A new interactive art exhibition is coming to Liverpool Cathedral

This May, Liverpool Cathedral will be home to an exciting and captivating group exhibition that promises to bring all five senses to life through art. 

Infinite Encounters will invite visitors to interact and enjoy an experience of sound, sight, touch, smell and even taste, conjuring wonder through public participation. The show takes place at Liverpool Cathedral from 10 May until 2 June 2024, and forms part of its centenary celebrations.

Infinite Encounters refers to experiences lived daily, highlighting the relationship with the world around us, inviting us to pay attention to what we encounter every day – whether it is other people, nature and animals or food. In the digital era, when we spend more time online than interacting with the real wold, this exhibition offers the opportunity to reconnect with our senses, and with each other. 

Rasheed Araeen’s Zero to Infinity, previously staged at Tate Modern as part of UNIQLO Tate Play in summer 2023, invites audiences to immerse themselves in an interactive journey. Consisting of a number of giant cubes, audiences will become the architects of their own imagination, reshaping and rebuilding the original structure. Similarly, Liverpool-based artist Frances Disley presents Holodeck Programme 106, welcoming everyone to engage in games of dominoes and construct jigsaws together.

Myriam Thyes’ hypnotic video Mutable Worlds promises to be a visual journey whilst Neringa Naujokaite’s poetic work Horizon focuses on a young girl’s relationships with the city, friends, and music through sound. Every frame tells a story and every moment captivates in a way that young girls across the city will relate to.

A new commission by Frances Disley will offer a stunning glimpse of the Cathedrals Lady Chapel and its beautiful architecture whilst inviting audiences to relax in a safe, playful, and specially scented environment.

Finally, taste is on the menu at the Welsford Bistro as they serve a bespoke range inspired by Frances Disley’s new installation.

This is a truly unique show that will bring all areas of the Cathedral together. From the Lady Chapel to the Welsford Bistro, the Cathedral welcomes audiences to collaborate and come together through their senses. 

The Very Revd Dr Sue Jones, Dean of Liverpool said: 

“I am really excited to see some interactive art in the Cathedral. The Cathedral speaks of itself as a place of Encounter where all are welcome. We hope that when people visit the Cathedral they will have an encounter with the building and with each other. This installation allows people to encounter one another and the Cathedral as they create their own art from Rasheeds Araeen’s  installation Zero to Infinity. In a world that has become more individualistic it will be really good to see how people reflect on the world in which they live and how they interpret that together through Araeen’s work.”

As a Cathedral built and shared by the city’s people, we understand the value of our community and look forward to welcoming visitors to view ‘Infinite Encounters’ for free during opening hours. The Welsford Bistros taste addition will be among the other menu items you can purchase on your visit. A number of relaxed hour viewings for those with sensory needs will be available on Wednesdays. 

For more information, visit the Liverpool Cathedral website here.