This issue is about critical thinking and wider narratives. We start with the exhibition Bauhaus: Art as Life, a comprehensive survey of one of the most influential schools of thought from the 20th century. We re-examine the illustrious career of, and phenomenon that was, the YBAs through Jeremy Cooper’s new book Growing Up: The Young British Artists at 50. Then we survey the World Photography Awards, which opens at Somerset House, London in April. Cuban-born artistic duo Los Carpinteros open at Kunstmuseum Thun with their show Silence Your Eyes, which juxtaposes the public, political and private spheres.

In images we explore Mexico from 1920 until the present day with Photography in Mexico, which is on now at SFMOMA. Photographer Roger Ballen’s first major UK retrospective opens at Manchester Art Gallery and explores three decades of the artist’s career. David Creedon’s latest work Behind Open Doors is an intimate portrait of family life in Cuba, and finally we introduce Jeff Hahn’s unique blend of fashion and portraiture.

In film, we chat with Karl Markovics, whose critically acclaimed and emotionally intense film Atmen opens in cinemas nationwide. There is also a Q&A with Will Sharpe and Tom Kingsley whose low-budget film, Black Pond, has created a stir in independent filmmaking. In music, we speak with Frank Turner and examine how national identity can influence popular music. We also chat with School of Seven Bells about their latest album and losing a member of the band. In performance, David Shrigley has now moved into opera with his latest offering Pass the Spoon. Finally, Gerald McMaster, co-curator of the Biennale of Sydney, tells us about this year’s programme. Sit back, relax and enjoy the issue.