Razanamaniraka Georges

Georges Razanamaniraka is known to be one of the best representatives of the second generation of Malagasy artists trained at the School of Fine Arts in Antananarivo .

Georges Razanamaniraka himself played a key role in the training of young Malagasy artists. From 1927, he was responsible of the organization at the School of Fine Arts in Antananarivo and opened his studio to future generations of Malagasy painters.

The 1930s were decisive years for Georges Razanamaniraka’s career. He received prices each time he participated in the Madagascar Salons in 1930, and then from 1932 to 1938. He won the first prize, two years in a row, in 1932 and in 1933. His paintings were acclaimed. In 1934, the Fine Art Museum of Antananarivo bought few of his contributions at the Madagascar Salon. In 1931, Georges Razanamanirak was part of the delegation of Malagasy artists sent to France for the International Colonial Exhibition in Vincennes. He draw the poster of the Madagascar section. Very successful, he exhibited his paintings in November at the Manuel Frères Photography Gallery on the Champs-Elysées.

Back in Madagascar, he played a central role in the organization of artistic life and the promotion of Malagasy art by participating in the creation of the Society of Painters and Sculptors (SAPSM), on February 7, 1936. A fire on November 6, 1995, destroyed a group of his artworks at the Queen’s Palace, the Rova de Manjakamiadana, in Antananarivo.

Both Georges Razanamaniraka’s career and paintings are still to be rediscovered. Two of his paintings are in French Museums (at the musée des troupes de marine in Fréjus and at the musée du Quai Branly in Paris).