Bez názvu / Untitled

The painter Ladislava Gažiová is a graduate of the Atelier of Intermedia Confrontation (Ateliér intermediální konfrontace) led by Jiří David at the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague and she is also the first laureate of the first year of the Critics Award for Young Painters in 2008, held by Czech Association of Critics. Her work often reflects themes related to the identity of the Roma people living in Czech and Slovak territory for centuries. Gaziova draws from her own personal experience. The Roma culture and way of life brings stimuli and rich inspiration into the Czech cultural sphere – but it also creates tensions in relationships with the majority society. Gaziova’s work raises vital questions concerning ethnicity, co-habitation with the majority, integration, assimilation and inclusion. Her work highlights the role of the subaltern – which must remain and will remain open – specifically through the arts. Opening a door into her world, Gaziova explains: “There is a gypsy cymbalom-band in my picture, this type of gypsy music creates a very strong atmosphere, usually a bit oppressive. It is because they sing about life, which is not easy, and about love. That was the reason for the bloody rain. It is a bit strange to describe so openly. I, usually leave the interpretation to the viewers, and it is not wrong when their interpretation differs from mine.”