Karolina Halatek was born in 1985 in Poland, studied Design and Performance at the University of Arts in London, Fine Arts at Universität der Künste in Berlin and absolved a Master program in Media Art at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, Poland. Since the beginning of her career as an artist she was especially interested in installations and video works where light is the central medium and material. Halatek wants to enable a physical experience of light. The Self-perception of the viewer is always the focus of her works, the visitor has to become part of the work itself. Her installations are often included in the everyday life and the cityscape, so that they are accessible for everyone. In her art she often works with natural sciences phenomena and spiritual thoughts.
1. What have you done before you decided to become an artist?
I decided very early, at some point before high school it was clear to me that I will choose the creative industry, but before I practiced art professionally I did study design for film, theatre and fashion.
2. When and why have you decided to make art yourself?
Actually I started art classes when I was 5 years old and never stopped. Why to make art - for others, to reach people through profound visual experience.
3. Which artist or which art movement inspires you and your work?
I feel very close to Light Space Movement and some Minimalism.
4. With whom would you like to work in the future? In which museum or gallery would you like to exhibit your art works?
Tate, Pace, David Zwirner or Serpentine Gallery would be fabulous.
5. Which kind of material inspires you, and why?
I’m inspired by a phenomenon rather than the material. Designing the art experience always goes first and then I adjust the idea to what's technically possible. Mostly I’m inspired by light and I like simple forms.
6. What means happiness for you?
I feel happy when others are happy, interconnectedness and empathy brings joy.
7. Which Book are you currently reading?
Today, on the way to get the materials for a new exhibition I read the Book of Wisdom chapter 1-7.
8. Is there one question you keep asking yourself again and again?
If I use my time right.
Thank you for the interview!
Die Lichtinstallation ist vom 28. März bis zum 3. Juni 2018 vor der Kunsthalle Bremen täglich für Besucher kostenfrei zu sehen. Die Präsentation von „Terminal“ findet statt in Kooperation mit dem jazzahead! Festival (gefördert von der Karin und Uwe Hollweg Stiftung), der Stadt Gerlingen und dem polnischen Adam Mickiewicz-Institut.
