Photographer and educator Ryan Parra has spent 10 years researching the flora of the southwestern USA, combining visual art with scientific techniques.

Wong-Chung Wai’s photobook, published by GOST Books, sets out a farewell letter to the region, drawing on the artist’s experience of loss.

Tania Franco Klein, whose works are held by MoMA and Getty, holds a mirror up to the various effects of time spent online, such as disconnection, performative stress and media overstimulation.

Iranian-born, Melbourne based Hoda Afshar presents her first major solo show, reflecting on the injustices of governance and state responsibility.

Concrete is the second most-used substance in the world after water. Despite debate around sustainability, demand for the material is increasing.

Photographer and social practice artist Spandita Malik collaborates with women across North India to create empowering embroidered portraits.

In 2005, Grace Lau opened a “Chinese portrait studio” in the seaside town Hastings, and set about reversing the colonial gaze through photography.

Hangar Photo Art Center displays the work of 12 women photographers from Magnum who bridge the distance between artist, subject and viewer.

The desire to represent the world around us through pictures can be traced back more than 45,000 years. Now, artists are finding new ways to visualise land.

Saint Louis Art Museum reflects on the lasting impact of Hip Hop to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the genre and movement.

An-My Lê’s first museum survey opens in New York. It reflects on personal experiences as a political refugee, and explores cycles of history and conflict.

In a show spanning 15 years, artist Doug Aitken demonstrates the dislocating yet connective power of technology and modern communication.

Zane Priede asks questions about how plant life might evolve. The result is a dystopia – where uncanny flowers and fruits mutate before our eyes.

Patterns and textiles are Alia Ali’s main motif; she’s best known for making portraits in which cloth is used to conceal and camouflage her subjects.

Aesthetica presents a list of must-see exhibitions from institutions including London’s Design Museum, the National Gallery of Scotland and Vitra.

Guest Editions publishes Laura Pannack’s Romanian-folktale-inspired photobook, ‘Youth Without Age and Life Without Death.’ We review the work here.

The High Museum of Art brings together a show that examines the complex and critical history of the American South’s culture, character and history.

Polish-born photographer Magda Biernat, who is based between New York and Paris, is interested in the oceans and how they connect to one another.

This year’s edition of Noorderlicht Photo brings together image-makers who explore ways we can improve society – both for people and the planet.

The festive period is approaching and, for many, winter is starting to unfold. Here are five shows that revel in the crisp, bright beauty of the season ahead.