Until the second half of the 20th century, the representation of Roma art was the exclusive monopoly of non-Roma, who usually defined it as "folk art" or "naive art." Shukar! Contemporary Art by Hungarian Roma Women, an exhibition being held with support from the Open Society Institute as part of the Extremely Hungary festival, presents contemporary Roma art that is hardly naïve, but rather critical, political and, above all, painterly.
Shukar! features works by Jolán Oláh, Gyöngyi Ráczné Kalányos, Omara and Teréz Orsós. These works reflect upon the social role of women and their double-minority position in the Hungarian Roma community. The paintings are at once provocative and beautiful, asking viewers to reconsider the roles of Roma women and Roma contemporary art.
The exhibition is open through April 8, 2010, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Admission is free.
Location
Hungarian Cultural Center
447 Broadway, 5th Floor
New York