Roma Rising Exhibition Opening

The Roma Rising exhibition by American photographer Chad Evans Wyatt presents a collection of black-and-white portraits featuring more than 60 notable figures from across Europe and Canada. United by their Romani heritage, these individuals have made a social impact despite the prejudice they have faced. The exhibition includes both well-known personalities in politics and the arts, as well as unsung heroes of everyday life. It follows previous installments, such as Roma Rising (2004) in the Czech Republic and Roma Rising V4 (2016), which focused on the Visegrad Four.
The project was conceived as a response to the negative media portrayal of Romani people in the Czech Republic, where they have often been depicted as an uneducated and marginalized minority. Wyatt set out to highlight Romani public figures who have achieved success in various fields, contributing to a more positive and accurate representation of their community. A key theme of the exhibition is the increasing prominence of Romani women, who play a vital role in shaping success across different sectors.

Roma Rising stands in stark contrast to stereotypes. Its portraits show educated and respected individuals who can act as government officials or leaders in the community. Wyatt deliberately avoids the traditional, often reductive ways Romani people have been portrayed, instead using a clean, black-and-white style that emphasizes their dignity. With minimalist backgrounds and no color distractions, the photographs encourage deeper reflection on Romani identity and their place in contemporary society.
The exhibition opens on April 9, 2025, and will be open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM, except Mondays.
More at rommuz.cz.