Building a Gallery Wall

By Alain Rasolo, Safina Center Junior Fellow

Rasolo (author) in front of his gallery wall. © Ashley Maggy

Every artist should be able to share their work. Nowadays, with technology and social media, one can reach a far greater audience more easily. However, there is charm and practicality in having one’s work displayed in a physical gallery. One can engage more openly and naturally with visitors, questions are asked and discussions sprout. Additionally, having one’s finished work displayed in an accessible place near the workspace gives a morale boost.

With that in mind, In March, I decided to make a mini gallery next to my work area at Centre ValBio, the research station. I began by choosing the paintings that represent my work best from my portfolio. Then I went on a quest to find frames that suit each one of them in terms of size and style, they also needed to have an overall coherence. Naturally, I went to visit Fidi, my woodcarving friend in the next village. I Commissioned four frames from him and after a week or so he presented me with these very artistic and eye-catching frames. He has this habit of repurposing when looking for raw materials, which in fact gives him new ideas during the creation process and unique results. Three are made from tree roots that he collected from his neighbour’s cassava field, and one is made from peach branches that trimmed down. To add a bit of contrast to Fidi’s frame, I reached out to a master framer in Antananarivo and ordered more minimal-styled ones but with different colours and textures.

Once I received all the frames, I measured the available spots on the wall and mapped out fan controllers and alarm switches. I then used that information to make a mock-up of the gallery on a computer, which allowed me to try different layouts before starting to drill holes in the wall for the hooks. Finally, it was time to hang each framed painting, plus a couple of other adorning items (a giant liana seed-pod and an orchid woodcarving by Fidi). The result was satisfying, to say the least. I was glad to take them out of my portfolio and share them with everyone on that gallery wall.

So far, I have received visits from curious tourists and Malagasy students, from primary school to university students. It is also a good tool to discuss what art can do for the conservation of the island’s biodiversity. I hope that in the future I can expand the gallery, not only with my expanding portfolio but also with local crafts.