Memories from my first trip to the southeastern region of Madagascar: isolated villages where time stopped its course; villagers woken by the sun; nights with stars as bright as streetlights; and everything within a walking distance.
The houses were made from clay or wood; the only brick buildings in the village were the mayor’s house and the school building: five classrooms and a proud Malagasy flag. Everyone strongly believed in their country even though everything in the village suggested the country had forgotten about them.
In abundance: generosity and compassion no matter how scarce the food, the water, or the opportunities were. Everyone looked out for each other. Collectivism was more than a political point.
Life: challenging, yet so simple, harmonious. Even enjoyable.
Even death was a celebration of life. Everyone was grateful for being alive.
The photographs from this time were an exercise in mindfulness: focusing on and enjoying the present while understanding tomorrow is another day, an existence that does not worry about the future but embraces the grace that perseveres in the midst of hardships.
Jeni Andriamiseza is a photographer, writer, and sociologist from Madagascar. Her work merges visual art, storytelling, and academic research to explore complex social issues and create impactful narratives that inspire change.