David Byrne has reunited with Brian Eno for a new song called ‘T Shirt’. Co-written by the longtime collaborators, the track continues in the tongue-in-cheek yet earnest vein of Byrne’s recent album Who Is the Sky?; Byrne has been performing it on his tour supporting the record over a montage of slogan T-shirts. Check it out below.
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Album Review: FKA twigs, ‘EUSEXUA Afterglow’
FKA twigs has made it clear that her unbridled imagination doesn’t always translate to a conventional rollout. We may live in a time when artists can retroactively remove songs from an album simply because it’s more how they want them to be (while needing to clarify the changes only apply to digital media), but one could accuse the shapeshifting iconoclast of taking her world-building too far with EUSEXUA, which was reimagined the same day it was expanded with a brand new album. Yet you can tell twigs’ strategy stems not from perfectionism or a mere desire for post-release tinkering (which most artists would share), but genuine enthusiasm for the project and its malleability. That extends to EUSEXUA Afterglow, which doesn’t dim so much as continue to ride the high of the original, sticking to the concept while borrowing some of the looseness of CAPRISONGS. It’s hard to imagine coming out of it and wishing it were just another deluxe album.
1. Love Crimes
‘Love Crimes’ immediately undercuts the expectation that EUSEXUA Afterglow will be a moodier companion to the original. “My heart keeps falling/ Harder than before,” twigs announces, proving her point with a pummeling four-on-the-floor beat. Flexed and contorted by a body “like a death trap,” the singer isn’t quite ready to let go. But the imperative to let them know pulses just as hard.
2. Slushy
Amidst a spiralling world, twigs proclaims, “I’m gonna make today heavenly.” ‘Slushy’ doesn’t feel like she’s manifesting it; it dizzies and wonders, restoring memories from the Recycle Bin and, in its more wakeful form, reaching for a hand to hold. You start to get what the Afterglow is all about.
3. Wild and Alone [feat. PinkPantheress]
Buried in the wafting loneliness that pervades EUSEXUA Afterglow’s first few songs is an almost domestic kind of warmth. In ‘Slushy’, twigs extols the pleasures of “waking up with you kinda late Saturday,” and here we find her waking up “tired, cute, and okay/ ‘Cause I love it when you call me/ And we talk all night.” But the overpowering feelings are the titular ones, capturing the absurd push-and-pull of fame while also finding the humour in it: “I think that being famous is funny.” PinkPantheress meets her right where she’s at.
4. HARD
The all-caps title tells you something about the switch in intensity here, dialed up with help from German producer Mechatok. It shakes and skitters at the thought of discovering the other person’s capacity for total surrender, a match of physical freedom. There’s no touching or even the rush to get there, just the pure ecstasy of anticipation and chemistry, the kind that easily flips into nervousness.
5. Cheap Hotel
Halfway through the track, twigs and her co-producers – including Two Shell – deconstruct its trip-hop beat to suggest that the singer’s invitation to “room twenty or twenty four,” the allure of “endless summertime,” has been accepted. It’s the moment tantalizing fantasy is starting to take shape in the real world, which simultaneously can seem amorphous, bogged down by the depth of the night. Still, the offer stands.
6. Touch a Girl
Musically, the song drifts in a kind of vacuous haze, but lyrically it’s among the album’s most compelling tracks, lending it its title: “Hurt so good that I got that afterglow.” The intersection of pleasure and pain has always been gold for twigs’ music – ‘Touch a Girl’ (as in “You don’t know how…”) is more accusatory than instructing, mirroring the deflation of possibility.
7. Predictable Girl
Less effective than the previous Mechatok collab, ‘Predictable Girl’ is still tellingly abrasive in its production, which is almost as jarring as some of its lyrics (“You made up a world, then got fucked in the ass”). It’s as if the ‘Promiscuous’ nod is so obvious they had to chop and distort it to death, though it also acts as a convincing expression of getting lost in your head. Somewhere along the way, it loses Afterglow’s most cogent pop song.
