Despite decades of political upheaval and successive power struggles in Madagascar, one relationship has remained remarkably strong and unaltered: the connection between the living and the spirits, between humans and their ancestors. This unique and profound relationship has been documented for over 15 years by Malagasy photographer Rijasolo, winner of the 2022 WordPress Photo Prize, in his latest exhibition "Madagascar, Land of Spirits" currently on display in the capital city of Antananarivo.

Rijasolo's work offers an immersive journey into the spirituality of the Malagasy people, providing a deep dive into their intimate beliefs and rituals. The exhibition aims to help viewers understand, or at least feel, how this spirituality shapes the daily lives of 32 million souls and helps them harmonize their earthly existence despite the hardships they endure. The photographer has dedicated more than a decade and a half to capturing this vast aspect of Malagasy culture and presenting it to the general public.

"This is a constant in the life of the Malagasy, even if they don't admit it to themselves: whether they are rich, poor, educated or not, in the city or in the countryside, everyone has an indirect or direct connection with the spirits," Rijasolo explains. "The goal of this work has obviously been to highlight a strong cultural identity linked to the Great Island. And for the Malagasy people specifically, I also wanted them to be able to reclaim this culture, even through religious syncretism. I wanted them to be able to reclaim this culture without falling into blind fanaticism or fierce proselytism."

The photographer emphasizes the importance of balancing modernization with cultural preservation. "Madagascar always needs to have an educated population that is taught critical thinking. That's obvious. But just because we want to be a modern or 'developed' nation doesn't mean we should set aside our Malagasy identity," he states. "This culture of ancestors, few people will admit it to themselves and very few politicians perhaps, but ultimately, it's the very foundation of our culture, of what makes us understand the island on which we live."

Rijasolo believes this spiritual connection is fundamental to Malagasy identity. "This connection with nature, this connection with hasina, the sacred things, this connection with ancestors, I believe it's something very important for the Malagasy people," he adds. The term "hasina" refers to a sacred life force or spiritual power that is central to traditional Malagasy beliefs.

One of the most striking series in the exhibition, titled "Fokontany Mangalaza," has captivated visitors with its powerful imagery. The photographs show shamans gathering on a sacred hill near Mangalaza to invoke the spirits of their ancestors. These spiritual leaders pray to both Zanahary, the traditional animist Malagasy god, and Andriamanitra, the Christian God, asking them to bring rain for their crops. These same shamans also organize collective healing sessions and possession ceremonies.

A visitor studying the Mangalaza series describes his reaction: "There, you have the pastor who enters into contact with the spirits to heal these sick people. In Madagascar, we think these healers are sorcerers. We say sorcerers, which always has negative connotations, but here, I see that they are above all healers in regions very far from access to medicine. They are on the front lines. We have somewhat demonized these customs. For me, the photographer has shown the true faces of our culture."

The exhibition, presented by the French Institute of Madagascar in Antananarivo, serves as more than just a photographic display—it functions as an invitation for people to remain connected with the intangible and invisible aspects of their heritage. Through his lens, Rijasolo challenges common misconceptions about traditional spiritual practices and presents them as an integral part of Malagasy identity that continues to provide meaning and healing in contemporary society. The work represents a significant effort to document and preserve cultural traditions that might otherwise be overlooked or misunderstood in Madagascar's rapidly changing social landscape.