Contemporary Life & Avant-Garde Russian Art

Examining the world in a state of flux, Russian artist, Anna Parkina, uses collage to critique current social, political and economic trends.

Leap Year

Leap Year delivers an emotional and graphic examination of loneliness through the listless life of journalist Laura.

Bella

Bella is a beautifully shot film, and has a narrative that viewers will relate to, easy to watch because of its deep exploration of personal choice.

Slingshot

Slingshot follows a group of petty criminals or “tiradors” (in local slang), in a slum neighbourhood in Manila.

Catfish

By turns sinister and tragic, Catfish makes use of the various social mediums and communications that replace face-to-face contact in the modern world.

Open House

When Alice is imprisoned in her own house by the psychotic David, it isn’t long before David develops a misguided relationship with his prisoner.

I’m Still Here

I’m Still Here is the directorial debut of Oscar-nominated actor Casey Affleck, a bizarre portrayal of a year in the life of acclaimed actor Joaquin Phoenix.

Birds Eye View

Birds Eye View’s Rachel Millward talks about how their popular film festival applauds the creativity and brilliance of women in film.

Patagonia

Marc Evans’ latest film, Patagonia, looks at the idea of homeland, history and belonging through a parallel narrative.

Simon Oldfield

Simon Oldfield is the director of Simon Oldfield Gallery. Over the past few years he has established the gallery as one of London’s most exciting new spaces. Aesthetica speaks to the gallerist.

The Epstein

Oxford five-piece The Epstein’s, debut I Held You Once is a mesmerising mix of warm American West Coast-style folk rock, with a spectral cinematic sound.

Music Packaging

Plastic jewel case? Boring. Although it’s been part of the scene for years, indie artists are waking up to the potential of unique album packaging.

Dustin O’Halloran

Lumiere is a departure from O’Halloran’s previous work, adding strings and subtle electronics to his piano work and using ensembles to develop a deeper texture.

Telekinesis

Telekinesis is Michael Benjamin Lerner, coupled with guitarist Chris Walla. 12 Desperate Straight Lines follows up their debut album, Telekinesis!

Esben and the Witch

Taking their name from a Dutch folk story, Brighton trio Ebsen and the Witch has been building an almost spectral image of themselves since releasing 33 in 2009.

Daniel Martin Moore

Daniel Martin Moore’s In The Cool of the Day is quiet and subtle. Encompassing serene vocals with emotive piano, it’s an album that grows on you.

Joan As Policewoman

Listening to Joan Wasser’s (aka Joan as Police Woman) voice it is hard not to be enchanted by her sheer effusion.

Wild Palms

What’s immediately striking from the first belt of Lou Hills’ soaring vocals is the rising momentum in this album.

Improvised Theatre

Improvisational theatre and performance has experienced widespread popularity on TV and radio, but to what extent do props and visuals inform performance?

Elaine di Rollo

Elaine di Rollo is the author of Bleakly Hall. Set at a hydropathic in post-WWI Britain, we see values change, and meet characters dealing with war’s aftermath.