FACT Liverpool has transformed into a playground of imagination and introspection this summer with its latest exhibitions by R.I.P. Germain and Sara Sadik. Running from July 5th to October 13th, 2024, these two solo exhibitions offer a deep dive into the hidden layers of society, challenging us to rethink our perceptions and the intricate cultural landscapes we navigate daily.

This summer, FACT Liverpool invites you to explore the hidden worlds crafted by R.I.P. Germain and Sara Sadik. “After GOD, Dudus Comes Next!” and XENON PALACE CHAMPIONSHIP are not just exhibitions; they’re immersive experiences that challenge you to rethink your place in the world. Whether you’re drawn to R.I.P. Germain ‘s exploration of social codes or Sadik’s fantastical realm of brotherhood, these exhibitions offer a thought-provoking journey into the unknown. Visit FACT Liverpool and let these artworks guide you through the unseen forces and cultural narratives that shape our lives.

R.I.P. Germain: The Intrigue of Hidden Economies

R.I.P. Germain’s “After GOD, Dudus Comes Next!” is an enigmatic installation that pulls back the curtain on the concept of "false fronts." Further developed since his 2023 exhibition at the Institute of Contemporary Arts, London, R.I.P. Germain's work examines the shadowy worlds lurking beneath our cities' surfaces.

Imagine stepping into a street scene that feels ordinary but holds secrets only accessible to those who know where to look. R.I.P. Germain creates this experience by presenting three storefronts that tell a different story depending on your perspective and background. Inside, objects of various meanings are scattered, their significance shifting with your cultural lens. R.I.P. Germain’s installation explores the idea of alternative currencies and hidden networks. It’s a fascinating study of how people build their support systems and communities when official resources aren’t available to them. By engaging with this artwork, visitors are encouraged to reflect on how social codes and unseen forces shape the world around us. This is not an exhibit you simply look at—it's one you feel. R.I.P. Germain invites us to interact with the installation, challenging our assumptions and urging us to consider the broader social structures that influence our lives. It’s a call to action, prompting us to think critically about how we navigate our surroundings and the invisible rules that govern them.

Sara Sadik: A Fantastical Exploration of Belonging

In the other gallery, Sara Sadik presents XENON PALACE CHAMPIONSHIP, a vibrant and immersive world where reality and fantasy intertwine. Sadik’s installation transforms FACT into a pink-hued hookah lounge, a gateway into the Xenon Palace—a fictional haven designed to escape everyday life.

In this captivating narrative, visitors encounter a group of men competing in a gaming tournament to win the keys to the palace. The gameplay involves battling with Xenons, strange creatures born from hookah smoke, offering a whimsical yet profound look at themes of brotherhood and belonging. The installation is interactive, blending film with a video game where visitors can participate using gesture-recognition controllers that mimic futuristic hookah hoses. Produced in partnership with LUMA Arles and Google Research Initiative, Sadik’s work delves into the challenges faced by diasporic communities, exploring how alienation and ambition shape identities. It’s a celebration of subcultures and a testament to the power of shared experiences in overcoming cultural isolation.

Both exhibitions at FACT Liverpool invite us to see beyond the surface, exploring the complex tapestry of human experience. They challenge us to question our assumptions and embrace the multifaceted nature of identity and belonging.

Maitreyi Maheshwari, Head of Programme at FACT, encapsulates the essence of these exhibitions: “Both R.I.P. Germain and Sara Sadik's installations ask us to look beyond the surface of people and places, as they examine the nuances of multi-layered social worlds: be they spaces that present different front to different people, or subcultures that emerge from collective experiences.”