Radical Landscapes: British Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Communities in Art | Tate

In this short film, artist Delaine Le Bas, writer Damian Le Bas and activist Lois Brookes-Jones respond to artworks in Tate’s collection that represent members of British Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. Watch the group discuss the ways in which artists and photographers have approached the subject, whether through the anonymous landscape paintings of JMW Turner or the more sensitive portraits of Laura Knight and Chris Killip.
Delaine Le Bas also takes us into the heart of the West Sussex countryside, which inspired her new performance and installation Rinkeni Pani 2022. The title of the work is English Romani for ‘beautiful water’ and refers to both her great grandmother - who urged Le Bas never to waste precious water - as well as the increasing lack of access to water experienced by populations in the face of climate emergency.
A note on language
This film includes contributions from, and discussion of artworks featuring depictions of people who belong to ethnic British Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.
‘Gypsy, Roma and Traveller’ is an umbrella term that includes many different and distinct groups, including Irish Traveller, Roma and Romani Gypsy people who are all recognised as ethnic minority groups under the Race Equality Act 2010. In addition, this catchall term can include New Travellers, Showpeople and Boaters because they practice nomadism as a lifestyle choice. These communities are not recognised as ethnic minority groups.
Policymakers often use ‘GRT’ as shorthand, however, this can damage the visibility of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people when used out of context.
In some countries the term ‘Gypsy’ has been used widely as a racial slur and a derogatory or dehumanising word. However, there are Romani groups in Europe who have claimed this word and use it with pride. This includes many Romani individuals within the UK who proudly use the word ‘Gypsy’ to describe themselves. As with any identity signifiers, it’s always best to ask individuals how they identify and to use their preferred terminology.
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[@Sirius263]

Very important, artistic work that uniquely permeates the wider world as powerful social commentary. Beautiful. Thank you.

[@karysjames7511]

My name is Johnny doe the painting of that man who u didn’t no his name is my great grandfather Gilbert smith from iver and the train tracks is where they were stopped called mansion lane site

[@dntskdnttll]

Have a closer look at the work at 2:27 - incredible.

[@dancesontheceiling]

Very educational. I want to learn more.

[@stefanoguseli5975]

It is brimming with meaning and symbolism.

[@maayanmoshe3581]

Like alwaysTate very interesting especially the three individual in the video

[@iconstarchild8567]

Loved this!

[@FCOLAXCDG]

❤️🇱🇨 #ThankYou

[@thehoneyeffect]

'Rinkini Pani' sounds like Hindi

[@constantlyenthused336]

Lmao

[@ivanafityoga9641]

Because your grandmother lived outside does not mean she was - or you are gypsy. Gypsies smells each other, no matter from whitch corner in the world you are. I can see that you've been influenced by ,,travelers " to be Gypsy is something else.

[@Pickleeater3000]

Very big difference between the romani gypsy people and travelers travelers will never be gypsy in my eyes as my romani people are actual gypsys. Travelers are a completely different group of nomadic people.

[@coryparni3620]

@@Pickleeater3000 in england some people with romany bood call them selfs travellers and likewise some people who are not romamy call them selfs gypsies . Thats how it is in the uk . Not all romany are dark . Not all romani are roma either.

[@Pickleeater3000]

@@coryparni3620 my sister is very pale with bright blue eyes and I’m very tan with dark brown eyes so yes romani gypsys can look different but if you aren’t raised in the Roma lifestyle then don’t try to claim it because it isn’t yours. It’s all about the proximity to the culture. I’ve known gypsys that adopted children and they are very well gypsy because of the upbringing. But if you don’t know the culture you never will, especially if you are a traveler or Irish. Very different cultures

[@coryparni3620]

@@Pickleeater3000 what dose irish travellers have to do with this ?

[@Pickleeater3000]

@@coryparni3620 they actively appropriate my culture and erase us in the process.

[@adailydrawingmustache4604]

I didn't sub to you, who are you

[@timrutter5025]

Lots of big words and very little artistic quality.

[@coryparni3620]

If artists didn't make so much rubbish , people might like them better. Non of them got jobs or pay taxes either.

[@nursemain3174]

None of it rubbish

[@coryparni3620]

@@nursemain3174 *is . You must be one of them , cant even read and write .

[@lisamcallister6534]

Hogwash

[@dntskdnttll]

Haven’t got anything meaningful to say?