Art on the move

To be the first to do something is probably the greatest high anyone can experience. And to be appreciated for it during one’s lifetime feels even greater.

To be the first to do something is probably the greatest high anyone can experience. And to be appreciated for it during one’s lifetime feels even greater. Kasum Cana knows that feeling. “But it’s a mixed bag, some are happy and some call me crazy,” says the gypsy artist. What he has done may not sound as a historic feet, but for Roma cult, it is, for he has given shapes and colours through his brush and canvas to a culture that was only known for its music. Bringing his exhibition ‘Gypsy World’ for the first time to India, Kasum is more than happy, “since I belong to India and its people.”

Born in Prizren in the Republic of Kosovo, Kasum left his father’s house in 1985 to work in Croatia. “My father was a house painter, I too did that for a while.” The colours never left him and he started to study different techniques in various works of painting. A self-taught, Kasum dedicates his canvas to promoting Roma art. “Many gypsies don’t acknowledge being one, but I feel pleasure and pride of my roots. After all, we are in the league of Picasso, Charlie Chaplin, Antonio Banderas and Ava Gardner!”

Painting in his favourite colours – blue, red and green, for Kasum Roma art is a way of life. His ten frames portray circles that depict the restless soul of gypsies and movement, welcome signs, symbols of gypsy houses (mobile homes), and gypsy autumn. “We are nomads, travel is a norm. Static life is unacceptable in our culture.”

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A recipient of many awards for his efforts, including two President’s Awards by Italy, Kasum heads three organisations for the promotion of Roma art. “My goal is to bring at least ten artists to the next generation. But first I want to see Romani people in better living conditions. We need better infrastructure and better opportunities. Our culture is looked down upon but my motto is to portray a positive and colourful picture.”

As for India, he loves it so much that this may be his next destination for settlement. “The other day I heard the song ‘Oye lucky lucky oye’ and loved it! I heard ‘aja tujhko pukare mere geet’ when I was 17, it still strikes a chord! That’s all the inspiration I need as an artist.”

The exhibition is on at Gallery Jodh, #741, Sector 11, Chandigarh till December 9.