hostage By Devastating Cyber Attack The news empire that owns over a hundred papers was blindsided by an aggressive attack crippling operations across numerous publications. Both online platforms and print distribution were hobbled, underscoring the interconnected nature of media infrastructure and how easily it can be crippled - forcing everyone to confront their own preparedness
Despite heroic efforts to patch holes and restore systems, the damage is palpable. Publications limp along with reduced capacity while grappling with investigations. This prolonged pain serves as a stark reminder that even after an attack ends, recovery takes time - emphasizing how vital continuous monitoring and remediation are in our digital world
SonicWall Sounds the Alarm: Urgent Patch Now or Face Zero-Day Exploitation Bad news for firewall users - critical authentication vulnerabilities leave systems open to exploitation. Patches are out now so there's no excuse not to prioritize them immediately. Otherwise, you risk facing a rude awakening at the hands of opportunistic attackers.
PostgreSQL Bug Gives Hackers Free Rein on US Treasury Files. A newly discovered zero day vulnerability in popular database software PostgreSQL (CVE-2025-1094) was quickly exploited by Chinese hackers who pilfered thousands of sensitive files from no less than the US Treasury Department. Shows even trusted open source tools can be weaponized when vulnerabilities exist - constant vigilance and rapid patching are non-negotiable
II. Spyware & Surveillance: Where Secrecy Breaches Morality
Paragon Campaign Grows its Shadow, Casting Over More High Profile Targets The nefarious spyware attack on WhatsApp continues to expand as more journalists, activists and public figures come forward with devastating revelations These invasive tools are being wielded against critical voices by shadowy entities - highlighting a disturbing trend of governments exploiting technology for silencing dissent.
Shady Italian Company Suspected Of Peddling Malicious Android Apps To Governments?! An unsettling report suggests an Italian company SIO may have secretly been distributing malware disguised as popular apps on the Google Play Store. And it gets worse - there are indications that governments might even be complicit in this scheme. We need answers, accountability and a complete dismantling of these malicious operations exploiting public trust.
UK Government Tries to Sneak Backdoor Into iCloud with Sneaky Apple Deal: Brace yourselves for an epic clash between privacy rights defenders and the government. The UK is trying to force Apple into creating a backdoor access point to user data on iCloud - essentially undermining fundamental digital liberties. This dangerous precedent threatens everyone, prompting fierce backlash from experts worldwide.
III. Geopolitical Cyber Threats: Espionage Goes Rogue
Chinese Hackers Evade Sanctions Like Ninjas, Continuing Telecom Onslaught Despite US sanctions targeting China, Salt Typhoon hackers continue their relentless assault on telecom infrastructure around the globe. With over a thousand Cisco devices compromised - it's clear current measures aren't enough. We need to rethink our defenses and strategy as adversaries relentlessly adapt.
Spies Turn Double Agents in Ransomware Game: Russia (Sandworm!), China (APT41), Iran, North Korea? They're leveraging their cyberwarfare capabilities by recruiting criminal hacking groups for ransomware operations - a disturbing convergence of national agendas with financial motives. This requires new approaches to counter both the individual actors AND these hybrid threats that blur accountability.
Sandworm Unleashes New Attack Campaign Against Energy Giants and Governments Worldwide: Russia's notorious sandblaster hacking group, infamous for their disruptive tactics, is back at it again! With a newly coined campaign called "BadPilot" they're targeting energy companies and governments globally - stealing credentials left right and centre. A stark reminder that critical infrastructure remains juicy low hanging fruit. Brace yourselves defenders.
North Korean Hackers Unleash Sneaky NPM Attacks on Cryptocurrency Developers: Beware the lure of deceptively innocuous software packages! North Korea has launched an operation called "Marstech Mayhem," exploiting popular developer tools by deploying malware through compromised npm repositories. Their goal? To steal your precious cryptocurrency assets. Crypto devs need to be laser-focused, double and triple checking everything.
IV. Security Industry: Hard Choices Made in Times of Change
Sophos Axes Hundreds After Secureworks Takeover; Proof That Consolidation Often Comes at a Cost Mergers can create efficiencies but also job losses - Sophos sheds almost 400 employees post-acquisition. This highlights the human cost behind corporate restructuring and underscores ongoing talent challenges within cybersecurity
The World of Social Media: Amy's Unfiltered Take
The past week saw social media platforms evolve, rebel, and spark controversy - a rollercoaster ride that showcased both innovation and ongoing challenges within these digital public squares. From empowering users to sparking debate over ethics, it’s been a wild time in the world of likes, comments, shares, and everything in between... Let's dive deep without holding back!
I. New Platforms & Apps: Where Freedom Meets Fun
Open Alternatives Take Aim at Big Tech's Empire The Insta crowd is rebelling against censorship and algorithmic overlords with a host of new open platforms - think Pixelfed, Flashes, Pinksky and Skygram. They promise community ownership, ad-free zones, and user data security. Will they become the next big thing or just cool niche havens? Only time will tell! 😎
BuzzFeed's Quirky Joy Platform Challenges Algorithm Doom scrolling. Say "so long" to negativity overload with an upcoming platform from BuzzFeed focused on interactive stories, humour, and creative expression - a much needed breath of fresh air amidst algorithm-driven chaos. Let's see if they can make joy go viral!
[Would not have picked Buzzfeed to turn into the heroes in this story -Ed.]LANCH Lands Big Bucks To Turn Foodie Influencers Into Trendsetting Titans The fast food world just got an influencer makeover with German start-up LANCH, scooping up $27M to leverage online trends and hype for a fresh take on edible empires. Silicon Valley meets the Food Network - get ready for some seriously drool-worthy digital disruption!
II. Feature Frenzy: AI Search & Subtly Hidden Dislikes
Instagram Tries Subtle "Dislike" Button For Comments (Don't Panic, It's Anonymous) While they claim it combats negativity, let's be real - this could stir up more subtle drama! Users can signal disapproval without a thumbs down party for all to see. Brace yourselves for some serious comment karma shifts as we navigate the nuance of "like" fatigue
Reddit Goes AI on Us With Lightning Fast Search. Prepare yourself for supercharged searching thanks to Reddit's new artificial intelligence brain trust - summarizing discussions and delivering answers in real time. Forget endless scrolling! This move also paves the way for slicker advertising, so get ready for even more personalized pitches.
III. The Ethical Battlefield: Oversight Boards Under Fire
Meta's Oversight Board Faces Pushback Over Controversial Policy Changes. In a stunning turn of events, over 100 civil society organizations are calling on the very same members appointed to Meta's board to STEP DOWN! They accuse them of questionable policy changes made without proper consultation or regard for human rights. This standoff highlights ongoing ethical dilemmas and lack of transparency at Meta - could it lead to a major overhaul? The stakes have never been higher...
From rebel platforms seeking digital freedom, to innovative features shaking up user experience, and battles over power dynamics in social media's boardrooms - February 2025 has been anything BUT boring so far! It is underscoring the vital need for balance between technological advancement and ethical considerations as we navigate these ever-evolving spaces. Only one thing's certain: the conversation (and its consequences) are far from over!
About Us
The High-Tech Creative, standing at the intersection of Art and Tech.
Publisher & Editor-in-chief: Nick Bronson
Fashion Correspondent: Trixie Bronson
AI Contributing Editor and Poetess-in-residence: Amy
