Mapping the Invisible is the first publication dedicated to EU-ROMA gypsies. Roma gypsies are constantly in the news and gypsy folk bands are rising up the charts. Mapping the Invisible expands on this and takes a more complete look at the culture and lifestyle of the Roma gypsies. Mapping the Invisible: EU-ROMA Gypsies takes the readers on a visual journey across Europe with a focus on its fastest-growing ethnic minority: the Roma. This publication is the result of a unique partnership called EU-ROMA, formed by a group of architects, designers and artists wishing to raise awareness of the diversity and richness of the Roma people. The book shows us the EU-ROMA projects conducted together with the gypsy communities in Romania, Greece, Italy and the UK. The EU-ROMA partnership was formed as a result of European Community funding, linking the four aforementioned countries, with the emphasis on an open dialogue on Roma housing issues and public space. The intriguing networks that have been formed were aimed at mobilizing and exchanging knowledge and experience from each of the members' specialist fields in the domain of architecture, contemporary art, urban planning, humanities, sociology and human rights. The outcomes of EU-ROMA form the heart of this book. The book opens with an outline of the Roma cultural heritage, with a particular focus on the issues surrounding recent European migration and the current housing conditions, followed by the visual results of the projects with the Roma gypsies in Romania, Greece, Italy and the UK. Each chapter shows not only the tools and methods the artists and architects use in their projects, but also the impact of their work in the Roma communities, and the challenges, personal experiences and outcomes of their work. For example, the construction of two improved ?shacks' in Belgrade, where recycling and waste material is used to create decent, adequate and affordable housing, offering sustainable solutions for Roma housing in Eastern Europe. Mapping the Invisible features internationally celebrated artists in a unique partnership and is the first arts publication dedicated to European Roma gypsies. It is visually engaging and will inform and inspire readers in this fascinating cultural heritage. AUTHOR: Lucy Orta is an internationally renowned British artist who lives and works in Paris. Several books have been published on her and her partner's work, including Lucy + Jorge Orta Pattern Book. Her work has been exhibited in major contemporary art museums around the world including the Museum of Contemporary Art Sydney, Museum Boijmans van Beuningen Rotterdam, ICA London and the Modern Art Museum, Paris; Lucy operates not only as an artist, but also as a campaigner, community mediator and educator. ILLUSTRATIONS 153 colour ab/w
