Madagascar
Through intimate portraits and spontaneous street photography, Madagascar chronicles James Small’s three-year journey across this visually compelling island in the western Indian Ocean. It is a photographic study of the Malagasy spirit, captured through a lens of deep respect and long-term immersion.
James’s connection to the Malagasy people began in earnest following an unexpected encounter with the King of Mananjary and the royal assemblage. After breaking his ankle in a nearby community, James was brought to the King’s home, as the junior king was a renowned traditional healer. As he lay on the damp, earthen floor of a shadowy wooden house while his injury was deftly treated, dozens of curious onlookers observed with approval. This serendipitous moment—born of vulnerability and local care—cemented a lifelong bond with the community. It became the defining theme of his work: an exploration of the rhythms and rituals of daily life.
An Unfiltered Perspective
James’s photography was immeasurably enriched by his hands-on development work with diverse agricultural groups. These deep-seated bonds, coupled with countless random encounters along the road, granted him a rare and unfiltered perspective. The resulting collection offers a window into lives largely untouched by external influences, documenting the resilience, warmth, and enduring traditions of an island unlike any other on Earth.
