The exhibition of a Swiss artist Leo Hatten (*1978) opens The Secret Exhibitions Series at AAG. For the first time Leo came to Poland in 2003. His attention was drawn then by the light box-similar back lit white crosses on the top of a few churches in Warsaw. While visiting Poland for the second time Leo recollected this memory. It was the eve of All Saints' Day (October 31, 2007). The artist arranged five elements of Apolonia Art Gallery into a form resembling a cross, he pulled out the projections screens and put on the gallery light. Inside he put a box with hair and pictures of his girlfriend Marie, who had tragically died in 2005. Madonna's song "Like A Prayer" was played from the miniature loudspeakers of the gallery and in front of it Leo danced for two hours.
Leo Hatten: Such a performance in Switzerland would not make much sense. Switzerland is a very laic country, its churches are being turned into concert halls. Poland is totally different. Here 90 percent of the nation believes in God, this is incredible. I do not believe and I can't pray, but if there is another existence after the death, I would like Marie to be happy.
Pola Dwurnik: But would't be easier to ask somebody, who deeply believes in God to pray for Marie during a service?
LH: No, because I do not think there is more God - or the Sacrum, the pre-energy, however you call it - inside a church than on a street or in an apartment.
PD: What about Madonna? Some perceive her as almost a saint.
LH: Yeah, because in a certain sense she is a secular saint to them.
PD: Don't you think that your performance comes near a profanation of a symbol of the Holly Cross?
LH: No, first because no profanation was in my intention, and second there is actually no cross here, only a few white boxes resembling its shape. I did the performance in order to express my love for Marie, in the memory of her and to send her some good energy. However, when you proposed a „secrecy policy" for the project, it indeed came to my mind that you were afraid of a reaction of the public or a possible scandal.
PD: But you know it was not the point. By the way, I was really surprised that you agreed so eagerly for such an odd idea.
LH: Well, you know, this performance was to be and it was a very strong and private experience for me. You offered me luxury – I had the opportunity to stay alone with my memory of Marie. If we have invited viewers I would have started acting for them and after a couple of minutes I would have been concentrated only on them.
Leo Hatten was born in 1978 in Geneva, CH. He studied at Hochschule fuer Gestaltung und Kunst Zuerich (at present Die Zuercher Hochschule der Kuenste). He lives and works in Geneva. He often combines installation and video art. He also works as a computer programmer.
