In Lithuanian childhood, a “sekretas” (literally “a secret”) was a small hidden treasure placed under a shard of glass, often a flower or some shiny object, lightly covered with soil. Girls would compete to create the most beautiful one, and the thrill came from returning the next day to see if it was still there — or if someone had discovered it.

I decided to create an adult-scale version of this ritual. Using a discarded car windshield — about a meter long and 80 cm wide — I made a large installation at the foot of Žaliakalnis, near the stairs at the end of V. Putvinskio and Gedimino streets. Inside, I placed artificial flowers and colorful synthetic feathers, creating a hidden, playful world under the glass. Unlike a tiny childhood secret, this one was durable: the heavy windshield protects the contents through winter snows and summer heat.

Finding the car glass sparked the idea. Initially, I considered breaking it for dramatic effect, but then I remembered the nostalgic charm of sekretai. I searched for a spot roughly at eye level, out of the way, where people could notice it yet not disturb it.

The installation’s creation was not without incident. While placing the glass in the ground, a car bumper fell nearby, drawing attention from the driver and eventually an ununiformed police investigator. After explaining the concept, he left, wishing us luck.

The “Sekretas” has now stood for over a year. It has faded slightly but remains intact, a colorful, whimsical piece of urban art that invites passersby to discover and imagine, blending childhood memory with public space.

Personal project.

“7KD” video reportage showing the making process:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJQ540n5R_g

Also, an article here:

https://klaipeda.diena.lt/naujienos/kaunas/miesto-pulsas/didele-paslaptis-kuria-turi-atrasti-pats-641926