SEED Madagascar

Madagascar is renowned for its unique wildlife and beautiful landscapes. However, more recently Madagascar is gaining recognition for its vibrant art scene. The Malagasy artistic scene is diverse, encompassing a range of mediums from music and dance, to painting and sculpture. It is a powerful form of expression that reflects the daily lives, struggles, and hope of its people. In this blog, we explore the different facets of Malagasy art, what it tells us about the culture and identity of Madagascar, and how it is making its presence on the global stage.

Music: identity and change making.

Music is an integral aspect of life in Madagascar. It is a source of entertainment and a powerful tool for social and political expression. Over the years, musicians have used their songs to voice their opinions and advocate for change. Prominent artists like Dama, the lead singer of the band Mahaleo, have played a pivotal role in shaping public opinion and challenging government policies. Mahaleo, which means "to be able to overcome" in Malagasy, became famous during the 1972 Malagasy Revolution, a time of social unrest and demand for political reform. The band's songs and lyrics about social issues provided a soundtrack for the revolution and gave voice to the hopes and frustrations of the Malagasy people.  Today, Mahaleo and other artists continue to use music to critique the government, highlight social injustices, and inspire a sense of national identity and unity.

Similarly, music and dance are integral to various ceremonies and rituals, reinforcing the community’s cultural identity and social cohesion. Music in Madagascar remains an influential form of expression. It connects with the daily lives of people and addresses themes ranging from love and community to political struggle and hope.

Visual arts: from traditional craft to contemporary expression

Madagascar is rich in traditions of sculpture and craftsmanship, with artisans skilled in wood carvings, weaving, and works crafted made from local materials like zebu horn, raphia and stones. Ambositra, located 250 km south of the capital, is recognised as the craft capital of Madagascar, famous for its fine marquetry and woodworking. The Zafimaniry art of Ambositra, registered in 2008 as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a testament to Madagascar's heritage in woodworking. For generations, Zafimaniry foresters, carpenters and craftworkers have developed practical knowledge and skills around wood.

Whilst Madagascar has a vibrant art scene, painting as a form of visual art has been less common compared to other mediums. Until recently, the country did not have a public museum of contemporary art or a dedicated art school, which highlights the challenges faced by Malagasy artists in gaining exposure and recognition for their work. Despite these challenges, Malagasy artists have developed their own unique styles, and approaches driven by authenticity, creativity and resilience.

Contemporary art in Madagascar often draws on traditional themes and materials, creating a bridge between the past and the present. One artist who embodies this blend of tradition and modernity is Zoarinivo Razakaratrimo, known as Madame Zo. A leading figure in Malagasy art, she is celebrated for her innovative use of weaving, an ancestral tradition. Her work has been exhibited globally and is part of the collection at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art in Washington, D.C. Madame Zo drew inspiration from the lamba, a multi-faceted wrap made of silk or cotton worn by both sexes in Madagascar, and used by mothers to tie newborns to their back, and in various traditional ceremonies. She uses recycled materials like copper, textiles, and magnetic tapes, revisiting and reimagining traditional Malagasy motifs and materials in contemporary forms.

What Malagasy art tells us and its global resonance.

Malagasy art, in all its forms, offers an insight into life in Madagascar. Artists often explore themes rooted in their cultural heritage, such as everyday life, nature, spirituality, and social issues. Through their creation, they show the beauty of the island, its traditions, and the complexity of its society. Art in Madagascar serves many purposes: it is a way for artists to express themselves, critique social and political issues, and preserve Malagasy cultural heritage.

Exhibitions, collaborations, and cultural exchanges have introduced Madagascar's artistic expressions to a global audience. One of the key messages that Malagasy art brings to the world is the value of humility. It teaches us about the strength found in community, the importance of staying connected to our roots, and finding beauty in simplicity. What stands out about Malagasy art is found in its contrasts: it remains rooted in its identity and tradition, sometimes using elements from local environment, yet thought-provoking and innovative. It is not something big and extravagant, it values simplicity, with delicate and unique elements that captivate viewers.

Moreover, the emergence of Malagasy art on the global stage offers lessons in adaptability and perseverance. The challenges faced by Malagasy artists— such as limited support, economic difficulties, and restricted access to international markets—are not unique to Madagascar but resonate with artists in other countries. The ability of Malagasy artists to overcome these challenges and produce impactful art demonstrates the power of creativity and determination. Temandrota, a contemporary Malagasy artist, captures this spirit of resilience. He notes that practicing art in Madagascar “requires bravery,” and “the main challenge is believing in art [when] society doesn’t”. His words highlight a broader struggle within the Malagasy art community, a struggle for recognition and the belief in the transformative power of art despite societal and economic challenges.

