Madagascar is a country full of cultural treasures, and the H Foundation is living proof. The private cultural institution of contemporary art is currently the scene of an exceptional exhibition dedicated to the work of Madame Zo, a weaving artist little known during her lifetime but whose artistic legacy is simply colossal. Entitled “Soon I will weave you all”, this inaugural exhibition aims to pay tribute to this extraordinary visual artist.
The entrance to Foundation H is marked by the monumental work “La Lumière” dating from 2016. This creation, composed of gray wires, magnetic strips and copper, literally radiates the room called “Passages”. From the first moment, the visitor is transported into the unique world of Madame Zo.
The artist’s works are presented in a row, suspended, and contain real treasures that the viewer can have fun unearthing. The materials used are as varied as they are surprising: audio K7 strips, plastic strips, chicken bones, cricket legs, printed circuits, mica… Madame Zo, whose real name is Zoarinivo Razakaratrimo, has know how to weave stories with these hundreds of materials, constantly pushing the limits of traditional weaving.
The importance of this exhibition is to highlight the work of an immense artist, who revolutionized the art of weaving with audacity and courage. Bérénice Saliou, co-curator of the exhibition, explains: “Madame Zo created a loom of extraordinary dimensions which allowed her to exceed the limits imposed in terms of dimensions and materials”. Thus, Madame Zo has emancipated herself from traditional constraints to give life to astonishing and original creations.
But beyond the purely artistic aspect, Madame Zo’s work is also imbued with philosophy and spirituality. His creations are a real invitation to reflection. As Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung, co-curator of the exhibition, points out, “Madame Zo was a ‘storyteller’ who told stories through her work. The titles of her works are of great importance, they allow us to understand. His work is both philosophical and spiritual, hence his expression ‘I weave you all'”.
Among the evocative titles of his works, we can cite “I wonder, Tsangatanana, Shut up and sleep”. These intriguing titles invite the viewer to get lost in the threads woven by Madame Zo and to delve into her imagination. An imagination imbued with poetry, fantasy but also hardness.
The exhibition “Soon I will weave you all” shows us the talent and creativity of a little-known Malagasy artist, who knew how to revolutionize the art of weaving. His work is not limited to simple artistic creation, but also makes us think about subjects such as the environment and the relationship of man to nature. Madame Zo leaves behind an immense body of work, both beautiful and committed, which deserves to be discovered and appreciated.
If you have the opportunity to go to the H Foundation in Madagascar, don’t miss this exceptional exhibition which highlights the greatness of Madame Zo’s art. You will discover a unique and captivating universe, where weaving takes on a whole new dimension. An experience that will not leave you indifferent.