Madagascar's First Venice Biennale Pavilion Features Joël Andrianomearisoa's Immersive Installation

Joël Andrianomearisoa will represent Madagascar at the 2019 Venice Biennale, marking the country's inaugural participation in the international exhibition. His installation, titled I HAVE FORGOTTEN THE NIGHT, will be presented in the Arsenale. The large-scale work incorporates paper and sound to create an immersive environment exploring themes of love, death, and melancholy through the concept of night. Andrianomearisoa describes the project as a tribute to "the majesty of beyond black and its mournful wanderings." He views representing Madagascar as an honor that showcases the nation's new energy and modernity, countering stereotypical exotic or miserable images. The artist emphasizes that his work transcends nationalism, focusing instead on universal emotions that know no borders. While rooted in the Malagasy spirit, the Venice presentation aims for international resonance. Andrianomearisoa hopes Madagascar's first Biennale appearance will open new perspectives and challenges in a country lacking established art systems. He recalls previous Venice experiences, including exhibitions at Palazzo Fortuny and Pascale Marthine Tayou's installation at the 53rd Venice Biennale in 2009. The artist plans to visit shows at the Arsenale and Giardini, dine at his favorite Venetian restaurant Corte Sconta, and "try to forget the night in Venice." The 2019 Venice Biennale runs from May 11 to November 24.