Matei Bejenaru
Michaela Bruckmuller
Pavlina Fichta Cierna
Cosmin Gradinaru
Gyongyi Raczne Kalanyos
Iosif Kiraly
Mariana Celac
Marius Marcu-Lapadat
Monika Kovacova
Aydan Murtezaoglu
Terez Orsos
Nihad Nino Pusija
Mario Rizzi
Erzen Shkololli
Mladen Stilinovic
Ceja Stojka
Chad Evans Wyatt
Dusan Zahoransky
Margarethe Makovec
Anton Lederer
Aspects of Roma Life in Contemporary Art. The exhibition presents current contemporary artistic positions, which develop an alternative approach to Roma people, aiming to distinguish itself from the traditional preconceived notions and prejudices found in the various countries. With works by 18 artists
Aspects of Roma Life in Contemporary Art
Exhibiting Artists: Matei Bejenaru (RO), Michaela Bruckmuller (A), Pavlina Fichta Cierna (SK), Cosmin Gradinaru (RO), Gyongyi Raczne Kalanyos (HU), Iosif Kiraly / Mariana Celac / Marius Marcu-Lapadat (RO), Monika Kovacova (SK), Aydan Murtezaoglu (TR), Terez Orsos (H), Nihad Nino Pusija (D/BiH), Mario Rizzi (I), Erzen Shkololli (KOS), Mladen Stilinovic (HR), Ceja Stojka (A), Chad Evans Wyatt (USA/CZ), Dusan Zahoransky (CZ/SK).
In general, the approach to life among Roma and non-Roma has been very different, not to say diametrically opposed. The difference in world view has repeatedly triggered a wide range of reactions and responses - particularly among non-Roma (called Gadze in Romanes, the language of the Roma people) - ranging from fear to fascination.
Probably because artists themselves have a special position in society, they are often particularly interested in those who also stand on the margins of mainstream society. Thus, it comes as no surprise that we frequently find representations of Roma in art history.
“We are what we are†presents and represents current contempoary artistic positions, which develop an alternative approach to Roma people, aiming to distinguish itself from the traditional preconceived notions and prejudices found in the various countries. The artistically addressed cultural manifestations from the different European Roma groups are surprisingly manifold and oppose what is publicly perceived as “being Roma.†In most countries, public opinion about Roma follows a few clichés. The exhibition is conceived as a contribution to differentiated perspectives and views.
Curators: Margarethe Makovec, Anton Lederer
An exhibition in the frame of the Culture2000 project by uniT: “Roma and Gadze - An Approach“ - in cooperation with Artemisszio Foundation/ Budapest, Jekhetane/ Presov, JSKD/Ljubljana, Concept Foundation/ Bucharest, CGM/ Brescia
Supported by: Cultural CIty Network Graz; mit Loidl und Co.Graz, Sony Slovakia, Ultraframe, s.r.g.
Image: Michaela Bruckmüller, from the series "Portraits"
Opening: 15 March 2005 at 6.00 p.m.
Galeria Jana Koniarka
Koppel House, Zeleny kricek 3, Trnava.