Science Fiction: New Death exhibition at FACT Liverpool explores dystopian futures through commissioned fiction

Between March 27 and June 22, 2014, FACT in Liverpool presented the exhibition 'Science Fiction: New Death,' curated by Omar Kholeif and Mike Stubbs. This showcase was influenced by commissioned narratives from China Miéville and featured a dystopian setting created by the Kazimier. Attendees traversed a maze of white doors, while Jon Rafman's works examined themes of isolation in a hyperconnected society. Ryan Trecartin's 2006 video addressed narcissism, and Larissa Sansour's Nation Estate (2012) reflected on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The 'riotonaut' character emerged in Karen Mirza and Brad Butler's Deep State (2012–14). Additionally, Jae Rhim Lee's Infinity Burial Suit (2009–) and Petra Gemeinboeck and Rob Saunders's Accomplice (2010–13) highlighted ecological and robotic issues. Miéville's central narrative critiqued society's detachment from death, connecting to Liverpool's £10 billion Peel Waters development proposal.