The iconic checked fabric is synonymous with the Highlands of Scotland, where it was, and is, a symbol of clan kinship. V&A Dundee taps into its history.

In 2023, we talked to inspiring multimedia artists and photographers such as Aïda Muluneh, Isaac Julien, Nadine Ijewere and Refik Anadol.

Galerie Gomis hosts ‘Laws of Nature,’ a show focusing on topics such as connection and renewal, featuring Djeneba Aduayom and Gleeson Paulino.

Paolo Pellgrin’s striking nature photography highlights the destructive impact humans are having on animals and habitats around the world.

From rich portraits imbued with colour theory to concealed figures against bright backdrops; these are the images which made it onto this year’s covers.

Alfredo Boulton was an esteemed Venezuelan architect, critic, historian and photographer dedicated to promoting his country’s modern art.

Iris van Herpen’s show at MAD Paris takes us on an immersive journey to explore the link between couture craftsmanship and bold innovation.

Video content is everywhere; it’s a rolling form of communication. Our list include films that explore class, gender and cross-cultural identity.

Aesthetica speaks to renowned multidisciplinary artist John Akomfrah on his latest installation, ‘Arcadia’, now on display at The Box, Plymouth.

Light and texture are key to Stephanie O’Connor’s latest series, as blossoming shadows bounce off pale freckled skin or reflect into deep brown eyes.

ICA/Boston brings together the works of 28 international artists who have a connection to the Caribbean, focusing on the 1990s until today.

Eddo Hartmann has visited the Semipalatinsk Test Site multiple times, traversing radioactive grassland steppes, building sites and abandoned cities. 

This year, Aesthetica has profiled hundreds of artists from across the world. Here, we pick a selection of pictures from the six print issues released in 2023.

Chinese artist Li Feng works in his studios in Shanghai and Los Angeles, where he is inspired by the everyday: people, language and the poetic ironies of life. A painter and poet best known for his striking works on canvas, he works in acrylic, oil, coloured powder and mixed media techniques, often implementing collage in his painterly practice.

David van Dartel photographs singer-songwriter Froukje. The images show various sides to her, from quiet confidence to fearless vulnerability.

Textiles. Polystyrene cups. Television sets. Rubber. Lightbulbs. Rocks. This selection shows almost how anything can be a used as a material for expression.

Foam’s new show provides an impressive survey of Tina Modotti’s artistry and activism, reinstating her as a key figure in the history of lens-based art.

Sculpture is constantly evolving, with its definition widening as we move into an increasingly digital world. New technologies have provided different ways of making and…

Curator Casey Riley tells us about the major exhibition spanning 130 years of First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and Native American photography.

In 1960s Los Angeles, members of the Light and Space movement were experimenting. Today, their approach continues to resonate around the world.

Camara Oscura Galeria de Arte’s retrospective showcases Elina Brotherus’ compelling images, where she casts herself as creator and subject.

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.

Cinematic lighting, mysterious locations and enigmatic characters. These are the hallmarks of Julia Fullerton-Batten’s history-drenched pictures.

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.

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.

Andrea Torres Balaguer’s bold photographic portraits could be mistaken for oil paintings, rendered in garnet reds and emerald greens.

Rock formations, volcanic geology and verdant foliage are key to Tom Leighton’s photographs, which traverse holographic and gleaming pools.

Morgan Otagburuagu is standing up against colourism. He amplifies the beauty of darker skin tones with portraits of Black women pioneers.