Sztuka – Romowie – Mobilizacja

Kapralski, Sławomir

Sztuka – Romowie – Mobilizacja

Abstract

The subject matter of this introduction to the thematic part of the current issue of “Studia Romologica” is the relation between Roma art and Roma politics, and its main assumption is a conviction that art always has a political dimension whilepolitics is always present in the art. This relation is particularly visible in the fieldin which agency and identity of social groups are produced, especially of minorities that are not in a position to control the political and aesthetic means of identity expression. Moreover, in the case of Roma those means have been historically involvedin discrimination against and stereotypical representation of Roma. In this context, contemporary Roma political and artistic movement can be perceived asan indication of Roma mobility understood as an attempt to go beyond the space designated for Roma by majority and to encounter that majority on its own ground. This attempt subverts the right of the majority to control the discourse in which Roma are represented. Does Roma art exist? What is its political character? Canart be an efficient tool in the struggle for political agency? These questions, amongmany others, form the core of reflection of the authors who contributed to this issue.