Estetyka pamięci: o pomnikach romskiej zagłady

Kapralski, Sławomir

Estetyka pamięci: o pomnikach romskiej zagłady

Abstract

The article discusses the role of art in representing Roma historical memories. Following Chantal Mouffe, the author emphasizes the political character of the relation between memory and its artistic representation. It is argued that commemorative art transforms Roma historical experiences and becomes not only part and expression of Roma collective memory, but also an element of Roma fight for recognition and empowerment. The argument is advanced through a comparative analysis of two memorials of the Roma Holocaust: one that commemorates the Roma murdered in Borzęcin near Tarnów, and the Berlin’s Memorial to the Sinti and Roma of Europe Murdered under the National Socialist Regime. The author claims that both memorials carry similar message that is subsequently analyzed in the broader context of the Roma politics of identity.