These are uncertain times. Across the world we see the tremors of war, the rise of totalitarianism, and the tightening grip of extreme right-wing politics, yet moments of resistance persist. Art reminds us that even in upheaval we can pause, reflect and imagine alternatives. It offers the conversations we need to have, and sometimes the ones we must have, in order to shape spaces where empathy and outrage can coexist. In Aesthetica’s April/May edition, creatives respond to these questions, exploring how histories – whether personal, political or both – are written into the spaces we inhabit. Here’s a preview of what to expect:
A Legacy Visualised | West African symbols, cinematic narratives and personal lineage come together at ICP, which is championing image-makers from Côte d’Ivoire, including Nuits Balnéaires.
Radiant Horizons | Linda Westin brings scientific methods into her hyperreal work, presenting multilayered forest canopies that glow blue, pink, purple and red.
Silent Tension | Staged compositions by Chrissy Lush, set within domestic and suburban environments, centre on moments when composure begins to give way.
Building the Future | A new book highlights BIG’s two-decades-long pursuit of innovative architectural forms, from LEGO brick houses to twisting museum spaces.
Sculpting with Light | In the Night series, long exposures by Harold Ross depict trees and clearings as bathed in a bright white glow, evoking a sense of mystery.
Moment of Stillness | Authenticity and connection are the core values that drive London-based portrait photographer Tina Simakova, who also makes pictures of flora.
A Dark Waterway | Jane Fulton Alt has spent more than 40 years visiting a lake in northern Wisconsin, where the season for water lilies is as fleeting as the light.
Sights Reframed | Senay Berhe encourages us to take a close-up look at our surroundings, through thoughtful portraits and abstracted architectural tableaux.
Histories Connected | The iconic artist and filmmaker Steve McQueen showcases a powerful ensemble of multimedia works at De Pont Museum in The Netherlands.
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Image Credits:
1. Tina Simakova, from Quiet Presence. Image courtesy of the artist.
2. Chérie, regardes mon dos. Creative direction: Marie-Céline Agossa. Photography: Nuits Balnéaires. Set design: Nahoua Sorho. Model: Fat Seck, Jones. Hair: Yua Hair x Institut Adiss Abidjan. Production management: Félix-Édouard Kouassi. Location: La Manzane – Yoanh Azema. Special thanks to Lafalaise Dion.
3. Linda Westin, Dimensional Forest. Image courtesy of the artist.
4. Linda Westin, Autumn Tunnelling. Image courtesy of the artist.
5. Chrissy Lush, Switchblade, (2023). Image courtesy of the artist.
6. Shenzhen Energy HQ, Shenzhen, China, (2019). Image credit: Chaos.Z. Page 147.
7. Sluishuis Residences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, (2022). Image credit: Ossip van Duivenbode. Page 337.
8. Harold Ross, Night #4. Image courtesy of the artist.
9. Tina Simakova, from Quiet Presence. Image courtesy of the artist.
10. Tina Simakova, from Quiet Presence. Image courtesy of the artist.
11. Jane Fulton Alt, Composition No 7, from Water Works. Image courtesy of the artist.
12. Image courtesy of Senay Berhe.
13. Image courtesy of Senay Berhe.
14. Steve McQueen, Bounty 4/5, (2024) (detail). © Steve McQueen. Courtesy the artist, Thomas Dane Gallery and Marian Goodman Gallery.
