A photographic exhibition of gypsy life is on display at the Wrocůaw Gallery of Contemporary Art

Through the middle of February, the Wrocůaw Gallery of Contemporary Art is holding an exhibition consisting of a collection of photographs which narrate the story of photographer Harald Medb¸e’s encounters with Roma society. "The Gypsy Trips" records the life of the people whom the author calls "the last free people of Europe."

Medb¸e is an established Norwegian photographer who worked in the 70s as a photographer for the National Theater in Olso. He now works independently and has published various albums, which are usually accompanied by written work or audio media. "The Gypsy Trips" features a catalogue published in Norway, consisting of 60 pictures and 20 short stories describing meetings between the artist and the gypsy community.

The photographs on display in Wrocůaw capture the relatively undocumented life of the Roma. Medb¸e provides us with a fascinating picture of freedom that is part of the romantic charm of the traveler’s life. The photographer presents many facets of life in the Roma clans, with visions of extravagant splendor alongside abject poverty.

"The Gypsy Trips" captures the lifestyles of men, women and children, so rare and different from our own, that their presence in contemporary Europe provides a welcome break from the materialistic world.

Medb¸e’s photography is well-recognized in Poland from exhibitions in the Domek Romański Photo Gallery in Wrocůaw and the Stodoůa Gallery in Warsaw.