Renato Häusler: from Cathedral Watchman to the Art of Light

In Lausanne, Renato Häusler long gave a voice to the night. Hired as a substitute cathedral watchman in 1987, he became the incumbent in 2002. This role continues a tradition documented since 1405: from the belfry, the announcement of the night hours. A lantern carried down the nave gradually revealed to him how flame transforms stone and volumes.

From this experience grew his work as a light artist. Under the name Kalalumen, he designs candlelit illuminations to accompany concerts and reveal an architecture, both indoors and in the open air. He prepares the wax himself and adapts his installations to each site, making the flame an active element of the performance rather than mere lighting.

His approach brings built heritage and musical experience together in ephemeral atmospheres, where darkness lets forms appear otherwise. His artistic path remains closely linked to this nocturnal experience in Lausanne, attentive both to places and to music.