Renowned British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare is bringing his latest exhibition, Safiotra [Hybridities], to Madagascar’s Fondation H, opening on April 11.
The exhibition centers on themes of identity and hybridity—subjects deeply resonant in Malagasy society and its ongoing debates around cultural identity and postcolonial legacy.
Shonibare, internationally recognized for his vibrant use of Dutch wax fabric, explores cultural appropriation, identity construction, and transformation through his work. The colorful textile, once a Dutch adaptation of Indonesian batik, has evolved into a symbol of African identity and pan-Africanism.
Among the key installations previewed is a wax-fabric-clad astronaut carrying traditional Malagasy items, including a valiha, a tube zither made from bamboo. The piece symbolizes cultural convergence and a vision for a future rooted in heritage.
Fondation H will also host two days of public programming alongside the exhibition, including a roundtable discussion on evolving identities, a slam poetry performance by Orad, and Beyond Borders, a multidisciplinary show led by Harivola Rakotondrasoa.