This week’s exhibitions examine socio-political narratives, exploring the human impact of power structures, globalisation and consumption.

LOOK Photo Biennial assesses the value of visual storytelling through a biennial that refocuses our attention to the vulnerability of the planet.

New York-based Chinese artist Shen Wei crafts rich self-portraits and landscapes, each delving into ideas of identity, memory and sexuality.

New Artists: Through colour, abstracted forms and negative spaces, Swedish artist Marcus Cederberg slows the pace of urban life.

Aesthetica’s selection of must-see shows spans the globe, exploring family dynamics, changing cities and historic events through photography.

Anonymous figures traverse otherworldly caves and grottoes in Esther Teichmann’s dreamlike works, slipping between reality and fiction.

The Deutsche Börse started its renowned photography collection in 1999. A new series of four back-to-back shows explores the archives.

Half a century of Latin American photography is surveyed in a new show at The Photographers’ Gallery, London, comprising over 200 works.

Reflecting the past and highlighting the present, Huis Marseille showcases works by Helga Paris, Esther Kroon, Céline van Balen and Julie Greve.

Joanna Piotrowska’s artwork, on view at Tate Britain, dwells on the dynamics of power, often expressed within uncanny domestic spaces.

New Artists: Fikri Amanda Abubakar crafts endless utopias where open windows, mirrors and empty rooms are diffused by pastel sunsets.

Across the UK, Europe and US, photography exhibitions opening at the start of May explore diverse subcultures and global communities.

Must-read publications for May draw a wide reaching survey of life around the world: from the British seaside to San Francisco and beyond.

Expansive natural landscapes, intriguing shapes and contrasting colours. Dutch artist Scarlett Hooft Graafland’s images heighten reality.

The 58th International Art Exhibition is titled May You Live In Interesting Times. 2019’s artists creatively respond to political and social realities.

Toronto’s month-long Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival opens, transforming urban spaces through contemporary artwork.

New Artists: Karol Malecki’s images pose questions about our exterior world. Through taste, touch, warmth and cold, the answers are for the senses.

Powerful documentary photography, dreamlike images and collaborative installations come together towards the end of April.

Aesthetica selects events and presentations to watch at Photo London 2019, navigating the past, present and future of photography.

In 2018 American photographer and filmmaker Tyler Mitchell made history. The first solo exhibition of the artist’s work opens at Foam.

Circulation(s) is a festival dedicated to discovering and promoting Europe’s young photographic talent. It returns for 2019.

Beyond Boundaries is a wide-reaching new exhibition at Aperture Foundation, offering a visual reflection of contemporary practice.

Photography exhibitions and festivals across the globe address questions facing the next generation, offering poignant visual commentary.

The winners of the 2019 Sony World Photography Awards are announced, offering unique perspectives from across the globe.

Erwin Olaf: I Am presents the first comprehensive survey of the photographer’s work, from early images in black-and-white to iconic colour series.

Massimo Vitali is recognised for large-scale images of beaches and mass leisure events, awash with colour and a sense of optimism.

New Artists: Isabelle Chapuis’ series, Anitya, creates a dialogue between skin and sand, delving into the idea of impermanence.

Landscape photography, archive imagery and sculpture come together in this week’s latest shows, surveying the history of visual culture.