Exhibition Opening - Ranavalona III, The Chrysalis Queen & Talk by Christian Randrianampizafy

Ranavalona III, the last queen of Madagascar, was born in 1787 and was promised a flamboyant destiny. However, her life was both exhilarating and painful, making her a complex, elusive, shifting, and transmutable character. Born 29 years after the publication of "La Femme Libre," the first French feminist newspaper, Ranavalona III was plagued by feelings of helplessness and dependence. She fought an inner battle against oppressive traditions and the domination of her husband Rainilaiharivony and Governor General General General Gallieni.

The archaism and isolation of her kingdom prevented her from understanding the emerging feminist movement in Europe at her time. Her femininity put her at a disadvantage and distanced her from the power she could have bestowed on her. Her life was marked by euphoria, disappointment, radiance, darkness, hope, and desolation.

The project "Ranavalona III, the Chrysalis Queen" aims to highlight certain facets of her personality through artistic interpretation of proven historical accounts, deconstructing temporal borders, and projecting her memory into a space for oppressed women to perceive the light of the firefly who would guide her in her fight. The approach is not one of rewriting history but one of suggesting a perspective.