W11 Area Guide

Cris Contini Contemporary London concludes a successful year with a solo exhibition by German artist Jens Hesse, Glitch & Glamour: Perfectly Imperfect. The show celebrates Hesse’s distinctive painterly language, where the precision of digital aesthetics meets the sensual imperfection of tactile surfaces. His works unfold in the space between these poles, translating the technical errors of our media-saturated era into gestures of painterly intimacy. A former fashion designer, Hesse approaches painting as both fabric and image. The surface — sometimes corduroy, sometimes bouclé — is never neutral; it recalls texture, touch, and wear. These tactile foundations become the site where the “glitch” appears: not as a mistake, but as a revelation. What the screen hides behind its promise of seamless perfection, Hesse reveals through brushstrokes, layering, and distortion. His portraits and figurative scenes seem at once familiar and disturbed. Pixels bleed into brush marks; compression lines cut across faces; digital interference coexists with the softness of oil and textile fibers. These works do not imitate technology — they expose its fragility. By transforming visual defects into painterly language, Hesse reclaims the human presence within the technological gaze. The exhibition’s title, Glitch & Glamour, evokes this duality. “Glamour” — the polished image, the seductive surface — meets “glitch”, the breakdown that disrupts illusion. Hesse situates beauty within the fault line between these states. In doing so, he reminds us that imperfection is not the opposite of glamour but its hidden core: the shimmer that occurs precisely when control falters. In an age obsessed with clarity, correction, and resolution, Hesse’s paintings invite us to dwell in ambiguity. They ask us to look again — not for perfection, but for presence. Within the glitch, we find the trace of the hand, the residue of the body, the persistence of the real. Perfectly imperfect.

Makino x NHAC returns on Saturday 13th December with The Chikara Project. The Chikara Project is a label for considered, soulful and forward-thinking sounds. Founded by Mystic State, the label has built a reputation for curating artists who move with intention; exploring tempo, rhythm and atmosphere without constraint. The result is a catalogue of releases which is diverse yet unmistakably theirs. Originally formed to release music from Mystic State, Third Degree and Elias, the imprint has since expanded to include work from Truth, Zar, aya dia, Congi, Marenn Sukie, Brainwork, Margari's Kid, Captivate, Pugilist, Synkro, Hyrah, Dayzero & mor, with each artist contributing to the labels distinct identity. Makino x NHAC is a series of events at London's Notting Hill Arts Club to showcase artists we represent, connect with and admire.

Take a nostalgic journey through 200 years of consumer culture, social change and lifestyle at the Museum of Brands, located in the heart of Notting Hill. Established in 1984, the museum features over 12,000 original items and images from iconic brands, as well as housing over half a million items. The collection aims to concentrate on areas that have transformed daily life- from entertainment, to children's toys, to wartime ephemera, royal souvenirs and more! Reflecting a vast social history and the evolution of consumer lifestyle, this museum is a must for fans of history, British culture, design, and commercial art. Black Friday .hidden-word { display: none; }

Rough Trade West is very excited to present a stripped back performance and signing from Elles Bailey. This unique event celebrates the release of their new album 'Can't Take My Story Away' released via Cooking Vinyl. Tickets for this event also include a physical copy of the fantastic new album on your format of choice to be collected from Rough Trade West on the day of the show. More product information can be found HERE >> https://www.roughtrade.com/product/elles-bailey/cant-take-my-story-away Accessibility: For accessible tickets, free PA/Carer tickets and other accessibility requests please go to dice.fm/contact. Rough Trade is wheelchair accessible with step free access. Presented by Rough Trade. All ages

Rough Trade West is very excited to present Nicolas Ballet in conversation with Dorothy Max Prior and Jill Westwood, followed by a book signing. This unique event celebrates the release of his new book 'Shock Factory: The Visual Culture of Industrial Music' published by Intellect. Tickets for this event also include a physical copy of the fantastic new book will be available to collect from Rough Trade West on the day of the show. More product information can be found HERE >> https://www.roughtrade.com/product/nicolas-ballet/shock-factory-the-visual-culture-of-industrial-music Accessibility: For accessible tickets, free PA/Carer tickets and other accessibility requests please go to dice.fm/contact. Rough Trade is wheelchair accessible with step free access. Presented by Rough Trade. All ages

Step into Machu Picchu: Journey to the Lost City and experience the legendary Inca citadel like never before. Traverse the majestic mountain site, explore the agricultural terraces, the Temple of the Sun, and other iconic ruins as you witness the beauty of the Andes all around you. Developed with leading archaeological experts, this immersive virtual reality experience offers a rare chance to connect with the rich history and mysteries of Machu Picchu. Whether you're a history enthusiast or seeking a breathtaking adventure, secure your tickets today and journey through time to the heart of the ancient Andes. Get your tickets today for Machu Picchu: Journey to the Lost City in London!