Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting: Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective (original) (raw)

Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting: Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective

“A Canvas of Colors and Cultures: The Remarkable Journey of Esther Mahlangu”

Good morning to art enthusiasts and culture curators!

Today, I am thrilled to share an extraordinary event in the art world. Next month, the esteemed Iziko Museums in Cape Town will become the proud host of a monumental retrospective showcasing the vibrant and illustrious career of Dr. Esther Mahlangu. This exhibition, not only a celebration of her over 50-year journey in the art realm but also a testament to her global acclaim, is a narrative woven with the vibrant threads of African culture and contemporary artistry.

The Exhibition: A Tapestry of Tradition and Modernity

Curated by the insightful Nontobeko Ntombela, the exhibition titled “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting: Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective,” is a masterful curation of Mahlangu’s expansive oeuvre. Ntombela, a distinguished academic and curator focusing on modern and contemporary South African art, brings a nuanced understanding to this exhibition, capturing the essence of Mahlangu’s work and her transformative impact on African art.

Housed within the historic walls of the Iziko South African National Gallery, this retrospective will be open to the public from February 18 until August 11, 2024, before embarking on a global tour. This journey will include stops at the Wits Art Museum in Johannesburg and several prestigious venues in the United States starting early 2026. The Melrose Gallery, representing Esther Mahlangu globally, plays a pivotal role in orchestrating this exhibition, blending artistry with meticulous organization.

For a deeper dive into Esther Mahlangu’s extraordinary journey, visit Esther Mahlangu’s Profile on momaa.org.

A Spectrum of Creativity: Mahlangu’s Artistic Odyssey

Mahlangu’s work is a symphony of colors and forms, echoing the rich heritage of the Ndebele tradition while embracing modern artistic expressions. The retrospective offers a comprehensive view of her journey, featuring over 100 artworks loaned from international collections, historic photographs, and a short film that collectively narrate her artistic evolution.

One of the highlights of the exhibition is Mahlangu’s BMW 525i Art Car, returning to South Africa for the first time in over three decades. Mahlangu’s collaboration with BMW, which began in 1991, marked her as the first woman and the first African artist to join the prestigious BMW Art Car Collection. This partnership is a profound example of her innovative spirit, as she bridges traditional African art with contemporary global platforms. Discover more about this unique collaboration at BMW, Electric AI Canvas: A Symphony of Art and Technology on momaa.org.

The Artistic Genesis: From Ndebele Walls to Global Galleries

Mahlangu’s artistic journey is a tale of resilience, innovation, and self-discovery. Taught by her grandmother and mother in the early 1940s, she honed her skills in the traditional Ndebele art of mural painting. Her story, as she recounts, is one of perseverance and a gradual ascent to mastery. Initially painting in secret on the back of her house, her talent eventually became undeniable, leading her family to recognize her exceptional skill. This moment of acknowledgment, as she fondly recalls, was when she truly knew she was good at painting. This retrospective is framed around Mahlangu’s self-realization and artistic journey, offering a unique perspective through her voice and self-positioning.

Mahlangu’s work transcends the boundaries of traditional canvas, displaying a remarkable fluency across a variety of mediums. From small, cherished keepsakes to large-scale public installations and murals, her artistry speaks volumes. She has adeptly adapted her traditional Ndebele motifs to novel surfaces such as sculptures, ceramics, and everyday objects, thereby transforming them into vibrant canvases that reflect her unique perspective.

Her art invites contemplation on various themes, interweaving the past with the present, and exploring the intersections of art, society, history, and cultural identity. Mahlangu’s work is not just visually captivating; it is a dialogue about the resilience of cultural traditions and their evolution in contemporary society. This aspect of her work resonates with the broader narrative of African art and its role in social and cultural discourse, as explored in African Artists and Social Justice: Art as a Catalyst for Change on momaa.org.

The Cultural Significance and Global Impact of Mahlangu’s Work

This retrospective is more than an art exhibition; it is a celebration of Esther Mahlangu’s life, her artistic genius, and her contribution to the global art scene. Recognized as one of the few South African artists to present a retrospective exhibition in renowned museums worldwide, Mahlangu’s work has become a symbol of triumph and an inspiration to many.

Dr. Bongani Ndhlovu, Acting CEO of Iziko Museums, articulates this sentiment, acknowledging Mahlangu as a living symbol of triumph against adversity. Her approach to art, which integrates African cultural heritage with contemporary motifs, continues to inspire new generations of artists and art enthusiasts alike. Learn more about the hosting venue at www.iziko.org.za.

Peter van Binsbergen, CEO of BMW Group South Africa, also highlights the significance of Mahlangu’s contribution, emphasizing the shared history and appreciation for art that transcends boundaries. This is evident in the BMW Art Car project, where Mahlangu’s design not only represented a fusion of art and automotive engineering but also marked a significant moment in the intersection of African art and global platforms.

Esther Mahlangu’s story is a vivid chapter in the annals of art history, a narrative that weaves together the threads of cultural identity, artistic innovation, and global recognition. Her legacy will continue to inspire, to challenge, and to redefine the boundaries of what art can be. As we celebrate her monumental retrospective, we are reminded of the power of art to bridge worlds, to tell stories, and to keep cultures alive.

Mahlangu’s journey is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Ndebele tradition and its vibrant presence in the contemporary art world. Her work serves as a vibrant reminder of the rich tapestry of African artistry, its relevance, and its evolving narrative in the global art discourse.

As we look to the future, Mahlangu’s influence will undoubtedly continue to ripple through generations, inspiring artists and art lovers alike. Her legacy is a reminder that art is not just a creation of the hands, but a manifestation of the heart and soul, a reflection of culture, and a conversation across time.