Photographs portray a young gypsy gospel music band, that tries to use their free time to make something of themselves and to bring joy, hope and inspiration to poor habitations in the eastern part of Slovakia.
In Slovakia, a member state of European Union, one of the most challenging social issues today is the integration of considerably large Gypsy ethnic minority with the local nation. Many humanitarian organizations invest large efforts in this field, trying to diminish the prejudice and bring up the new young generation on both sides, willing to coexist and work side by side. Of these activities, my utmost respect goes to the young people coming from the poor gypsy conditions, that try to make a difference in their local communities. This series portrays a young gypsy gospel music band, that was formed by a couple of young boys coming from different gypsy habitations in East Slovakia, grouped around a sing lead with beautiful voice and supported by local rectory. They write and sing their songs in original gypsy language as well as in Slovak and they won sympathies of many people. They are starting to perform at major gospel festivals across Slovakia, but their primary goal remains to live and create among their relatives in habitations, that often lack the basic hygiene principles and in which the gypsies often don't want to see that with a little effort they can achieve better life and reach for their dreams. Therefore in the near future I intend to continue documenting their work.