After more than five decades of career, nearly 960 canvases present in several countries and multiple distinctions to his credit, Hans Ranaivoson remains committed to humility. Hans Ranaivoson, an internationally renowned Malagasy painter who places humility and transmission at the heart of his journey.
Works that travel across the world, exhibitions in several countries, prizes and a career that began in 1974: Hans Ranaivoson ranks among Malagasy painters with an international trajectory. Yet, far from seeking honors, he champions a value that guides his path: humility. "I don't seek honors. I prefer to have much humility," the artist confides, now wishing to dedicate more time to sharing his experience with younger generations.
Today, approximately 960 of his canvases are distributed across several countries, notably France, Italy, Spain, Japan, the United States, Réunion, Mauritius and Moscow. He has also presented his works in numerous countries and received several prizes throughout his long career. Despite this international recognition, Hans Ranaivoson maintains a simple vision of his future: "My future projects are simple: to share as much as possible with our successors."
This commitment to transmission is reflected in several projects, notably the fair-exhibition "Tsiaro ny lasa," dedicated to his works and those of five of his former students: George Rakotomanana, William Randriamanana, Rafalimanana, Rakotomalala Joe and Miraniaina Randriamalala. Officially inaugurated in February at Ivokolo Analakely, the exhibition testifies to 44 years of collaboration and exchange of expertise since 1982 between the artist and his former students.
The initiative also seeks to encourage young people to dare to express themselves, explore and share their talents, while developing their inspiration to become engaged actors in artistic creation.
Born from a passion for art and trained at the Beaux-Arts de Paris, Hans Ranaivoson has built a career that far exceeds painting. He was principal designer for several projects, worked with the European Union on craft development in Madagascar and also participated in the Ambatonakanga site project, which flourished. He created several paintings of Andafiavaratra and taught plastic arts after his studies at the Alliance française school. He is now responsible for the master's Design program at ISCAM.
Personal Feelings
His international journey notably took him to Moscow, where he participated in an international jury for children's drawing. He has also worked with several great artists, such as Raparivo and Georges Rakotomanana.
For Hans Ranaivoson, art remains a matter of personality and sensitivity. "Art is you, it's your personality," he affirms, convinced that creation first emerges from what comes "from deep within your interior." According to him, schools and techniques should not confine the artist: "School is just a guide to facilitate ascension." He thus defends artistic expression founded on personal feelings and experience.
A lover of Malagasy nature, the artist draws much of his inspiration from the fauna, flora and authentic landscapes of Madagascar, discovered through his numerous travels across the country. "I am in love with Malagasy nature. It's Malagasy impressionism, something we inherited from our contemporaries who really worked hard to bring out this style," he explains. For him, protecting this nature, which constitutes a national heritage, is essential. Viewed through the painter's eye, it becomes true visual poetry, whose beauty he seeks to highlight through his paintings.
A portraitist, but also an artist working in several contemporary styles, Hans Ranaivoson considers art above all a gift from the Creator. He also emphasizes the importance of sharing and exchanging experiences to acquire new skills. Over the years, several artists now recognized have benefited from his teaching and mentorship.