“Time of the Gypsies” – art exhibition in the European Parliament on the occasion of the International Roma Day

On the occasion of International Roma Day, honouring the diverse and special Roma culture and art, Fidesz MEP Lívia Járóka organized a contemporary art exhibition entitled “Time of the Gypsies” in the European Parliament in Brussels. By presenting the works of eleven Roma artists of Hungarian origin, the exhibition explores the unique perspectives of Roma art and describes its diverse style and specific traditions in its pictorial world. “The huge treasure trove of Roma culture often does not receive the attention it deserves. Our mission is to show how much Europe owes its Roma citizens” the MEP emphasized in her opening speech.

“Unfortunately, the treasure trove of European Roma culture is still a little-known, rarely researched and presented reality. Our mission is therefore nothing more than to do everything in order to break down the walls of prejudice and reveal to the general public the values that can be found in the cultural heritage of the Roma communities. Showing how much value and treasure Europe owes to its Roma citizens”, emphasized MEP Járóka at the ceremonial opening of the exhibition on Thursday evening.

“By getting to know each other based on values, we emphasize our common positive human traits and elevate our human character, which constructs a more livable, mutually respecting, esteeming, and appreciative society, which takes us all forward,” emphasized Barbara Bódi, a painter of Roma origin and one of the exhibitors. In her opening speech, MEP Lívia Járóka also highlighted the importance of nurturing Roma culture and traditions, as well as the social role of the visual arts, as she said: “by exploring aesthetic beauty and overflowing artistic self-expression, we often say more than a thousand words”.

Background: The exhibition will be open to the public in the European Parliament between March 29 and 31, after which, from April 4, the works will be exhibited in the building of the Liszt Institute in Brussels.