8. Sushi
By twigs’ standards, ‘Sushi’ feels run-of-the-mill and clumsily written, endearing as its insistence on taking her lover out might be. “And no, I still can’t drive/ But me and my sassy friends can pick you up/ Treat you fancy nice,” she sings, but cheap sounded better just a few songs earlier. The segue into NYC ballroom homage is enticing, but by that point, the song has somewhat overstayed its welcome.
9. Piece of Mine
Over tenderly and familiarly sensual production, twigs finally offers her instructions: “Lay back and recline”; “Follow the signs/ ‘Cause it’s a long ride, baby.” It harks back to LP1 in a way that allows twigs to relax into her vibrato, creating a safe space. Riding a high has rarely sounded so simple.
10. Lost All My Friends
The album’s penultimate track finds twigs at a point of desperation where memory starts to slip and there’s a whiff of danger in the air, except it’s no longer fun. The same drug – literally or metaphorically – that loosened the senses on ‘Cheap Hotel’ now just breeds anxiety. As twigs flits between the cathartic highs and shadowy lows of her voice, effected as it is, ‘Lost All My Friends’ earns its climactic placement.
11. Stereo Boy
EUSEXUA Afterglow leaves its most breathtaking moment for last. The hook – which is typically all an FKA twigs ballad really needs – is an emotional gut punch: “I changed the station, but my pain, it still remained/ ‘Cause you’re just a stereo boy,” she sings over glitched-out shoegaze, hopefully a sound twigs keeps harnessing. Sometimes the pain never gets converted and the pleasure’s lost in the static. No matter where the album finds you, though – securely attached or unrequitedly yearning – it’s hard not to be drawn by its ever-evolving frequencies.
McQueen 2.0 Under Kering: Resets, Drama & Survival
Despite all the headlines and whispers that the Alexander McQueen label is up for grabs, it remains where it’s always been, under Kering’s minimal logo and thin lettering. The runways may dazzle from time to time, but backstage it’s all Kering calling the shots, and what’s really happening is a complete rethinking of the brand’s creative and business direction. The pressure is big, but its the house’s history that gives it weight.
The Kering Effect
If you think the McQueen shake-up is just industry gossip, think bigger. The French luxury group went in with scissors, about a quarter of London HQ staff got the chop, basically hitting the restart button the company couldn’t dodge anymore. Doors continued to close, no more keeping boutiques open just for vibes, and certainly no more McQ. The sub-label is officially on ice, benched while Kering figures out whether it should relaunch as a digital-friendly Gen Z line or vanish for good. Call it corporate detox. One that should’ve been done years ago. The label’s mothership pulls things together so current McQueen can finally stop being barely-there and hopefully start performing again.
Future Perfect McQueen
McQueen’s sales haven’t exactly been flirting with the brand lately, and today’s shoppers are far too clever to be spending on heritage alone. So the house is stripping back to what defines it, figuring out what still feels iconic, what deserves the archive and what is destined to stay in screenshots forever. With a new vision in the works, the big question is what does McQueen look like when it stops relying on its past and starts designing for a future that’ll actually open wallets?
The reboot isn’t about reliving its glory days, it’s simply fighting to stay in the luxury ring. Let’s face it, no creative director under the sun is ever going to bring back what Alexander Lee McQueen built in his era. The industry keeps trying to force the label’s collections to carry the same shock factor and emotional punch, but those days are gone, and they’ve been gone for a long time. So maybe this reset is exactly what needed to happen. A long-overdue acceptance that the McQueen we mourned isn’t coming back, and that the future version doesn’t have to pretend it will.
Battlefield 6 Refines Aim Assist in Latest Update
Battlefield 6 has just announced its latest update called California Resistance. Headlining this patch 1.1.2.0 are the enhancements to aim assist and a bunch of new content. At the same time, the studio focused on refining responsiveness, animations, and the overall game stability.
Aim Assist Returns to Original Tuning
One of the highlights in this update is a reset of aim assist to its Open Beta and Battlefield Labs values, according to the announcement.
