It’s changed progressively. When I first started out, I didn’t see any spaces or communities that truly valued the work of young people like me. That’s different now.
Photographer Kevin Ramarohetra, 30, initially trained as an architect before turning to photography. After participating in a workshop with Hakanto Contemporary, he was invited to contribute to the gallery’s 2023 exhibition “Lamba Forever Mandrakizay.” He cites Rodney Smith, William Helburn, and Pierrot Men among his influences, and often finds inspiration in visiting Antananarivo’s Queen’s Palace.
Vogue: What led you to pursue a photography career?
Kevin Ramarohetra: It may seem paradoxical, but I love photography so much that I’ve avoided turning it into a job. I fear losing the joy it brings if I have to meet client expectations, deadlines, and productivity demands. As the French poet Théophile Gautier said: ‘When a thing becomes useful, it ceases to be beautiful.’ Like a painter revisiting a canvas, I refine my photos over several days. Freedom of artistic expression is what matters most.
Your photos are renowned for their vibrancy without being overly saturated. How do you achieve this quality?
I shoot with a Sony A7III and a Sigma Art 35mm lens. Composition is key—the relationship between people, objects, light, and environment. Color has its own emotional language. I rely on natural light—95% of the time I don’t use flash—because it brings life to the image. I plan ahead, even checking the weather weeks in advance, and let space and location guide me. Above all, I seek harmony between subject and setting, to reflect an appreciation for the simple things that bring us joy.
How has your creative identity evolved?
Early on, I experimented with many styles, and as my tastes evolved, so did my work. I moved from simply taking pictures to truly feeling them, gaining a deeper understanding of myself and what I wanted to express. The 2019 lockdown was a turning point—it pushed me to draw from my surroundings, explore the work of other photographers, and observe more closely. I believe creativity comes from continually questioning and renewing oneself. I hope my work shows that imagination has no limits, and that the ordinary can become extraordinary with a shift in perspective.
Describe the work you exhibited in “Lamba Forever Mandrakizay.”