Malagasy painting is writing a new chapter in its history. For the first time, a collective exhibition is entirely dedicated to female artists as part of the ‘Iray Volan’ny Hosodoko Malagasy’ (Malagasy Painting Month), organized in collaboration with OFNAC. On display until July 31 at the City Art space in La City Ivandry, this event brings together seventeen painters presenting a total of seventy-seven works, asserting the place of women in an artistic universe where they remain a minority.
This initiative is also part of the celebration of the bicentenary of the arrival of the first painting ever created in Madagascar. 200 years ago, King Radama I commissioned a portrait of his father, Andrianampoinimerina, an event considered a major milestone in the history of Malagasy painting. To mark this anniversary, the organizers chose to highlight female artists. Gathered under the ‘Andriambavilanitra’ collective, they are exhibiting at the City Art space, while male artists are presenting their works at the Ivokolo OFNAC in Analakely.
The exhibition brings together artists with diverse backgrounds, including Yasmine Fidimalala, Mihanta Armelle, Jenny Lanto, Patty, Onja Fanambinana, Faral (the group’s doyenne), Leila, Avotra Zoé, Sambatra, Nivo, Andriamiarintsoa Malalaniaina Natacha, and 13-year-old Miharintsoa Ratafika, the youngest participant. While several participants are exhibiting for the first time, some have been painting for many years.
The project was initiated by Yasmine Fidimalala, who is committed to a feminist approach and set the challenge of bringing together as many female painters as possible to provide them with a space for expression and visibility. ‘Drawing on my professional experience, I support exhibitors who wish to pursue their artistic journey and professionalize,’ she explains.
Beyond the diversity of styles presented, the artists share a common vision of creation. For many of them, painting is a true personal therapy. After going through difficult trials, they found in artistic expression a way to regain serenity, balance, and confidence. Through this exhibition, they hope not only to showcase their works but also to lay the foundations for future joint projects and remind everyone that female artists have a rightful place in the history and future of Malagasy painting.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-14 06:26:52 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/dix-sept-peintres-celebrent-la-creation.html