Mihavasoka Noho Ny Masoandro / Faded by the Sun

In Mihavasoka Noho Ny Masoandro (Faded by the Sun), Christian Sanna explores the sense of alienation that can accompany a return home after a long absence. The project is rooted in Sanna’s personal experience returning to his native island of Nosy Be, Madagascar, after many years abroad.

This photo series attempts to visually articulate the feelings of disconnection, strangeness, and yearning that he experienced. Through a blend of nature, urban spaces, and portraits, Sanna creates an intimate journal that not only revisits past memories but also redefines his current relationship with the place. The work’s visual language is both poetic and dramatic, reflecting the conflicting emotions of a person caught between a fond past and a transformed present.

The exhibition's installation is integral to the work's meaning. Small analog prints are presented alongside oversized photographs printed on textile. The intimate scale of the small prints encourages a close, personal engagement, while the large-scale pieces invite viewers to immerse themselves in the images. The lightness of the fabric creates gentle waves as spectators move, making the images feel alive and in constant motion. The exhibition also features a photographic necklace, built from all the images from every negative shot on the island. This piece highlights the artist’s act of creating a personal archive in response to a felt sense of loss.