You'll find her works in the collections of Oprah, Usher, John Legend, Alicia Keys and Will Smith, and many leading art museums
Q: YOU USE ONLY CHICKEN FEATHERS TO PAINT. WHO TAUGHT YOU AND HOW LONG DID IT TAKE TO PERFECT SUCH CRAFTSMANSHIP?
A: 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.
Q: YOUR WORK IS CENTRED AROUND A NDEBELE TRADITION PERFORMED BY WOMEN. WHAT DO YOU HOPE FOR OTHER WOMEN?
A: 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 other women to believe that they, too, can achieve greatness and inspire their families, their communities and their nations to work to achieve the same.
Q: WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO PRESERVE ONE'S CULTURAL HERITAGE?
A: I can't separate me from my culture. We are one and the same. If you lose your culture, you lose yourself.
Q: WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT BEING YOUR AGE (89 YEARS OLD)?
A: I don't feel like I have to prove anything any more! I can look back on my life and be proud of what I have managed to achieve.
Q: HOW HAS YOUR WORK IMPACTED THE WAY THE WORLD VIEWS AFRICAN ART?
A: My paintings have been seen in many countries. People now know the power of art to be able to speak across languages 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. Even then, they recognised the power of my work.
Q: YOU’VE COLLABORATED WITH SOME OF THE BIGGEST NAMES. HOW DO YOU CHOOSE WHO TO WORK WITH?
A: I have been open to and enjoyed my many collaborations, as each one brings new ideas, new experiences and new audiences to my artworks. I get many requests for collaborations and consult with my gallerist and my family to decide on which to agree to.
Q: YOUR CAREER HIGHLIGHTS?
A: The BMW Art Car will always be a highlight. Another is the 'Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting' retrospective exhibition (in 2024). It was wonderful to see so many people celebrating my work and achievements at the Iziko South African National Gallery.
Q: IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD STILL LIKE TO ACHIEVE WITH ART OR IN YOUR LIFE?
A: I am satisfied. But I would like to see more of the youth receive quality art education and continue to practice art and to celebrate their cultures.
Q: HOW WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR LEGACY TO BE CONTINUED?
A: I hope that I inspire the youth to follow their dreams, but to also work hard and aim to achieve greatness despite the challenges. They need to follow their hearts but also work hard to find their own unique style, mediums and paths. I also hope that my Ndebele culture never dies.
By: Christi Nortier, Sindeka Mandoyi, Balanced Life magazine
Photography by: Supplied
Text courtesy of Jet magazine
Q&A WITH DR ESTHER MAHLANGU
Reviewed by Amaarah
on
May 22, 2025
Rating:
Reviewed by Amaarah
on
May 22, 2025
Rating:
