From July 9 to August 4, Jonny R'Afa presents around twenty works at La Teinturerie, including ten new creations that reflect his perspective on Malagasy heritage, emotions, and collective memory.
With forty years of artistic career behind him, an unwavering passion, and a determination to share his vision, Jonny R'Afa, whose real name is Jonny Andriamanankoavy, has returned to Madagascar to present a retrospective bringing together twenty works, including a dozen new creations. Through this exhibition, open from July 9 to August 4, the artist shares the emotions that fuel his work and invites the public to take a sensitive look at Malagasy heritage and identity.
Executed on large formats and printed on PVC for visibility from a distance, his works are created using ballpoint pens, specialized markers, or Chinese ink. They are distinguished by meticulous hatching and shading work, which constitutes his artistic signature.
His inspiration stems primarily from his lived experience. "I draw inspiration from what I feel daily. Heritage is always present in my works, as are emotions, sorrows, and social realities. I try to contribute something to collective memory," he explains. Through this exhibition, the artist highlights Madagascar's natural, cultural, and artistic heritage while sharing his reflections on society and the choices that shape existence.
For him, art goes far beyond entertainment. "What I sell is emotion and inspiration. It comes from the heart. Sharing this emotion with the public is what makes my work passionate," he states. As part of this transmission approach, he will also lead workshops open to all every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at La Teinturerie.
These meetings will offer children a space for artistic and cultural awakening while allowing the general public to discover different practices in visual arts.
When asked about the possibility of making a living from painting, Jonny Andriamanankoavy acknowledges that the path remains demanding. Buyers are most often foreigners capable of appreciating the specifics of his work. "You can make a living from it if you love searching, persevering, and never giving up," he believes. This is also why he chose La Teinturerie, which he describes as a "place of struggle" for artists.
A professional draftsman for four decades, Jonny Andriamanankoavy presented his first exhibition in 1987 at the Carlton, in collaboration with the Alliance française. Subsequently trained in sculpture, he also taught at the Cercle germano-malagasy. After working extensively with color painting, he now favors black and white. "Black and white possesses particular power," he affirms. "Where colors offer multiple nuances, this approach imposes definitive choices."
A multifaceted artist, Jonny R'Afa is also a musician. Recognized in primary school by President Tsiranana, he plays the valiha, guitar, bass, and sodina. A composer, singer, and songwriter, he also writes poems, some of which accompany this exhibition. He currently has a repertoire of around one hundred songs and plans to release a CD.