Yasmine Fidimalala celebrates women's creativity and the bicentenary of painting in Madagascar. Malagasy painting is writing a new chapter in its history. For the first time, a collective exhibition is entirely dedicated to women artists as part of Iray Volan'ny Hosodoko Malagasy, organized in collaboration with Ofnac. Visible 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, affirming the place of women in an artistic world where they remain underrepresented.
This initiative also marks the celebration of the bicentenary of the arrival of the first painting created in Madagascar. Two hundred 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, organizers chose to particularly honor women artists. United under the collective Andriambavilanitra, they exhibit at City Art space, while male artists present their works at Ivokolo Ofnac Analakely.
The exhibition brings together artists with varied backgrounds, including Yasmine Fidimalala, Mihanta Armelle, Jenny Lanto, Patty, Onja Fanambinana, Faral, the group's senior member, Leila, Avotra Zoé, Sambatra, Nivo, Andriamiarintsoa Malalaniaina Natacha, and Miharintsoa Ratafika, only 13 years old and the youngest participant. While several exhibitors are showing for the first time, some have been practicing painting for many years.
At the origin of this project, Yasmine Fidimalala, committed to a feminist approach, launched the challenge of bringing together as many women painters as possible to offer them a space for expression and visibility. "Drawing on my professional experience, I support exhibitors who wish to continue their artistic journey and professionalize," she explains.
Beyond the diversity of styles presented, the artists share the same vision of creation. For many of them, painting is genuine personal therapy. After facing difficult trials, they found in artistic expression a way to regain serenity, balance, and confidence. Through this exhibition, they wish not only to showcase their works but also to lay the groundwork for future collaborative projects and remind that women artists have their rightful place in the history and future of Malagasy painting.