Requiem for Raymo is a solo exhibition (weekly performance) by gay artist Austin Hearne that presents a fictional scenario of obsession transmuting from hate to love/lust. Austin Hearne’s object of desire is Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke, an American prelate who was completely against any relaxation of Church attitudes towards gay people. 

Hearne creates a fantasy scenario where Burke and himself live together as a couple in perfect harmony. But with the fictionalised death of Burke, Hearne’s love becomes unrequited and results in a paralyzing grief. Hearne creates his melodrama through a complex installation that includes large-scale photographic works with sculptural elements, bespoke wallpaper, and video.

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My Thoughts... I was very impressed with Hearne’s ability to create environments that transport the visitor to both, the dark thoughts of his mind, to the vaults of a cathedral.  The wailing audio echoing throughout and smells of incense wafting around the space really take you to that imaginary place successfully. It was my first experience of performance art - it was impressive to see how impactful it can be.