Celebrating Esther Mahlangu: A Retrospective of Ndebele Art and Legacy

In 2024, the art world celebrated the illustrious career of Dr. Esther Mahlangu, a South African artist renowned for her vibrant Ndebele-inspired artworks, through a comprehensive retrospective exhibition titled "Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting: Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective." Curated by Nontobeko Ntombela, the exhibition debuted at the Iziko South African National Gallery in Cape Town on February 17, 2024, and concluded on August 11, 2024. It then moved to the Wits Art Museum (WAM) in Johannesburg, opening on November 20, 2024, and running until April 17, 2025. The exhibition is set to embark on an international tour, beginning in the United States in early 2026.

The retrospective showcased over 100 artworks spanning Mahlangu's seven-decade career, including her iconic BMW 525i Art Car from 1991—the first BMW Art Car painted by a woman and an African artist. This marked the vehicle's return to South Africa after more than 30 years.

Born on November 11, 1935, in Middelburg, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, Esther Mahlangu is a celebrated visual artist and cultural ambassador of the Ndebele people. She began painting at the age of 10, learning traditional Ndebele wall painting and beadwork from her mother and grandmother. Mahlangu's innovative approach involved transferring these traditional designs from adobe cow-dung walls to unconventional mediums like canvas, metal, and even automobiles.

In 1989, Mahlangu gained international recognition at the French art exposition "Magiciens de la Terre" (Magicians of the World). Two years later, she made history as the first African artist commissioned by BMW to create an "Art Car," painting a BMW 525i with Ndebele motifs. This groundbreaking collaboration earned her global acclaim and cemented her place in contemporary art. The car was later exhibited at prestigious venues such as the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, DC, and the British Museum in London.

Beyond her artistic achievements, Mahlangu is deeply committed to preserving Ndebele culture. She established an art school in her hometown to teach young girls traditional painting techniques, ensuring the continuation of her community's artistic legacy. Mahlangu has transcended cultural and geographic boundaries through her work, transforming Ndebele art into a global phenomenon while maintaining its traditional roots.

Curator Nontobeko Ntombela emphasized Mahlangu's perseverance and contributions during a time when Black women artists were often ignored. The exhibition aimed to showcase her role in promoting Ndebele culture and to explore her work as an art form beyond cultural representation. It included traditional Ndebele paintings, with some artworks borrowed from international and local collections.

This retrospective not only celebrated Mahlangu's artistic achievements but also highlighted her role in promoting Ndebele culture on a global stage. By bringing her work back to South Africa and planning an international tour, the exhibition underscores the global appreciation and recognition of African art and culture. It also serves as an inspiration for emerging artists, particularly women, to pursue their artistic endeavors despite societal challenges.

The exhibition's title, "Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting," is inspired by a story Mahlangu often tells about her early experiences in painting. The BMW Art Car was craned over the roof into the atrium of the National Gallery due to its size, highlighting the logistical efforts made to showcase this iconic piece. A 300-page catalogue is set to be published, capturing Mahlangu's immense contribution to contemporary art and illuminating her innovative approach that intersects African culture with modernity.