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 one8217;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 one8217;s lifetime feels even greater. Kasum Cana knows that feeling. 8220;But it8217;s a mixed bag, some are happy and some call me crazy,8221; 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 8216;Gypsy World8217; for the first time to India, Kasum is more than happy, 8220;since I belong to India and its people.8221;

Born in Prizren in the Republic of Kosovo, Kasum left his father8217;s house in 1985 to work in Croatia. 8220;My father was a house painter, I too did that for a while.8221; 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. 8220;Many gypsies don8217;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!8221;

Painting in his favourite colours 8211; 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. 8220;We are nomads, travel is a norm. Static life is unacceptable in our culture.8221;

A recipient of many awards for his efforts, including two President8217;s Awards by Italy, Kasum heads three organisations for the promotion of Roma art. 8220;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.8221;

As for India, he loves it so much that this may be his next destination for settlement. 8220;The other day I heard the song 8216;Oye lucky lucky oye8217; and loved it! I heard 8216;aja tujhko pukare mere geet8217; when I was 17, it still strikes a chord! That8217;s all the inspiration I need as an artist.8221;

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