Jakub Hadrava's ghosts revive Saint-Georges church

Czech Republic, 200 km from Pragues, in the small village named Lukova, the Church of St. George comes alive day and night, thanks to spectral forms. Draped in white, these plaster ghosts are the work of student Jakub Hadrava. Funded by a campaign launched in 2012 by Lukova resident Petr Kouk, the place of worship, built in 1352, has come to life since it was abandoned in 1968, when the roof of the church collapsed during a funeral.
Since this disastrous event, the village has decided to abandon all activities related to the church, probably haunted. It is this key moment in the life of the village that will inspire Jakub Hadrava. The third year student at the Fine art school of Praha repopulates Saint-Georges with all the church devotees that where there before the collapse. For 8 years now, Jakub Hadrava’s installation has attracted locals and tourists alike. With 23,500 euros raised, the repaired roof offers the opportunity to organize concerts but also masses. The life of the Czech church, long marked by death and ghosts, seems to take a decisive step towards life.

Jakub Hadrava’s installation is made up of some 20 plaster statues scattered across Saint George’s Church. With a clever drapery games, Jakub Hadrava manages to animate his statues which officiate or pray.