“At launch, we increased slowdown at longer ranges, but once the game went live, we saw that this made high-zoom aiming feel less smooth and harder to control,” Battlefield Studios said.
With the community feedback and gameplay data, the developers decided to keep slowdown consistent across all ranges. This adjustment helps muscle memory. In the same way, it delivers a steadier experience for players. While this becomes the default, everyone can still change the aim assist settings.
New California Resistance Content
According to Battlefield Studios, version 1.1.2.0 also brings California Resistance. This content adds the new Eastwood map. Conquest mode on Eastwood includes the Golf Cart, helicopters, and tanks.
Similarly, there is a new limited-time mode called Sabotage. It encourages players to focus on demolition and counterplay. Plus, the developers are introducing two more weapons: the DB-12 Shotgun and the M357 Trait Sidearm. A new Rodeo mission type in Gauntlet mode will also be available. It lets players get bonuses after defeating enemies in vehicle combat. On top of that, fans can also expect the Battle Pickups features coming later in the patch.
Aside from all these, there are several portal updates and an under barrel attachment. The update also includes a limited-time California Resistance bonus path in the Battle Pass.
More Improvements in Battlefield 6
Beyond aim assist and the new content, the update makes big changes across the board. For instance, the controller aiming feels smoother. Weapon accuracy has been tightened, and dispersion has been reduced. Also, challenges and progression are clearer to track, and deployable gadgets received a major polish pass. Likewise, Portal now has Fort Lyndon.
At the same time, players will benefit from the stability improvements that affect the following areas:
- Player
- Vehicles
- Weapons
- Gadgets
- Maps and Modes
- UI and HUD
- Settings
- Single Player
- Audio
- Portal
- Hardware
To see complete patch notes, visit the official Battlefield 6 page.
Availability
Version 1.1.2.0 of Battlefield 6 will go live today (November 18) on all supported platforms. This latest update shows how the developers value community feedback in providing better gaming experiences.
Man/Woman/Chainsaw Sign to Fiction, Share New Single ‘Only Girl’
Man/Woman/Chainsaw have signed to Fiction Records, marking the announcement with a hooky, buoyant new song called ‘Only Girl’. Check it out below.
“’Only Girl’ is our playful love song,” Vera Leppänen, who sings lead vocals on the track, said in a statement. “Built around a ripping violin top-line and birthed from a grungy guitar jam, it gradually became something more boisterous and altogether more joyful – a total declaration of love. We had a lot of fun making it.”
Read our Artist Spotlight interview with Man/Woman/Chainsaw.
How to Talk to a Doctor About Medical Marijuana (Complete Patient Guide)
Talking to a doctor about medical marijuana can feel intimidating, especially if it’s your first time bringing up the topic. Many patients worry about being judged, misunderstood, or dismissed — but today, more healthcare professionals recognize cannabis as a legitimate therapeutic option in certain regions where medical programs are legal.
With the right preparation, you can approach this conversation confidently and respectfully. This guide explains how to prepare, what to say, how to ask the right questions, and how to work with your doctor to make the best decision for your health.
1. Understand Why You’re Considering Medical Marijuana
Before your appointment, take a moment to reflect on why you want to explore medical cannabis. Common reasons include:
- Chronic pain
- Anxiety or sleep issues
- Appetite loss
- PTSD
- Inflammation
- Neuropathic pain
- Muscle spasms
Knowing your goals will help you communicate clearly and show your doctor that you are approaching the topic responsibly.
2. Do Basic Research First
Doctors appreciate patients who educate themselves before asking about treatment options. You don’t need to be an expert, but having a basic understanding of:
- THC vs. CBD
- Indica, sativa, and hybrid differences
- Common forms (tinctures, capsules, vaporizers, topicals)
- The importance of dosage
…helps you speak confidently and clearly.
If you live in a region where personal medical cultivation is allowed, some patients also study how different strains and genetics influence therapeutic outcomes. Educational resources about marijuana seeds can help you understand cannabinoid and terpene profiles, which may be relevant when discussing strain types with your doctor.
