The Transformative Power of Art: Małgorzata Mirga-Tas and the Space of Togetherness exhibition in Athens, Greece
Workshop with Young Roma Girls by Art Bridges in Mytiline, Lesbos, inspired by the artworks of Małgorzata Mirga-Tas. Participants created their own textile pieces and collage, connecting with the themes of the Space of Togetherness exhibition, through hands-on art-making.
A Journey into Roma Identity and Cultural Resilience Through the Eyes of Young Greek-Roma Girls in Lesbos
Teaser:
Małgorzata Mirga-Tas’s powerful textile art transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, facilitating a profound dialogue between Roma cultural identity and the wider world. Her work, showcased in the Space of Togetherness exhibition in Athens, inspired young Roma girls from Mytilene, Lesbos. Through a creative participatory workshop, these girls were able to establish a new connection to their heritage, thereby manifesting how art can empower and foster pride in marginalised communities.
In the autumn of 2024, the collective exhibition Space of Togetherness, curated by Elina Kountouri and organised by NEON, opened in Athens. The exhibition, which showcased the work of twenty artists from diverse geographical locations, addressed a number of critical themes, including migration, cultural exchange, and social integration. The exhibition prompted visitors to consider the complex interconnections between deeply entrenched attitudes towards racism, social mobility and human rights, and their manifestation in everyday life, particularly when viewed through the lenses of class, race and gender.
Among the most notable contributors was the Polish artist, Małgorzata Mirga-Tas, whose elaborate and vibrant textile creations became a significant element within the context of the exhibition. Her large-scale patchworks and vibrant embroidery celebrate the cultural heritage of the Roma people, simultaneously challenging stereotypes and emphasising the importance of preserving and honouring this legacy.
On display within the National Theatre of Greece’s Drama School – Irene Papas, Mirga-Tas’s vibrant works resonated against installations such as Patricia Kaersenhout’s The Soul of Salt (2016/2024), an eight-tonne Mediterranean salt sculpture addressing ecological and cultural narratives. Together, the pieces wove a powerful dialogue of textures, themes, and connections.
The Greek Context and Roma Representation
Małgorzata’s work facilitated a noteworthy instance of constructive discourse concerning the Roma community in Greek media, where discriminatory narratives are frequently perpetuated. The coverage celebrated the artist’s Roma heritage, emphasising the rich cultural identity of her people.
The exhibition was particularly significant for young Roma members of one of the Attica communities, who witnessed their heritage celebrated and respected in a way they seldom encounter. As they explored Mirga-Tas’s intricate works, many recognised familiar elements of daily life, including symbols, textiles and cultural motifs, reimagined within her art.
Art and Empowerment in Lesbos
Inspired by the exhibition, we returned to the island of Lesbos, where ART BRIDGES and its Volunteer Roma Initiative conduct fieldwork. Using digital media, we organised a workshop for young Roma girls attending school. The girls’ initial reactions to Mirga-Tas’s work—accessed through videos and reports—were filled with both awe and curiosity. Growing up in extreme poverty, often without stable housing, water, or electricity, many had difficulty reconciling their heritage. They questioned whether someone like Małgorzata Mirga-Tas, a celebrated artist, could truly belong to their community. Is she a “balamo” (Μπαλαμό – “non-gypsy” or outsider)?, they ask.
“How can a Roma woman be an artist like her?”, their scepticism a reflection of the societal barriers they face. As they delved deeper into Mirga-Tas’s work, observing and listening to the audiovisual material, their doubt shifted to recognition. They saw aspects of their own lives—images of mothers, grandmothers, and daily experiences—woven into the fabric of her art. Their conversation flowed, and the words Balamo (Μπαλαμό), and Romi (Τσέ) intermingled before the creations of the famous woman artist.
After exploring her works, the six girls created their own interpretations, describing what they saw to their peers in Romani. Their faces lit up as they connected their personal histories to the art, recognising symbols that mirrored their lives.
Workshop with Young Roma Girls by Art Bridges in Mytiline, Lesbos, inspired by the artworks of Małgorzata Mirga-Tas.
The workshop became an emotional and empowering experience. The girls crafted textile collages, depicting family members—such as mothers and grandmothers—using fabric scraps and drawings. This act of creation reflected the resilience that has defined Roma communities for centuries.
Their creations were a powerful reminder that art does more than decorate: it preserves stories, affirms identity, and celebrates culture. One word echoed repeatedly throughout the session: shukar, meaning “beautiful” in Romani. This simple term encapsulated the joy and empowerment the girls felt while engaging with Mirga-Tas’s work.
Mirga-Tas’s art, rooted in a profound cultural narrative, became a tool for empowerment. It demonstrated to the girls that their heritage holds beauty and value in a world that often marginalises their identities.
Art as a Catalyst for Social Change
Workshops like this reaffirm the importance of creating spaces where vulnerable communities can express themselves through art. The impact of artists like Malgorzata Mirga-Tas, who use their work to connect and uplift, is immeasurable.
Art has the power to change lives. For the young Roma girls of Lesbos, the Space of Togetherness exhibition and accompanying workshop provided a platform to connect with their cultural roots and see their stories valued.
As we continue our work in Lesbos and other regions of Greece, we hope to create more opportunities in which art plays a central role in empowering Roma communities and promoting active Roma participation in all aspects of life.
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Endnotes
- For additional context on Malgorzata Mirga-Tas and the Space of Togetherness exhibition, see NEON’s official website.
- For more information on the ART BRIDGES Volunteer Roma Initiatives in Lesbos, please visit Roma Initiatives
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Ángela María Arbeláez was born in Manizales, Colombia. She is an art historian, educated at Lomonosov State University in Moscow (1991). Founder of Art Bridges Greece, she has dedicated her career to connecting diverse communities through art and culture. She taught art history at the Central University, Tadeo Lozano, in Bogotá, Colombia, before relocating to Greece in 1998 with a fellowship at the University of Crete.
Since 2016, during the Refugee Crisis, she has worked extensively on the island of Lesbos, employing art and music to help young refugees process and overcome trauma. Witnessing the harsh conditions endured by the Greek Roma community on the island, she initiated collaborative projects in underserved areas through Volunteer Roma Initiatives. As a researcher, public speaker, and amateur photographer, she is devoted to celebrating cultural differences and fostering understanding through creativity and shared humanity. She has curated exhibitions with the Greek Ministry of Culture and in Colombia, while also leading transnational art initiatives that promote dialogue and celebrate the richness of diversity through art, history and remembrance.
As a freelance contributor to various Spanish-speaking media outlets, she remains committed to advocacy and visibility, using her work to highlight different paths to shared hope and unity.
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