Contents

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Aesthetica is an independent publication. We endeavour to reproduce the work in this issue to the highest standard.

ISSN 1743-2715 © Aesthetica Magazine Ltd 2007. All work is copyrighted to the author or artist. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be used or reproduced without permission from the publisher. Published by Aesthetica.

Aesthetica PO Box 371 York YO23 1WL UK01904 527560 info@aestheticamagazine.com www.aestheticamagazine.com

The Aesthetica team are: Cherie Federico: Editor Dale Donley: Advertising & design David Martin: Fiction editor Kate North: Poetry editor Deborah Ellis: Development of ficer Keely Grif fiths: Communications of ficer

Interns Edward Fortes: Copy writing & sales Shona Fairweather: Copy writing & sales Poppy O’Neill: Copy writing & sales Stephanie Everett: Copy writing & sales Dan Vallins: Design Asmae El messaoudi: Marketing

Cover image is an extract from: H2oooh Girl illustration by Adam Stanning from: Bright White Ltd www.brightwhiteltd.co.uk

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Editor’s Note By nature, I am an ideas person. I am always thinking about the possibility of things. I find it to be one of the most cathartic moments of any day, when I can let my mind drift and not be interrupted by the “what if” scenarios. Ideas are brilliant. The people that have them invent, create and inspire. I cannot imagine life without imagination. The most exciting part of ideas is where they lead. As children, we often dream or pretend, but as adults everything becomes more ridged. Yes, I know, we have mortgages and bills to worry about, but in the midst of this we often miss so many things. I think it’s imperative to be acutely aware of the beauty of chance and the wonder of possibility. This issue of Aesthetica Magazine is a tribute to ideas and possibilities. Inside these pages you will find new creative writing, arts news, articles and features from across the UK. It’s been a very exciting issue to put together and I know that you will find it a great resource. Over the past few months there have been some major changes at the Aesthetica HQ, the magazine is now full colour and offers a new, fresh design. With each issue the magazine’s content is developing, as I aim to give a true representation of the arts in Britain. It’s never been a better time to get involved. We’re even offering some fantastic deals on subscriptions. I hope that you enjoy this issue. Please get in touch with your ideas and suggestions. Until next time...

Cherie Federico Editor

News UK arts news and round-up 4

New Works Poetry

Art

Fiction

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16

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Features Tony Harrison

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Patience Agbabi

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Sujit Saraf

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Xiaolu Guo

Is Britain Great?

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Reza Aramesh

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Thin Cities

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Scotland’s Rising Star

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Festival of Muslim Cultures 32 Re-inventing Disney 34 The Wellcome Collection 37 The Shins 38 Malcolm Middleton 39 Good Shoes 40 Charlotte Hatherley 41 Brett Anderson 42 Bat for Lashes 43 Margaret Salmon 44 China Moo-Young 46 Indian International Film Award 47 Waterlog 48 Circus: The Forgotten Art 50

Reviews Books

Music

Film

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