OMARA Mara Oláh's Posthumous Survey at East Slovak Gallery
The East Slovak Gallery in Košice is showcasing an exhibition titled 'This Is What I See From the Back Window at Sunset,' featuring the art of OMARA Mara Oláh (1945–2020), a self-taught Roma artist. OMARA began her artistic journey at the age of 43, following her mother's passing and her own health challenges, focusing on themes of life and identity from a Roma woman's viewpoint. The exhibition displays her paintings, a short film by Ábel Santa set for release in 2024, and archival materials that shed light on her life, including her role as a television fortune teller. Significant milestones include her relocation to Szarvasgede, her debut painting in 1988, and the establishment of the Mara Gallery in 1993. Her artwork has been featured at documenta fifteen and the Venice Biennale. Attendees can enjoy her favorite music and receive an educational zine.
Key facts
- OMARA Mara Oláh (1945–2020) was a self-taught Roma artist.
- Exhibition 'This Is What I See From the Back Window at Sunset' at East Slovak Gallery, Košice.
- She began creating art at age 43 after her mother's death and health problems.
- Her first painting in 1988 was a portrait of Sophia Loren.
- She lost sight in one eye in 1983 and called herself 'one eyed Gypsy OMARA.'
- She founded the Mara Gallery, first Romani gallery in Hungary, in 1993.
- Her work has been exhibited at documenta fifteen, Berlin Biennale 2025, Ludwig Museum Budapest, Romani Pavilion at Venice Biennale, and Kunsthalle Wien.
- The exhibition includes a short film by Ábel Santa (2024), tarot cards, and TV recordings.
Entities
Artists
- OMARA Mara Oláh
- Ábel Santa
- Sophia Loren
- Karel Gott
- Engelbert Humperdinck
Institutions
- East Slovak Gallery
- Mara Gallery
- Ludwig Museum Budapest
- Romani Pavilion at the Venice Biennale
- Kunsthalle Wien
- documenta fifteen
- Berlin Biennale
Locations
- Košice
- Slovakia
- Szarvasgede
- Hungary
- Kassel
- Berlin
- Budapest
- Venice
- Wien