R.I.P. Germain’s exhibition “Jesus Died For Us, We Will Die For Dudus!” will feature an ambitious newly commissioned, immersive, multipart installation that examines the complex logic of cultural gatekeeping within Black culture, and the (mis)perception of these dynamics in a wider (white) world. This exhibition continues the ICA’s commitment to support artists in the early and pivotal stages of their careers, and forms part of a year-long 75th Anniversary programme.
A glossary of terms pertinent to mining “Jesus Died For Us, We Will Die For Dudus!”
R.I.P. Germain’s practice traffics in double
meanings, deep resonances and a tension between accessibility and
occlusion. Trickster and guide, he tries to dance a fine line: making
work that speaks to deep truths without cheapening them with
explanations or flattening them out for easy consumption. Sedimented
with layers dense with cultural meaning and reference, the extensive
research undergirding R.I.P. Germain’s work draws from multiple genres
of Black experience, history and culture – personal and collective,
seeking to make art that is rigorous about his commitments and
possibilities as a Black artist.
R.I.P.
Germain has exhibited internationally and recent exhibitions include;
Cubitt 30, a group show presented by Cubitt at Victoria Miro in London,
UK; The Exhibition Formerly Known As “Trace Image” at Deborah Schamoni, Munich, Germany; Shimmer, a solo show at Two Queens in Leicester, UK; Four Bedrooms With An En Suite, A Garage & Garden In A Nice Neighbourhood, a solo show at V.O Curations in London, UK; Supastore Southside, Slingbacks & Sunshine, a group show hosted by Sarah Staton at South London Gallery; Ways of Living #2, a group show presented by Arcadia Missa at NICO in Bari, Italy; Dead Yard, a solo show at Cubitt in London, UK; Double 6 with Ashley Holmes in the former courtroom at Leeds Town Hall in Leeds, UK; and Gidi Up, a solo show at Peak in London, UK. R.I.P. Germain was also the recipient of the ICA Image Behaviour 2021 prize, which culminated in his first short film mew premiering at the ICA in 2022.
Fabric supplied by Sir Paul Smith. Scent designed by Ezra-Lloyd Jackson. With special thanks to Bounce Back, Sugavision Ltd, Ashley Holmes and Rose Jenson.
This ICA curator-led tour expands on the artist’s work featured in the exhibition, with the opportunity for questions and discussion. Led by Steven Cairns, ICA Curator, Artists’ Film & Moving Image.
Join artist R.I.P. Germain for this artist talk exploring his practice and the work featured in “Jesus Died For Us, We Will Die For Dudus!” with guest speaker Imani Mason Jordan.
no. 236848.