“Roma remains the most excluded social group in Romania, as well as in Eastern Europe. Many of them live in extreme poverty, face ongoing ethno-racial stigmatization in everyday life, and are discriminated in various areas of public life. This article aims to provide insight into the causes and mechanisms of their social exclusion, more than 160 years after the abolition of slavery and the institutional emancipation of members belonging to this ethnic group.” (László Fosztó - After Categorical Exclusion: Domains and Processes of Social Exclusion of the Romanian Roma)

The editorial illustration I created to accompanying the essay portrays the necessity of bridging the gap and fostering closer relationships between the Roma community and the rest of the Romanian society. The illustration aims to inspire both groups to actively seek understanding, empathy, and shared goals, thus promoting a collective desire to break down the barriers that hinder social inclusion. By fostering a sense of togetherness and common purpose, the illustration encourages the Romanian society to move beyond surface-level changes and engage in deeper transformations, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.

You can read the full article here: https://theanthro.art/for-people/