HAKANTO CONTEMPORARY, Antananarivo, Madagascar, is pleased to present LAMBA FOREVER MANDRAKIZAY, an exhibition celebrating the definitive symbol of Malagasy culture – the Lamba textile – running from July 8 to November 18, 2023. Honouring the traditional garment that embodies Malagasy habits, customs, memories and values, the exhibition explores the Lamba as a point of inspiration for various contemporary artworks, encompassing poetry, photography and painting.
Much more than just a traditional garment, the Lamba is both timeless and ubiquitous, crossing the ages and reinventing itself through the desires and inspirations of several generations. The woven cloth has long been a part of Malagasy culture, playing an integral role in social ritual and narratives of commemoration and communication.
Crafted mainly from silk, cotton or raffia, the Lamba is a piece of artisanal woven textile that varies in style between regions, gender and expression according to the wearer. The exhibition brings together works from fourteen multidisciplinary artists from various backgrounds in Madagascar: Gad Bensalem (b.1991, Ambohitseheno), Nadia Randriamorasata (b.1985, Montauban), Tooj Nazaria (b.1993, Antananarivo), Tsiry Irimbohangy (b.1998, Antananarivo), Christian Sanna (b.1989, Nosy Be), Jean Luc Raharimanana (b.1967, Antananarivo), Jean-Yves Chen (b. 1962, Mananjary), Kevin Ramarohetra (b.1995, Antananarivo), A. Ramiandrasoa (c. 1930), A. Rasamoelina (c. 1890), Alphonse Rakotovao (c. 1880),Gaston Rakotovao (1882-1941), Clée Rabeharisoa (1931 – 2016, Mananjary) and Charlotte Razafindrakoto (b. 1932, Antananarivo).
Rather than presenting a historical survey of the garment, the exhibition explores the Lamba as a living element, a sensitive medium that continues to inspire contemporary artists today and beyond. Through LAMBA FOREVER MANDRAKIZAY, Hakanto Contemporary invites the public to engage in a multidisciplinary dialogue around the Lamba as an object of inherited knowledge and technique.
Curated by Joël Andrianomearisoa, Ludonie Velotrasina, and Rina Ralay Ranaivo, LAMBA FOREVER MANDRAKIZAY is a multi-perspective dialogue that celebrates the Lamba as an eternal symbol of Malagasy culture and beyond.
