“I feel a need to create things I see beautiful, with sense, with messages.” INTERVIEW with Soavina Ramaroson
I’m pleased to introduce you another artist / architect and am glad that he found the time to answer some questions! Soavina Ramaroson (*1977) is a young architect and artist from Madagascar, residing in Paris.
Being a graduate architect, Ramaroson works as both architect and artist.His wish to improve the human conditions made him choose the profession of architecture.
During his studies, he had to do a study about urbanism which led him to the underprivileged quarters of Antananarivo, the Malgasy city where he was born. Here, he shot his photo series “vis-à-vie” which, according to Ramaroson, shows the simplicity and pragmatism, the smile and hospitality of Madagascar – a very impressive portrait. To find out more about “vis-à-vie” and to view some photos, please go to the artist’s website.
Ramaroson has already taken part in several exhibitions, with a special focus on young + contemporary African art, in France, Germany, Africa, and Japan.
Presently his works can be seen at the “Spot on…Bamako” exhibitions at the IFA Galleries in Berlin (24.10.2008 – 11.01.2009) and Stuttgart (30. Jan. to 21. Mar. 2009).
INTERVIEW
Why does an architect become artist?
Well… the right question can be “how does an artist become an architect”.
But actually, I don’t consider myself as an artist or an architect, even if the diploma says that I’m DPLG (Diplomé Par Le Gouvernement, graduate by the government).
Let’s says, I’m looking for a way … just trying to be …
How does architecture and your studies of architecture influence your artistical work?
I can say that my studies, or architecture make my work be realistic (opposite of abstract).
But, the main thing is that I use the same method when I want to create: the idea, then the drawing and finally the object…
And the other way round: does your art influence your architectural work?
Yes, I work like an architect, in a big company… Let’s say beginner, I didn’t make my proof yet. So I can not answer this question.
You mostly photograph, but do you also work with other mediums or techniques? Drawing, collage, …..?
I didn’t find my way yet, so I work with what I can catch with my hands…
How did you find your medium(s)?
By luck…
What are your ambitions with your works?
I feel a need to create things I see beautiful, with sense, with messages.
How do you choose your motifs?
Let’s say, they find me…
Do you include a political / social critical connotation in your works? What is your aim?
I think I’ve been fed of everything around me, images, politic, thought… that I need to interprete and show it my way… I guess, it’s called critics… Aim? to start a dialogue.
What – in your opinion – is characteristic of your work and your working method?
I’m too young to answer…
