Hakanto Contemporary: Madagascar's Art Scene in Ferment
Hakanto Contemporary, a nonprofit venue located in Alhambra Gallery, Antananarivo, Madagascar, was established in February 2020 by Joël Andrianomearisoa following Madagascar's inaugural national pavilion at the 2019 Venice Biennale. Supported by the Yavarhoussen Fund, led by Hasnaine Yavarhoussen, the organization seeks to enhance the Malagasy art landscape and assist local creators. The art often reflects on social, political, and environmental themes, with Ketaka Razafimisa's work delving into sexuality. The exhibition 'NY FITIAVANAY / OUR LOVE / NOTRE AMOUR' (October–March) showcased 26 artists, including Vonjiniaina Annie Ratovonirina and Malala Andrialavidrazana. Women artists frequently encounter professional obstacles, often taking on roles as sociologists. Hakanto also provides educational programs for youth and hosted a retrospective of Emile Rakotondrazaka in April 2022, with upcoming exhibitions featuring emerging Malagasy artists and 'Revue Collection.'
Key facts
- Hakanto Contemporary opened in February 2020 within Alhambra Gallery in Antananarivo.
- Joël Andrianomearisoa is the artistic director; he represented Madagascar at the 2019 Venice Biennale.
- The space is funded by the Yavarhoussen Fund, founded by Hasnaine Yavarhoussen, CEO of Groupe Filatex.
- The exhibition 'NY FITIAVANAY / OUR LOVE / NOTRE AMOUR' featured 26 mostly self-taught Malagasy artists.
- Vonjiniaina Annie Ratovonirina won a gold medal for sculpture at the 2005 Jeux de la Francophonie.
- Malala Andrialavidrazana's 'Figures' series uses photomontages of precolonial maps, banknotes, stamps, and record covers.
- Ketaka Razafimisa, a deceased artist and activist, explored sexuality and social pressure in her work.
- Emile Rakotondrazaka (Ramily), considered the father of contemporary Malagasy photography, had his first retrospective in April 2022.
- Hakanto Contemporary runs educational programs including workshops and guided tours for students.
- Future exhibitions include shows on new generation artists (September) and 'Revue Collection' on African photography (November).
Entities
Artists
- Joël Andrianomearisoa
- Ketaka Razafimisa
- Vonjiniaina Annie Ratovonirina
- Malala Andrialavidrazana
- Zoly Rakotonieara
- Ludonie Velontrasina
- Emile Rakotondrazaka (Ramily)
Institutions
- Hakanto Contemporary
- Alhambra Gallery
- Yavarhoussen Fund
- Groupe Filatex
- Venice Biennale
Locations
- Antananarivo
- Madagascar
- Venice
- Italy