Cosa vuol dire essere Romnja?!

Mix media on fabrics, 300x160cm

Cosa vuol dire essere Romnja?! ("What Does It Mean to Be Romnia?!"), explores identity, gender, and the social and cultural narratives surrounding Romani women. Part of a series, this piece combine textile art, painting, and embroidery, with vivid colors and layered textures that evoke themes of resilience and identity. The central figure, surrounded by other faceless women, represents a Romani woman expressing strength, while embroidered text and images illustrate societal pressures, questions, and stereotypes directed at Romani women.
Phrases in various languages , "Cosa vuol dire essere Romnja?!" highlight the multicultural and intersectional challenges faced by Romani women, touching on issues of gender inequality, cultural stereotyping, and media misrepresentation.
The use of words and fragmented sentences on the fabric amplifies the questions and external judgments often imposed on these women, creating a powerful, reflective piece on the complexity of their identities. The bold, colorful fringe along the bottom adds a final visual layer, symbolizing both rootedness and movement, possibly indicating the dynamic yet grounded spirit of Romani culture.




Photo: LWL MKuK/Hanna Neander