Banksys latest work, revealed on December 16 via Instagram, brings a familiar theme back into the spotlightthe Madonna and Child. The black-and-white stencil depicts a mother breastfeeding her baby, with classical undertones that immediately echo Renaissance-era iconography. Unlike traditional renderings, however, the piece introduces an unsettling detail: the womans breast appears punctured by the corroded rust of the metal sheet it sits on. The babys expression adds to the unease, its distressed gaze amplifying the sense of vulnerability and suffering that radiates from the composition.Artist: BanksyThe Instagram post, which surfaced without location details or accompanying context, offers Banksys signature ambiguity. It leaves room for interpretation, allowing the public to form their own connections to the work. Social media, unsurprisingly, was quick to fill that gap. Many commenters noted the murals religious undertones, connecting the Madonna-and-Child imagery to Bethlehema city synonymous with the Nativity story. Banksys choice to depict such a scene on a rusted surface may evoke a broader narrative of resilience and struggle, themes that often resonate deeply in his works. Its a reminder of how place, texture, and subject can intertwine to amplify meaning, inviting viewers to reflect on the contrast between tradition and modern hardship without anchoring the interpretation to one specific event or location. The suggestion isnt without weight. Banksy has frequently highlighted conflict zones, particularly through his work in the West Bank, where his art has often blurred the line between activism and visual commentary.Nursing Madonna by Leonardo da Vinci, circa 1490, Hermitage Museum, St. PetersburgOthers on social media posited a more personal interpretation. One user speculated on maternal choices and how they might impact the child, writing: Could this imply a mothers lifestyle choices affect the milk she feeds to her baby who has no choice but to accept it? Another raised the issue of food systems and environmental contamination, suggesting the mural comments on the transfer of chemicals from mother to child through breastfeeding. While the work refrains from offering answers, it invites the viewer to wrestle with questionsa hallmark of Banksys approach.The artists choice of material plays a significant role in amplifying the murals message. The rusted metal sheet, punctured and weathered, creates a sharp juxtaposition to the serene expression on the mothers face, amplifying the emotional weight of the mural. This contrast transforms the nurturing act into something unsettling, a visual reminder of how tenderness and suffering often coexist in harsh realities. The hole itself becomes part of the art, uncomfortably aligning with her breast and turning the nurturing act of breastfeeding into a symbol of intrusion or decay. This deliberate use of a rough, industrial surface introduces tension that contrasts the gentle intimacy of the figures. Banksy has often used urban textures to reinforce his themes, whether its the crumbling walls of Gaza or derelict buildings in London.This isnt the first time Banksy has explored Madonna and Child imagery. His 2003 piece Toxic Mary depicted a similarly maternal figure feeding an infant from a bottle marked with a skull and crossbones. The message was starka direct critique of societal toxins or corrupted systems infiltrating innocence. In this new work, the commentary feels subtler yet no less pressing. The babys upward gaze and the pierced breast create a layered dialogue that bridges personal suffering and broader societal dysfunction.Banksys Toxic MaryDesign-wise, Banksys technique remains meticulous. The stencil work is precise, from the soft gradients on the mothers cheeks to the babys expressive features. These fine details pull viewers in, lending a sense of tenderness to an otherwise stark and unsettling image. The composition itself follows a classic triangular structure reminiscent of Renaissance paintings, yet stripped of color and placed on a decaying backdrop. This interplay between the traditional and the raw adds to the murals emotional impact, drawing on familiarity while subverting expectations.The timing of this release is notable. Banksys last post was in August, where he unveiled a series of animal-themed worksplayful and dynamic depictions of creatures like elephants, monkeys, and a gorilla breaking free from London Zoo. In contrast, this mural marks a tonal shift back toward social and political commentary, which has long been Banksys most impactful territory. Whether intended or not, the release of this Madonna-and-Child mural during the holiday season highlights the pieces resonance. It engages with themes of birth, suffering, and survivalconcepts deeply tied to both the Nativity and contemporary struggles.From a design perspective, Banksys use of grayscale aligns perfectly with the mood of the mural. The monochromatic palette eliminates distractions, sharpening the focus on the emotional weight of the figures. Its also a technique that feels uniquely Banksyvisually minimal but layered with meaning. The contrast between the figures and the rusted void gives the piece depth, a dynamic relationship between subject and medium. The metal itself becomes part of the narrative, its imperfections reflecting the realities of hardship and decay. I particularly appreciate how this choice resonates with Yanko Designs own thematic approach to monochromatic imagery. The raw simplicity of grayscale, when paired with thoughtful design, often elevates emotional depth while maintaining visual claritya principle we hold close in the way we capture and present our work here. Its art that speaks volumes without saying too much, a balance of restraint and impact that mirrors the very ethos of great design.Banksys strength as an artist is his ability to merge visual simplicity with complex storytelling. This mural speaks to multiple audiences at once. For some, its a commentary on war and suffering. For others, its a personal reflection on motherhood, environmental degradation, or systemic failure. Banksy leaves the door openan approach that turns art into a conversation rather than a definitive statement. That openness