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

Aesthetica brings together 20th century and contemporary structures united by their fundamental building material – brick.

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.

Material culture tells the story of humankind. Here is a list of exhibitions about how design shapes our everyday lives, and can propose ideas for the future.

Aesthetica highlights 10 gift ideas perfect for arts and culture lovers this season – including photobooks, magazines and creative experiences.

Helen Cammock, Sunil Gupta and Heather Phillipson have teamed up to select this year’s Bloomberg New Contemporaries: 55 exciting fresh UK talents.

Pictures of coffee cups, mirrors, water jugs and headphones are each folded up and distorted into Jooeun Bae’s deeply personal montages.

Collage has a long history, spanning more than 100 years and seeing big change. Julie Cockburn is part of its contemporary story.