3. Prepare Your Medical Information
Your doctor will likely ask about:
- Your current symptoms
- What treatments you’ve tried
- Your medication list
- Allergies or medical conditions
- Any previous experience with cannabis
Bring:
✔ A list of medications
✔ Notes on previous treatments
✔ A timeline of symptoms
This shows you’re taking the conversation seriously.
4. Start the Conversation Calmly
A simple opening line works best:
“I’ve been researching medical cannabis and would like to know whether it might be appropriate for my condition.”
This tone is:
- Respectful
- Non-demanding
- Open to professional guidance
Doctors appreciate clarity and honesty.
5. Ask Responsible Questions
Asking thoughtful questions shows responsibility and maturity, such as:
- “Could medical marijuana interact with my medications?”
- “What form would you recommend for my symptoms?”
- “What dosage do patients typically start with?”
- “What should I watch for in terms of side effects?”
- “Is CBD or a low-THC option more suitable for me?”
Your goal is to learn, not convince.
6. Understand the Forms of Medical Marijuana
Your doctor may explain different options like:
- Tinctures
- Capsules
- Vape oils
- Edibles
- Topicals
In regions where home growing is legally permitted for medical use, some patients supplement their understanding by exploring educational resources such as marijuanaseeds.com to learn how genetics may influence therapeutic effects.
This is only for education — never a replacement for medical advice.
7. Be Open to Your Doctor’s Concerns
Doctors may have questions or concerns about:
- Drug interactions
- Side effects
- Workplace safety
- Mental health considerations
- Legal restrictions
If your doctor expresses hesitation, you can say:
“I understand — could you explain your concerns so I can better understand your recommendation?”
This keeps the conversation respectful and productive.
8. Know What NOT to Say
Avoid statements that sound recreational or unserious:
- “I need weed to relax.”
- “My friend has a card — I want one too.”
- “I already use cannabis; I just want it legal.”
Doctors respond best when you focus on:
✔ Symptoms
✔ Medical goals
✔ Safety
✔ Compliance with local laws
9. Understand Local Medical Cannabis Rules
Medical marijuana laws vary widely depending on your location. Some regions require:
- Approval for qualifying conditions
- Registration in a medical program
- Purchasing from licensed dispensaries
- Follow-up visits
Knowing the rules ahead of time helps you have a more informed conversation.
10. Plan for Follow-Up Appointments
Your doctor may want to:
- Adjust dosage
- Monitor side effects
- Track symptom improvement
- Reevaluate your treatment plan
Medical cannabis is not a one-time decision — it’s an evolving therapy that requires guidance.
Final Thoughts
Talking to a doctor about medical marijuana doesn’t need to be stressful. With preparation, honesty, and a clear understanding of your symptoms, you can create a meaningful and productive conversation that prioritizes your health and well-being.
If you choose to learn more about strains, genetics, or the science of cultivation for educational purposes — especially where medical growing is legally permitted — there are many reputable resources available to help you understand how different strains and plant characteristics may influence therapeutic effects.
Always follow your doctor’s guidance and your region’s laws — your health and safety come first.
Steam Frame VR Headset Explained: Everything to Know About Valve’s New VR-PC Hybrid
While we didn’t get a Half-Life 3 announcement (for now), Valve has shown off something far more eye-catching (if you catch our drift). Riding the wave of the Steam Deck’s success, the company is doubling down on its device strategy and recently unveiled a slew of new gaming hardware, including the Steam Frame, a spiritual successor to 2019’s Valve Index VR headset. The VR gaming headset space has been in a weird place lately. Despite a whole host of powerful VR headsets, the lack of fun, replayable games/experiences and the sheer work needed just to set it up and get started have held VR back. However, with the Steam Frame, Valve is trying to solve a lot of that by putting a full-blown Linux PC right in front of your eyes. Featuring a wireless, “streaming-first” setup, the Steam Frame can not only stream games off of your PC but also lets you play those games on it as a standalone device (without having to stream them from a PC), thanks to its onboard Snapdragon chip that runs the SteamOS interface and can access your complete Steam library, including VR titles and your regular non-VR PC games.
