Sophie Norton recounts the feelings of liberation in post-war America that stirred the Beat Generation poets to action, and traces the influence the group have had on poetry, art and music today.

Mariah Chaun explores the notion of ‘the personal is political’ through Hartford Wash: Washing Tracks, Maintenance Inside/Outside (1973) by Mierle Laderman Ukeles.

Emily Quli takes a look at Matisse and the group of early 20th century artists whose bold and experimetal use of colour and technnique saw themselves labelled as the Fauves.

With the Christmas holidays approaching, Carys Granger recommends six reads to inspire any artists or budding art lovers to get stuck into.

Sophie Norton outlines Olivia Laing's essay titled 'Skin Bags', bringing to light the artwork referenced by Laing in her writing. Laing considers the authenticity of the human form, countering its faux presentation in the media and highlighting a selection of artists who succeed in real, brutal depictions of the human body.