is what gives this work its staying power, allowing viewers to project their own experiences and concerns onto the imagery.Viewed through the lens of modern design, Banksys ability to adapt his art to found surfaces is particularly noteworthy. The rusted metal panel, punctuated and scarred, transforms into an active participant in the composition. Its not a passive backdrop but a critical element that shapes how the figures are perceived. This blending of subject and medium aligns with contemporary design principles that celebrate material honesty and storytelling through texture. Its a reminder that designlike artis as much about what you include as what you leave exposed.Shredding the Girl and BalloonBanksys mother-and-child mural lingers with its contradictions. It is tender yet brutal, serene yet distressed, timeless yet urgent. The piercing through the breast might symbolize harm, but it also forces the viewer to confront resiliencea mother who carries on despite the intrusion. That duality mirrors the struggles we see across the globe, where hope persists amid destruction. Themes of maternal strength, innocence under siege, and societal decay converge into a single powerful image that refuses to fade from memory. Banksy doesnt hand us solutions, but he compels us to look closer, to sit with discomfort, and to consider our role in perpetuating or alleviating these struggles. Whether interpreted as a political critique, a personal reflection on motherhood, or a commentary on environmental and societal erosion, the mural carries a weight that feels impossible to ignore. Its quiet power stays with you long after youve looked away, demanding reflection and offering no easy answers. That is where Banksys brilliance liesin his ability to ask the hardest questions through the simplest forms, leaving us to wrestle with the uncomfortable truths he reveals.The post Banksys Madonna and Child: A Haunting Vision of Resilience and Decay first appeared on Yanko Design.

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MacworldLess than a week after the release of iOS 18.2, Apple has begun beta-testing the next iOS update. Its not yet clear when we can expect this release to into wide release or what features to expect in it, but it will surely be the first major iOS update of 2025.Apple Intelligence has been the focus of most iOS 18 updates so far, and were still waiting on the big Siri overhaul that adds personal context using the data on your phone and scores of new app intents that allow Siri to perform actions in apps. Those features are generally expected to come in iOS 18.4, which most believe will be released in March or April. If true, then iOS 18.3 would focus mainly on tweaks and improvements to existing features and will pause the gradual rollout of Apple Intelligence features.As of December 16, Apple has only released the first Developer BetaPublic Beta testing will likely begin later this week.iOS 18.3: New featuresWe dont yet know what significant new features are included in the iOS 18.3 beta, but we will update this section as we explore the update and learn more.iOS 18.3: How to install the developer betaYoull need to be registered as an Apple developer. You dont need to be in the $99 per year developer program to access the developer beta. A free developer account will do. You can get one via Xcode or the Apple Developer app in iOS. Heres how to do it via the Apple Developer app:Download the Apple Developer App from the App Store.Open the app.Tap on Account.Sign in using your usual Apple ID.Registered developers can choose to get the Public Beta instead by selecting iOS Public Beta in the Software Update screen. It may take a little time after registering as a developer for the option to appear in Software Updates.iOS 18.3: How to install the public betaThe public beta isnt out yet, but we expect it will arrive in a few short days. If you want to be among the first to test iOS 18.3, you can sign up for the public beta test. The process for installing a beta has changed in iOS 16.4. Heres how the new process works now:Click Sign Up on the Apple Beta page and register with your Apple ID.Log in to the Beta Software Program.Click Enroll your iOS device.Open the Settings app, tap General, then Software Update.In the Beta Updates section, select the iOS Public Beta.It may take a few moments after registering for the beta option to appear in Software Update.

MacworldHands down, the cutest charger you can get for your iPhone right now is this Ugreen Uno 2-in-1 model that will smile at you while your phone is charging. Normally $70, its now available for $44 at Amazon, a 37% savings and a great price for an adorable desk accessory.This tiny charger features a foldable magnetic platform that allows you to adjust the viewing angle up to 70 degrees so your phone can lie flat or at an angle to use Standby mode, check notifications, or scroll your Instagram feed while charging. Underneath the magnetic stand, youll find a 5W charging mat for your AirPods. But our favorite part of this charger isnt its versatility or 15W charging speed. Its its adorable personality: While charging, the tiny screen on the front of the Ugreen Uno displays a tiny happy face, which changes expressions as the device reaches 100 percent.So, if you want to clear up your desk of wires and have some fun with one of the most adorable charging stations weve ever seen, the Ugreen Uno 2-in-1 is on sale for $44 at Amazon. Just note, youll need to be an Amazon Prime member to get the best price. If youre not subscribed yet, you can try the service free for 30 days and still get the lowest price.That's a massive discount for a 2-in-1 chargerBuy now at Amazon