Although Valve has yet to share the pricing or exact release date, the reveal makes it pretty clear what the Steam Frame is aiming for. If Valve’s announcement has already piqued your interest, here’s what you need to know about the Steam Frame VR headset before you buy one.
Steam Hardware Announcement
Valve’s Steam Frame VR Headset: The Good
Let’s start with what’s to love about Valve’s new Steam Frame VR headset. High-end specs don’t mean much if you can’t wear or use the headset for hours at a stretch, and Valve has put a lot of thought into ergonomics. The Steam Frame has a relatively smaller footprint and is surprisingly lightweight too, weighing a mere 245 grams. The headset’s battery pack is placed on the rear, which the company says will balance the weight from “front-to-rear for a comfortable experience.” And since there are no wires or setup involved, you can simply slip the headset on and get on with playing/streaming your games.
Then there’s Steam Frame’s onboard Snapdragon chip that lets you run games on it the same way you’d on a PC, basically turning the headset into a VR-PC hybrid. Powering the headset is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650), an eight-core chip featuring one Prime core up to 3.4 GHz, five Performance cores up to 3.2 GHz, and two Efficiency cores up to 2.3 GHz. Although the chipset isn’t the newest or even fastest on the market, it fits the bill for a VR headset since it doesn’t run too hot (therefore doesn’t need any extra cooling hardware), delivers enough power for standalone play and also supports Wi-Fi 7.
Like the Steam Deck, the Steam Frame runs Linux via Valve’s SteamOS, giving you a familiar interface right on your face. However, the technical flex here is that the Steam Frame runs the entire SteamOS on an ARM chip but can also play x86 games right out of the box. Valve has achieved this feat via FEX, an open-source ARM emulator that converts x86 code into something ARM can understand. In a nutshell, FEX is basically a translation layer that takes care of compatibility, so you don’t have to worry about it. And if all that wasn’t enough, you can even run games stored on your microSD card (yes, you read that right), since the Steam Frame comes with a microSD slot in addition to the built-in 256 GB (or 1TB) of UFS storage.
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The company has also reworked the Steam Frame’s optics and display system to deliver a sharper, more immersive VR experience. The VR headset uses a new custom pancake lens system that cuts down on bulk while improving edge-to-edge clarity, resulting in a crisp, distortion-free image and a more comfortable eye box. The headset features two 120 Hz LCD panels with a resolution of 2160 × 2160 per eye, using an RGB subpixel layout instead of OLED or Micro-OLED. Moreover, every Steam Frame headset comes included with a USB 3.0 wireless adapter that connects to your gaming PC or laptop via a dedicated 6 GHz link. This plug-and-play 6 GHz adapter handles all the visual, audio, and input data for gameplay, while a separate antenna keeps this streaming link isolated from the headset’s Wi-Fi 7 traffic; thus, as Valve puts it, there’s “no competition for bandwidth.” This gives you the best of both worlds, as you get smooth, lag-free streaming without the need for an additional VR router or complicated network setup.
Since Valve is pitching the Steam Frame as a “streaming-first” PC VR headset, the streaming setup is obviously the big thing here. The VR headset uses foveated streaming, pushing up to eight times more bandwidth to the area you’re looking at while rendering peripheral areas at lower quality. This keeps the content in your sight razor-sharp while saving resources for the rest of the frame. Another innovative feature is that the Steam Frame can also run Android games, and you don’t have to worry about whether a title is native to Steam or Android. It can run the same Android APKs that developers have already created for devices like the Meta Quest. While SteamOS isn’t the same as Android (despite the fact that both are Linux-based), the ARM-based Snapdragon chip lets the headset run Android apps natively, without the need for translation layers.
