For over six decades, Esther Mahlangu has dazzled the art world with her bursts of vibrant color and intricate patterns.
Starting as a young girl learning the traditions of her Ndebele culture, little did Mahlangu know her artworks would one day be admired globally.
Now in her ninth decade, Mahlangu is stepping into the spotlight once more as she prepares to make history.
Iziko Museums of South Africa, in partnership with BMW, are honouring her incredible legacy with a major retrospective – the first of its kind for this celebrated figure.
Spanning over a century of Mahlangu’s prolific career, the landmark exhibition promises to illuminate her journey from humble rural beginnings to a global icon.
It also shines a light on how one woman’s art helped shaped perceptions of African creativity on the world stage.
A Creative Icon Celebrated
Cape Town, March 2, 2024 – In a much-anticipated event that has art enthusiasts buzzing with excitement, the renowned artist Esther Mahlangu is set to unveil her retrospective exhibition, titled “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting”: Esther Mahlangu. A Retrospective.
Curated by the esteemed Nontobeko Ntombela, this exhibition promises to be a captivating journey through Mahlangu’s illustrious career spanning over five decades.
Starting from February 18, 2024, until August 11, 2024, the Iziko Museums of South Africa will serve as the host venue for this groundbreaking exhibition.
Following its run in Cape Town, the exhibition will embark on a global tour, with its first stop being the prestigious Wits Art Museum in Johannesburg, South Africa, before making its way to the United States in early 2026.
A major sponsor of the event, BMW, is joining in the celebration of Esther Mahlangu’s extraordinary talent and the long-standing collaboration between the artist and the automotive giant.
One of the highlights of the exhibition will undoubtedly be the display of Mahlangu’s iconic BMW 525i Art Car, making its long-awaited return to South African soil after more than three decades.
Mahlangu made history in 1991 as the first African and woman to paint a BMW Art Car, seamlessly merging African art with contemporary automotive design.
Esther Mahlangu, a living legend in the art world, views painting as an integral part of her being.
She eagerly anticipates sharing her artistic practice and colorful life story with visitors at her upcoming Retrospective Exhibition.
The exhibition promises to immerse visitors in a world of vibrant colors and captivating forms as it traces Mahlangu’s immense contribution to contemporary art.
Over 100 artworks from prestigious collections around the globe will be on display, accompanied by historic photographs and an enthralling short film. “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting”: Esther Mahlangu. A Retrospective offers an intimate and comprehensive insight into the remarkable tapestry of Mahlangu’s career, showcasing her unique approach that seamlessly blends African cultures with modernity and the contemporary.
This Retrospective Exhibition marks a significant milestone for South African art, recognizing Esther Mahlangu as one of the few South African artists to present such a comprehensive showcase in globally renowned museums.
Dr. Bongani Ndhlovu, Acting CEO of Iziko Museums of South Africa, expresses his deep honor in celebrating the living legend, Dr. Esther Mahlangu, and hosting this monumental exhibition that celebrates creativity, culture, and aesthetics.
He emphasizes that Mahlangu serves as a living symbol of triumph over adversity, inspiring generations and underscoring the importance of Africa-centered innovations.
Esther Mahlangu’s collaboration with BMW has been an extraordinary fusion of traditional Ndebele art and modern automotive design, resulting in iconic projects that have garnered international acclaim.
BMW and Esther Mahlangu past collaborations
In 1991, Mahlangu broke barriers as the first woman to design a BMW Art Car, adorning a BMW 525i with vibrant Ndebele patterns. This groundbreaking project showcased her unique artistic style on a global platform, bridging the worlds of South African art and automotive design.
In 2016, Mahlangu partnered with BMW once again to infuse her distinctive style into the interior of a BMW 7 Series through the BMW Individual program. Her iconic motifs seamlessly integrated into the luxury sedan’s wood trims, exemplifying the harmonious blend of traditional art with contemporary luxury.
In 2020, Rolls-Royce commissioned Mahlangu to create an artwork for the Rolls-Royce Phantom, one of the most prestigious luxury cars in the world. Mahlangu’s intricate Ndebele patterns adorned the car’s interior, showcasing the fusion of traditional African art with unparalleled automotive craftsmanship.