AI is everywhere, but from where I sit, there are some strong signals that suggest the road to AI Everywhere is going to be a long-distance endurance race, rather than a sprint.While these tools are seeing a lot of use since ChatGPT burst upon the scene, they are also generating lots of cost and despite all the marketing, it still isnt really clear if consumers arebuying hardware based on AI Inside.(Though it is already clear that workers areusing AI in the shadows).Even iPhone users usually the fastest adopters of cutting-edge tech seem to want convincing that AI is all its cracked up to be.Its almost as if people purchasing these products are a little turned off by a technology that threatens to destroy their employment, exacerbate wealth inequalities, and supercharge surveillance advertising in exchange for email summaries and a search engine powerful enough to help you file your next welfare benefit claim.Who could have seen that coming?When it comes to tech, consumers havedeveloped a resistance to the new. Theyve seen both bank accounts and politics hacked by technologies originally sold to them under the promise of making things better, and they are annoyed that the ad-free streaming television they began paying for now comes with added ads. Theyveseen this happen again and again, as a result of which they are suspicious of new tech even when it isprivate and trusted like the AI that Apple is promising to provide.Why do I think this?A recent survey of 2,000 US smartphone users by trade-in siteSellCellfound that 73% of iPhone users and 87% of Samsung users say the AI features they have been provided with in the latest software updates are adding little or no value.Samsung introduced its first genAI smartphone in March this year, while Apple rolled out Apple Intelligence with iOS 18.1 in October.The survey was taken beforeApple introduced iOS 18.2, and while it cant be seen as representative, I think it shows that the expectation that AI will somehow deliver a big bump in device and PC sales may be misplaced though server sales will see a big spike as service providers and businesses implement AI in their systems.This doesnt mean iPhone users arent interested in AI. Among iOS users who responded to the SellCell survey, 47.6% called it key in choosing a new phone; just 23.7% of Samsung users felt the same way. It may also matter that 21.1% of smartphone users already see AI as a very important deciding factor when choosing a new device.What are the most popular AI features on phones?While the survey does show theres some journey to go before the promise of AI resonates fully with its audience, it also reveals which of the features made available in iOS 18.1 (pre-Genmoji) most interested users: Writing Tools (72%), Notification summaries (54%), Priority Messages (44.5%), Clean Up in Photos (29.1%), and Smart Reply in Mail and Messages (20.9%).For comparison, Samsung AI users checked out thusly: Circle to Search (82.1%), Photo Assist (55.5%), Chat Assist (28.8%), Note Assist (17.4%), and Browsing Assist (11.6%).Its clear that Apples decision to Sherlock Grammarly (and do it privately) has given the company its most attractive suite of AI tools. People like tools that help them do everyday things better, it seems.That desire for enhanced productivity is also what is driving employees to use AI services for their work, sometimes to the detriment of security policies and customer privacy.At this stage in AI deployment, consumers still need convincing, and companies still need time to think about how best to deploy the tech though a recentCCS Insight surveyof business leaders showed that 82% are in the process of deployment. We are early in the mass adoption curve, and in that environment, taking a cautious and deliberate stance to adoption seems to be the best way to avoid falling into any unexpected disasters. Which is, oddly enough, how Apple has been approaching the topic since the get-go.Will you pay for AI?While I dont see platform-wide AI as anything like the same animal as the fast-growing assemblage ofcustomized focused AI servicesfor specific industries and tasks, it still feels like the opportunity to monetize general purpose mass-market AI services remains some way off.Apple users are a little more ready.They are a lot more likely to consider investing in AI subscriptions (which may yet justify OpenAIs gamble to offer its services through Apples kit), but subscription is a trickle, rather than a flood. The survey tells us 11.6% of them are likely to pay for a subscription to use AI services, in contrast to just 4% of Samsung users.However, most smartphone users (86.5% of iPhone users and 94.5% of Samsung users) said they wouldnotpay to use AI.The decision seems pretty polarized in that just 1.9% of Apple users arent sure if theyd pay or not in other words, theres a pretty clear division between the two sides. That means the task of convincing people to adopt is already entirely based on showing those refuseniks compelling usage cases that help themcome to terms with, trust, and develop the desire to use AI in some way.Gathering the tribesEroding this resistance and bestowing these services with an increased perception of value will clearly be part of the product management journey for Apple AI, and every other kind of artificial intelligence. It may well be that as the uses of these tools become more widespread, peoples enthusiasm will increase. It is worth noting that at some point prior to the introduction of Apple Intelligence, some reports were claiming that some inside Apple themselves remained uncertain if the first echelon of tools to ship would resonate with consumers.They may find themselves slightly relieved that while AI features dont seem to grab the attention of every iPhone user, the ones who are making use of the tools seem pretty enthusiastic. iPhone users are also trying the new AI services as they appear, with 41.6% of those owning an iPhone that supports them confirming theyd used them, mostly writing tools, notification summaries, and priority messages.What does this tell us?I think it tells us that the current trend of just waving at a gadget that happens to support genAI and calling it an AI smartphone or an AI PC or, in Apples case, a complete mobile to PC AI ecosystem may need to be refined.People need to feel more trust in these solutions, want to be convinced that potential damaging use is mitigated against, and most of all wantapplied use casesin which the tech can be applied in positive, life-enhancing ways. Its also possible that the hype of AI is already behind us, and that now the search must shift to identifying those compelling instances in which the tech addressessignificant human need.You can follow me on social media! Join me onBlueSky, LinkedIn,Mastodon, andMeWe.