Valve’s Steam Frame VR Headset: The (Not So) Bad
Even with all the hardware and software breakthroughs, this is still Valve’s first attempt at a fully standalone, streaming-focused PC VR headset, which means the Steam Frame isn’t without a few minor quirks. The VR headset’s resolution, refresh rate, and field of view are in line with what we have seen before in recent releases and are nothing to write home about. Even the display (which is plenty sharp and crisp) isn’t the “best in the business.” Valve has gone with Steam Frame’s LCD panels, which, while offering solid brightness and being affordable, simply can’t compete with the deep blacks or contrast of an OLED display.
Then there’s the Steam Frame’s monochrome passthrough mode for mixed reality, which captures everything in only black-and-white. This means that you can see your surroundings, but not in full color, which can make interacting with real-world objects feel less natural and it can’t deliver the type of mixed reality features that have become common on recent VR devices.
Tracking is another thing that sort of feels like a missed opportunity. Steam Frame uses inside-out tracking with eye-tracking support and has redesigned the controllers around a more conventional layout. The controllers come packed with 18 IR LEDs, an IMU, and capacitive sensing, but all of that still depends on staying within the headset’s four camera sensors. So, the big question is how well the Steam Frame will handle controller movement when the controllers leave the headset’s cameras. Without external tracking, it’ll have to manage everything on its own and rely entirely on prediction and IMU data, which will naturally limit tracking precision.
Beyond these, there are also a few hardware choices that (somewhat) hold the Steam Frame back, depending on how you use your VR headset. The Steam Frame doesn’t come with a 3.5mm headphone jack and the single USB-C port on the headset is limited to USB 2.0 speeds, so you don’t get fast data transfer or the option for a wired, uncompressed video signal.
Valve’s Steam Frame VR Headset: Release Date
Valve hasn’t shared an exact release date for the Steam Frame, but the company did
reveal that the VR headset is all set to release sometime in the spring of 2026.
Valve’s Steam Frame VR Headset: Price and Availability
There’s also no word on how much the Steam Frame will cost. However, with the kind of specs it packs, pricing will be a make-or-break factor. If Valve can price it reasonably, like it did with the Steam Deck and undercut the competition, it could be a huge win. With the Steam Frame, Valve is making PC VR gaming easy and accessible to the masses, as you can simply put the headset on and play your entire Steam library and if it’s priced well, then Valve has already got a winner in its hands. As for availability, the Steam Frame is slated to launch in the USA, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
The Top 10 Gaming Slots to Try
If you’re a fan of online casinos, you’ll know that slots aren’t just a game; they’re an experience. With vibrant graphics, thrilling themes, and the chance to score massive wins, the best slots online can make you feel like you’re part of an epic adventure. From mythology to outer space, there’s a game out there for every kind of player, and we’ve rounded up ten that are definitely worth your time.
Starting strong, Divine Fortune is a standout for anyone who loves Ancient Greek vibes and the thrill of chasing progressive jackpots. Developed by NetEnt, it features beautiful symbols like Medusa and Pegasus, plus the Falling Wilds Respins that keep each spin unpredictable and exciting. With medium volatility, it balances the excitement of chasing jackpots with regular enough wins to keep you engaged.
Next up is Starburst, another NetEnt classic. This cosmic-themed slot has low volatility, making it perfect for players who like frequent, smaller wins. Its expanding wilds add a spark of excitement without complicating gameplay. If you’re after a visually captivating and smooth slot experience, Starburst is hard to beat.
For Wild West enthusiasts, Dead or Alive II is a must. With high volatility and an immersive cowboy theme, it allows you to choose your own free spins bonus, adding strategy to every round. Plus, the potential for massive payouts makes it one of the most thrilling slots out there.
Adventure lovers can’t miss Gonzo’s Quest. Its Aztec/Mayan theme and cascading reels are iconic, giving players the chance for both regular wins and big payouts. This medium-volatility slot has remained a favourite for over a decade, proving that good design and solid mechanics never go out of style. It’s a game that offers a balance of regular wins and big payouts, reassuring players of its potential.
