Monthly Archives: April 2016

“We are all wanderers on this earth, our hearts are full of wonder, our soul deep with dreams.” (Roma saying)

“Gipsy gold not chink and glitter, it gleams in the sun and neighs in the dark”
(Roma saying)

“May your clothes rip and wear out, but you live on in good health and fulfilment.” (Roma greeting)

” Our caravan is our family and the world is our family.”(Roma saying)

This film portrait is the outcome of my collaboration in 2014 with students at University College London. The students studied Roma and other migrant’s reflections on their shifting attitudes and sens of self after they migrated to London. The film summarises my reflections on the processes of identity which I regards as key to what it means to be a Roma in the 21st century.

My way of searching for my personal identity and the continuous practice of reflection on it, leaves a trace on my artworks. In Hungary I developed an observer’s position towards my own community I was an observer with an insider’s understanding of motivation, cultural practices and beliefs among the Roma. Relocating to London the quintessential 21st century metropolis in Europe, allowed me to develop a de-politicised outsider’s perspective on the building blocks of Roma-ness.

watercolour on paper

20×25 cm

2016