Omara Mara Oláh's Self-Mythology Surveyed at Longtermhandstand, Budapest
In Budapest, there's a fascinating exhibition called Longtermhandstand that showcases the work of Omara Mara Oláh, a self-taught Roma artist who passed away in 2020. Her exhibit, named after a radio call she made about dreams coming true, features a diverse array of her art, including paintings, drawings, photography, and videos across two floors. Omara started painting at 43, inspired by her mother’s passing, and her pieces often intertwine imagery with text to explore heavy themes like trauma and identity. Notable works include 'This Day I Became A Painter…' and 'God Damn You Racist Miser This Is A Message From Me…'. A film titled 'Omara' by Ábel Sánta will also be part of this exhibition.
Key facts
- Omara Mara Oláh lived from 1945 to 2020.
- She began painting in 1988 at age 43 after her mother's death.
- Her first work was a portrait of Sophia Loren.
- She participated in the First Roma Pavilion at the 52nd Venice Biennale in 2007.
- The exhibition includes her 'blue period' works started in 1997.
- She trademarked her own name, as depicted in a 2003 painting.
- The exhibition features a film by Ábel Sánta titled 'Omara' (2024).
- Omara created miniature paintings on cigarette packets and matchbox lids.
Entities
Artists
- Omara Mara Oláh
- Sophia Loren
- Ábel Sánta
- George Soros
- Viktor Orbán
Institutions
- Longtermhandstand
- First Roma Pavilion
- Venice Biennale
Locations
- Budapest
- Hungary
- Szarvasgede
- Venice
- Italy