TRADITIONAL ART LEGEND, DR ESTER MAHLANGU CHATS ABSTRACT PAINTINGS, HER CAREER HIGHLIGHTS AND PRESERVING CULTURE

Dr Esther Mahlangu is one of SA's best-known artists, with works gracing collections across the globe. We were honoured to chat to her as she launched a retrospective celebrating her life's work.

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Just like the women before her, Dr Esther Mahlangu's grandmother and mother taught her how to paint traditional Ndebele murals using chicken feathers and natural paints.

Little did she know, at 10 years old, that her traditional bright, bold, abstract paintings would become internationally renowned and that, through them, she would get the opportunity to travel far beyond Mpumalanga.

Still, she only caught the world's attention after painting for another 40 years. At the age of 50, Dr Mahlangu participated in the 1989 exhibition Magiciens de la Terre in Paris – which shot her to fame as the first person to reimagine traditional Ndebele design on contemporary mediums. Two years later, she became the first female artist and African to paint a BMW Art Car. From there, she painted 'murals' on a variety of other non-traditional surfaces, including motorbikes, bicycles, mannequins and canvas.

Dr Mahlangu has exhibited in over 20 different countries, sometimes with multiple solo shows in at least 17 different cities. Now 88 years old, she continues to travel the world and share her art through masterclasses and exhibitions. Her latest venture is 'Then

I Knew I Was Good at Painting: Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective', which charts the course of her artistry from Mpumalanga to global galleries. The roving exhibition of historic photos, artworks including her famed BMW Art Car, and a short film starts in Cape Town in February before moving on to Joburg in August and thereafter the US in 2026. And we were lucky enough to talk to her at this pivotal moment in her life.

HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR WORK HAS IMPACTED THE WAY THE WORLD VIEWS AFRICAN ART?
My paintings have been seen in many countries around the world. People now know the power of art to be able to speak across language and borders. I was the first woman and first African to be invited to paint a BMW Art Car in 1991. This was with many famous artists from all over the world. They recognised even then the power of my artworks.

@bmwusa Artful tradition 🤝 digital innovation. Take a look at the BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA – collaboratively embellished with Esther Mahlangu’s artful touch. The fascinating colour changing exterior – created by our very own Stella Clarke and her team – brings traditional art to life and showcases yet another amazing cooperation with E Ink. It also serves as a modern homage to the Art Car https://twitter.com/hashtag/12 from 1991 – our first collaboration project with Esther. Disclaimer: Vehicle is a concept and not available to sale in the US. #BMW #THEi5 #technology #FriezeLA #Esthermahlangu ♬ original sound - BMW

WHO TAUGHT YOU TO PAINT? HOW LONG DID IT TAKE TO PERFECT SUCH CRAFTMANSHIP USING ONLY CHICKEN FEATHERS?
I was taught by my grandmother and my mother. It is not easy to learn but once I had mastered it, it became natural to me.

WHY DO YOU THINK THAT IT'S IMPORTANT TO PRESERVE ONE'S CULTURAL HERITAGE?
I can't separate me from my culture. We are one and the same. If you lose your culture, you lose yourself.

WHAT WOULD YOU STILL LIKE TO ACHIEVE WITH YOUR ART AND IN YOUR LIFE?
I am satisfied with what I have achieved. But I would like to see more of the youth receive quality art education and continue to practice art and to celebrate their cultures.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT BEING YOUR AGE?
I don't feel like I have to prove anything anymore. I can look back on my life and be proud of what I have managed to achieve.

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE THE WORLD TO CONTINUE YOUR LEGACY?
I hope that I inspire the youth to follow their dreams but to also work hard and aim to achieve greatness despite challenges. I also hope that my Ndebele culture never dies.

YOUR WORK IS CENTRED AROUND A NDEBELE TRADITION PERFORMED BY WOMEN. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING FULLY EMPOWERED WOMEN IN SOCIETY?
I am a proud Ndebele woman but I am also a woman of the world. I have visited many countries and received many awards. I hope that this inspires many women to believe that they too can achieve greatness and can inspire their families, their communities and their nations to work to achieve the same.

YOU'VE COLLABORATED WITH SOME OF THE BIGGEST NAMES IN THE WORLD. HOW DO YOU CHOOSE THE TYPE OF BRANDS AND PEOPLE YOU'D LIKE TO WORK WITH?
I have been open to and enjoyed my many collaborations as each brings new ideas, new experiences, and new audiences to my artworks. I receive many requests for collaborations, so I consult with my gallerist and my family to consider and decide on which to agree to.

CAN YOU SHARE ONE OR TWO CAREER HIGHLIGHTS?
The BMW Art Car will always be a highlight of my career. 'Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting: Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective' is another. It was wonderful to see so many people celebrating my work and achievements at the Iziko South African National Gallery in Cape Town.

ANY ADVICE FOR UPCOMING ARTISTS HOPING TO FOLLOW YOUR PATH?
They need to follow their hearts but also work hard to find their own unique style, mediums and paths.

Words by: Christi Nortier, Sindeka Mandoyi
Photographs: Clint strydom, Supplied