December 8, 2024 marks a significant event as ARE YOU FOR REAL presents Dead Futures. This platform, dedicated to expanding international cultural exchange and contemporary exhibition practices, delves into the realm where digital world-making, aesthetic investigation, and performative political reflection converge. In Phase Two, a diverse range of artworks explore the intricate relationship between computation and reality, forming thematic clusters that resemble planetary systems, shedding new light on the digital sphere.

Uncover the Mysterious Realm of Dead Futures

Jazmina Figueroa's A Tumulted Space

Immerse yourself in Jazmina Figueroa's multimedia radio play, "A Tumulted Space." Here, soundscapes intertwine with a captivating script, recounting the harrowing experiences of two historical figures who endured torture. Irma Bandiera, a twentieth-century anti-fascist partisan, and Artemisia Gentileschi, a seventeenth-century artist, share their tales. This work not only pays homage to their courage but also showcases the power of storytelling through different eras and mediums. It invites us to connect with the past and understand the struggles of those who came before us.Another aspect of this piece is how it layers different elements to create a truly immersive experience. The combination of sound and script transports us to a different time and place, making us feel the pain and resilience of these historical figures. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving history and the stories that shape our present.

Simon Speiser's La Visión del Monte

Simon Speiser's online version of "La Visión del Monte" offers a unique reinterpretation. This mechatronic light sculpture represents spiritual encounters in Ecuador's Esmeraldas rainforest. By interviewing his father and other locals, Speiser has collected tales that reflect the rich cultural fusion of African, Indigenous, and Spanish influences in their maroon society.The work showcases the beauty and complexity of these cultural interactions. It highlights how different cultures come together to create something new and meaningful. Through Speiser's exploration, we gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual and cultural heritage of this region. This installation serves as a testament to the power of art in preserving and celebrating cultural diversity.

Hagit Keysar and Ariel Caine's Terra ex Machina

Hagit Keysar and Ariel Caine's "Terra ex Machina" builds on their ongoing mapping and 3D modeling work. They investigate the colonization of space and visibility in Israel/Palestine, using DIY aerial photography, drone imagery, and photogrammetry. This allows them to visualize the infrastructure of a no-fly zone and examine its epistemic and ontological effects.By delving into these issues, they bring attention to the complex realities of space colonization and its impact on different regions. Their work serves as a call to action, urging us to consider the consequences of our actions in space and on Earth. It showcases the importance of using art and technology to raise awareness about important social and political issues.

Emilija Škarnulytė's Riparia

Emilija Škarnulytė's "Riparia" takes viewers on a poetic journey along the Rhône. Utilizing photogrammetry and underwater sensors, she examines the benthic and riparian zones while also representing the river's tutelary goddesses. This exploration exposes the impact of human intervention and merges mythology with hydrology.The work beautifully combines different elements to create a sense of wonder and reflection. It makes us think about our relationship with nature and the importance of protecting our waterways. Through Škarnulytė's art, we are reminded of the delicate balance between human activities and the natural world.

Jonas Van and Juno B.'s Visage

Jonas Van and Juno B.'s "Visage" reimagines the myth of the "Mysterious Peacock" in the Brazilian Northeast. This spiritual sci-fi quest across imagined topographies is inspired by the popular Cordel literary tradition and dialogues from Octavia E. Butler.The piece showcases the creativity and imagination of the artists as they bring a myth to life in a new and exciting way. It highlights the power of myth in shaping our cultural identity and the role that art can play in reinterpreting and evolving these stories. Through "Visage," we are transported to a world of wonder and mystery.

A Planet Devoid of Featured Artwork

On the Dead Futures subpage, a planet devoid of a featured artwork circulates. This is a gesture of solidarity with artists facing censorship and persecution. It honors those who have withdrawn or refused to participate in ARE YOU FOR REAL Phase 2 in the current context of ongoing wars. It symbolizes the resistance born from oppression and dissent, reminding us of the importance of standing up for artistic freedom.ARE YOU FOR REAL was initiated by ifa in 2020. Phase 2 is curated by Giulia Bini and Lívia Nolasco-Rózsás, with design and programming by Yehwan Song and sound design crafted by Enrico Boccioletti. ifa works with partners worldwide to promote freedom in the arts, research, and civil society. By bringing people together and generating analogue and digital spaces, it gives a voice to activists, artists, and scientists, promoting their collaboration and working closely with European partners to pursue its goals. ifa is supported by the Federal Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany, the state of Baden-Württemberg, and its capital Stuttgart. Press contact: presse [​at​] ifa.de.