diff --git a/gfx/element.lua b/gfx/element.lua
index c1b569d..6f74963 100644
--- a/gfx/element.lua
+++ b/gfx/element.lua
@@ -126,9 +126,12 @@ function Element:_setWindow(window)
 end
 
 function Element:setVisible(visible)
-  self:setDirty()
+  local win = self:_getWindow()
   self.visible = visible
-  self:_getWindow().setVisible(visible)
+  if win ~= nil then
+    self:setDirty()
+    self:_getWindow().setVisible(visible)
+  end
 end
 
 function Element:_isDirty()