Viviane Rakotoarivony is a 39-year-old self-taught photographer from Madagascar. She began her photographic journey in 2003, originally inspired by her passion for painting, but eventually finding her niche in documentary photography. Her first exhibition took place in 2011 at No Comment Gallery in Antananarivo, where she showcased her work on Madagascar's iconic zebu. Viviane has collaborated with multiple international NGOs including UN OCHA, CBM, and The End Fund and has embarked on long-term photographic projects, including a study on motherhood, with a particular focus on single mothers.
During the Covid-19 lockdown, she created a series of portraits highlighting the struggles of those most affected by the economic downturn in Antananarivo. This work was selected by the "Fonds de Dotation H.Y." and exhibited at the Hakanto Contemporary Gallery from October 2021, for six months. Towards the end of 2023, Viviane began documenting the lives of 18-year-old twin sisters battling drug addiction. It is a project that continues to resonate with her deeply, especially as a mother, as she determinedly captures their daily struggles through her lens.
In 2024, She is now focusing on completing her long-term project on motherhood "Children Raising Children", documenting under 18 years old first parenting. Through her work, she strives not only to tell stories but also to inspire understanding and foster meaningful solutions from various entities, including NGOs, the State, and the community.