### Rijasolo: an exploration of the invisible through art
Malagasy artist and photographer Rijasolo, known for his commitment to photojournalism, is at a turning point in his career with his first exhibition in Paris, entitled “La Nuit carries light”. Presented at the H foundation, this exhibition marks a break with its photojournalist career, which contributed to the international renown of Rijasolo, in particular with its report “The war of Zébu”, winner of the World Press Photo 2022 competition for the Africa region.
Far from the raw realities, often difficult, revealed by photojournalism, Rijasolo is moving here towards a more personal and introspective approach. He invites us to discover an unknown facet of Malagasy culture, often nourished by deep contradictions. This evolution in his artistic work raises several questions about the role of art in the representation of social and cultural realities.
#### A night in the light of contradictions
In “La Nuit carries light”, the artist chooses to capture the invisible, to explore the often hidden dimensions of Malagasy nightlife. This choice of theme can be interpreted as a way to question the stereotypes that surround Madagascar, a country often associated in the collective imagination with images of poverty and conflicts. By moving away from the direct narration of tragic events, Rijasolo opens the door to more subtle stories, which highlight the dynamic vibrants of daily life and the resilience of the Malagasy.
#### A dialogue between art and society
The Rijasolo exhibition also raises questions about the role of art in social discourse. At a time when information becomes instantaneous and often saturated, art appears as a way of Slow Media, allowing a deeper contemplation of human realities. Art can, in fact, break the cycle of tragic events by encouraging reflection and understanding.
However, this approach raises the question of the accessibility of art. Who is this exhibition for? Is it a privilege reserved for a cultural elite or can it affect a wider audience, including those who live these realities from the inside? Should art, in its mirror function of society, seek to reflect the voices of those who traditionally do not have access to expression platforms?
#### Reflection on the future of artistic representation
The questions raised by the work of Rijasolo and other contemporary artists are not limited to Madagascar, but affect a global issue: how can art participate in the construction of a collective story while respecting the diversity of individual experiences? In crisis contexts, like that of Madagascar, where socio-economic and environmental issues mix, the need for innovative narrative devices becomes crucial.
Promoting a nuanced understanding of cultural realities can help deconstruct simplistic narrations. Rijasolo, knowing how to take advantage of his experience in photojournalism while exploring less conventional artistic territories, in particular by the photographer, offers this precious opportunity to initiate a richer dialogue on Malagasy identity.
#### Conclusion
In short, Rijasolo’s “La Nuit Nuit» exhibition is a strong moment for the contemporary artistic scene. It opens up a space for reflection on what means to tell a culture through art. By daring to approach the themes of the invisible and human contradictions, Rijasolo invites each spectator to question their own perception of Madagascar and, more broadly, of the stories that we choose to build together. It is by engaging with these beautiful complexities that we could one day see bridges forming between the different narrations of our shared humanity.