Pierrot Men
Africa
Inspired by a visiting artist, Pierrot Men left school at 14 to devote himself to art, despite his family’s disapproval. In 1974, he opened his first photo lab, shooting weddings, baptisms, and family portraits with a Soviet Zenit E camera and an old Kodak 6 x 9. Influenced by the work of African photographers Seydou Keita and Malick Sidibé, he worked to reconcile his personal projects with his professional commitments.
His featured series, Madagascar, explores the symbiotic relationship between the Malagasy people and their land—a place where traditions of rice-growing, sustainable livestock farming and beekeeping are combined with an ethic of environmental conservation. His work is a poignant reminder of the vital need to live in harmony with nature in order to pass on a preserved world to future generations.
© Pierrot Men, The washerwoman of Tsaranoro Valley, Madagascar
Pierrot Men photographs our people and our land. His work is about the simplicity of being. As humans, we have received this land to work, eat and live from, in our time. It is our ultimate and foremost sense of belonging. As humans we are, and belong with, nature. And his photography is way to make these moments last, for us to share the beauty of our people and our land.
About the series
“Madagascar, my homeland, is a natural treasure with countless facets. When we talk about sustainable development, we must acknowledge the deep connection between the Malagasy people and their environment. This Indian Ocean island is a rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and biodiversity, where natural sciences and humanities uniquely converge. In the heart of Madagascar, most people live in harmony with nature, viewing the land not merely as a resource but as a source of life. Rice terraces extend as far as the eye can see, sculpted from the hills by generations of dedicated effort. These fields embody the agricultural wisdom passed down through generations, harmonizing with natural cycles to produce food while preserving the ecosystem.
My photographs capture this harmonious relationship between humans and nature. They depict the Malagasy working their fertile lands, harvesting rice, the staple of their diet. You’ll observe the calmness of this primarily rural population, far from the chaos of urban life, where existence flows with the rhythm of the seasons.
I also photograph the scars of Madagascar, such as deforestation, but the coexistence of the Malagasy with their environment remains stronger. However, sustainable development in Madagascar goes beyond agriculture. Its forests are home to an incredible diversity of life, including unique endemic species. The local communities understand the importance of preserving ecosystems. They practice sustainable livestock farming and traditional beekeeping, ensuring that their natural environments remain untouched. For most Malagasy people, sustainable development is not just a concept but a way of life. It is how they preserve their heritage while adapting to a future-oriented world. It’s a valuable lesson for the world, emphasizing respect, harmony, and balance between humans and nature.” – Pierrot Men
Biography
Nominated for the James Barnor Award for African Photography in 2023
Finalist, EYESHOT Open Call Street and Documentary Photography Competition in 2022
Commandeur de l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres et de la Culture in 2021
Exhibitions in Belgium, China, France, Kenya, Mali, USA, among others
Published in the National geographic, Libération, Polka, The Independent Photographer, Street Photographers Foundation, The Fc’Diary photography, Edge of Humanity, Grands Reportages, Photo Magazine