Blood Suckers stands out as one of the highest RTP slots, at an impressive 98%. Perfect for vampire fans or Halloween vibes, it pairs generous bonus features with frequent payouts. These are definitely some of the best slots online ever, offering players both fun and profitability.
Other top contenders include Wheel of Fortune Power Wedges, which combines the thrill of a progressive jackpot with an engaging bonus wheel, and Fortune Coin, a Chinese-themed slot with 243 paylines and plenty of opportunities to rack up wins.
Buffalo, Medusa Megaways, and Book of Dead round out our list. Each brings its own flavour: Buffalo with its wild animal theme and multiple paylines, Medusa Megaways with heart-pounding mechanics, and Book of Dead with Egyptian adventures and rewarding free spins.
Whether you’re chasing jackpots, exploring immersive themes, or just spinning for fun, these slots provide some of the most entertaining experiences online. They’re designed to appeal to all types of players, from cautious bettors to high-stakes thrill-seekers.
So, if you’re ready to try your luck, dive into these games and discover why slot machines remain a cornerstone of online gaming. With eye-catching graphics, innovative features, and the potential for big wins, there’s never been a better time to press spin.
Lines of Control: How a Visually and Conceptually Driven Designer Uses Colonial Railroads to Decode Power
“Infrastructure appears neutral, just ‘how things work’. But it physically encodes social exclusion. Qian’s Book goes back to 19th-century railroad politics and asks: Who gets infrastructure? Who gets left behind? And how is this exclusion designed, engineered, and justified as ‘progress’?”
A single railroad contract became a mirror reflecting three incompatible futures for China. American capital, through William Barclay Parsons’s brutally frank 1899 survey, sought resource extraction disguised as modernization: mining rights mattered more than trains. The Qing government desperately needed infrastructure to prove sovereignty and centralize power. Provincial gentry resisted, recognizing that foreign-built railroads meant foreign control of Chinese territory. The conflict wasn’t tradition versus progress, it was a fight over who had the right to modernize China and on whose terms.
For Zhihan Qian, a critically minded designer who investigates spatial politics and power, the three-way struggle over China’s railroads offered irresistible dramatic potential. Collaborating with writer Baiyi Du, she created Lines of Control. Du conducted the historical research and writing, while Qian’s design work, the visual system, archival typography, and documentary layouts perform its own analytical investigation. It’s a slim book readable in an afternoon, but dense with historical complexity, extending a body of work that has found recognition in both design and cultural institutions—including the acquisition of her earlier publication by major institutions such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Thomas J. Watson Library.
The design of Lines of Control embodies its subject’s tensions. Open the minimal cover, the full-bleed railway lines extend across pages with almost violent directness. Rigorous investigative text alternates with emotionally charged typographic moments—particularly Qian’s treatment of resistance documents like Sichuan People’s Cry to Heaven (川民吁天歌), where text arrangement becomes a tool for what she calls “conveying the story’s multiple rhythms.” The project builds on Qian’s broader practice, which includes highly selective international exhibitions at the Brooklyn Art Book Fair, Detroit Art Book Fair, Boston University’s Multiple Formats, and Pioneer Works’ Press Play, all of which are platforms known for showcasing leading voices in critical and experimental publishing. The approach echoes her earlier work, The Memeing of Political Discourse, a project recognized with prestigious KTK Design Awards, demonstrating a consistent methodology: using typography to decode how political power operates through both language and form.
What Lines of Control demonstrates is that design is not just a tool for making infrastructure—it’s a tool for unmaking it, for taking apart the visual and textual systems that make power appear inevitable. It provides a methodology for decoding contemporary infrastructure politics. The same questions that tore through China in 1898 still structure infrastructure debates today: Who finances it? Who profits? Whose communities get connected, and whose get bypassed? By revealing how colonial powers used the language of engineering, contracts, and surveys to make extraction appear as modernization, this work shows us how to recognize when “development” and “progress” are being weaponized.