The transformative power of art in Madagascar is also reflected in its role in creating sustainable livelihoods and empowering communities. This is illustrated by SEED Madagascar's initiatives, such as the Stitch Sainte Luce Cooperative and the Mahampy Weavers' Cooperative. The Stitch project began in 2012 as a way to generate income for women through the creation of embroidery. This initiative has grown into a successful cooperative where women create handmade textile with designs inspired by local flora, fauna, Malagasy daily life and cultural heritage, enabling them to support their families and gain financial independence. Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the women have shown resilience, managing to sustain their activity and support one another. The cooperative achieved independence in April 2020, transitioning from a SEED-supported project to a self-sustaining enterprise. It shows how artistic expression coupled with a supportive community can drive social change and empower individuals.

In June 2024, the textiles produced by Stitch Sainte Luce were exhibited in a gallery on the island of Guernsey, showcasing the international resonance and recognition of the cooperative unique savoir faire. Similarly, the Mahampy project, launched in November 2019, empowers women by creating sustainable livelihoods through traditional mahampy reed weaving, fostering sustainable livelihood and preserving weaving knowledge. These projects by SEED Madagascar demonstrate the impact of artistic expression in empowering individuals.

 

Thank you for reading! To explore handmade embroidery from the Stitch Sainte Luce Cooperative, visit our Stitch Etsy page. Your support helps empower local communities and sustain their savoir-faire.

 

References

Altitude Madagascar, 'Kafe Politika 01 Mars 2024 : L'art et l'industrie culturelle à Madagascar au centre de nos discussions', Altitude Madagascar, https://altitude-madagascar.mg/kafe-politika-01-mars-2024-lart-et-lindustrie-culturelle-a-madagascar-au-centre-de-nos-discussions/

BBC News, 'Overseas aid exhibit showcases Madagascar projects', BBC News website, available at https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ceqq688ep5eo

Bearak, M., 'Fondation H Gallery in Antananarivo galvanises Madagascar's art scene', The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/feb/01/fondation-h-gallery-antananarivo-galvanises-madagascar-art-scene-madame-zo

Fondation H, Bientôt je vous tisse tous, Fondation H website, available at: https://www.fondation-h.com/exhibitions-fr/bientot-je-vous-tisse-tous

Jeune Afrique, 'L'art contemporain à Madagascar : entre défis et opportunités', Jeune Afrique, https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63ce94b67d16cf85c5577570/64393981f35938187bcda73b_Jeune%20Afrique_Avril%202023.pdf

RFI, 'Arts de Madagascar : une reconnaissance au Quai Branly pour la Grande Île', RFI, https://www.rfi.fr/fr/culture/20180918-arts-madagascar-reconnaissance-quai-branly-grande-ile

RFI, 'Mada Underground : un regard sur l'art et la vie à Madagascar', https://www.rfi.fr/fr/culture/20170221-mada-underground-regard-art-vie-madagascar-denis-sneguirev

UNESCO, 'Woodcrafting Knowledge of the Zafimaniry', UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/woodcrafting-knowledge-of-the-zafimaniry-00080?RL=00080

Stitch Sainte Luce, Stitch Sainte Luce website, available at https://www.stitchsainteluce.com/about-stitch

 

[1] UNESCO, Woodcrafting Knowledge of the Zafimaniry: Photo, UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 IGO (CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO), 2024. Available at: https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/woodcrafting-knowledge-of-the-zafimaniry-00080?RL=00080

[2] Fondation H, Bientôt je vous tisse tous, Fondation H website, 2024. © Fondation H. Available at: https://www.fondation-h.com/exhibitions-fr/bientot-je-vous-tisse-tous

[3] UNESCO, Woodcrafting Knowledge of the Zafimaniry: Photo, UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 IGO (CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO), 2024. Available at: https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/woodcrafting-knowledge-of-the-zafimaniry-00080?RL=00080

[4] Stitch Sainte Luce, Photo, Stitch Sainte Luce, 2024. Available at: https://www.stitchsainteluce.com/about-stitch

[5] Dave Way, Photo, Guernsey Overseas Aid & Development Commission (GOAC), June 2024.