A Canvas of Culture: Dr Esther Mahlangu's Art Legacy at Iziko Museum

Cape Town's prestigious Iziko South African National Gallery is about to host a significant retrospective that shines a spotlight on the influential and extensive career of South African artist Dr Esther Mahlangu. Known for her dynamic incorporation of Ndebele cultural motifs and a bright palette into contemporary forms, Dr Mahlangu’s work will feature in the exhibition titled "Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting: Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective."

Curator Nontobeko Ntombela has meticulously assembled over 100 pieces of artwork, historic photographs, and a revealing short film to compose a sweeping overview of Mahlangu's creative evolution. The collection is poised to chart nearly seven decades of Mahlangu's profound influence and innovative fusion of indigenous art traditions with a contemporary aesthetic, bridging cultures and captivating a worldwide audience.

A major highlight of the exhibition is the celebrated return of Mahlangu's BMW 525i Art Car, back in South Africa after more than three decades. The Art Car marks a significant milestone in her career—being the first African and first woman to contribute to the coveted BMW Art Car Collection in 1991.

"Mahlangu's journey is a testament to passion, innovation, and resilience,” remarks Curator Ntombela. "This retrospective not only pays homage to Dr Mahlangu’s unique approach to art, which intersects African cultures with modernity and the contemporary. It also celebrates Mahlangu’s voice, agency, and pioneering spirit, symbolizing her self-enunciation, self-determination, and creativity."

Dr Mahlangu's passion for painting was ignited during her childhood, where she learned the cultural practice of Ndebele home painting from her grandmother and mother. Her talent blossomed with time, as did her reputation, leading her back from drawing in the seclusion of the house's rear to the front, where her skills gained their rightful recognition.

This retrospective organized by the Melrose Gallery demonstrates an exemplary accomplishment in showcasing this luminary’s illustrious career. The anticipation builds for the exhibit opening on the 18th of February, promising an immersive experience into Dr Mahlangu's artistic world before it embarks on a global tour, with its next stop being the Wits Art Museum in Johannesburg, then moving further abroad to the United States by early 2026.

"The diverse collection from Mahlangu's expansive oeuvre offers a comprehensive yet intimate insight into her vast and vibrant career,” states Ntombela, capturing the essence of what visitors can expect.

With public interest anticipated to be high, the art community and enthusiasts are gearing up to immerse themselves in Dr Mahlangu's bold narrative—a story masterfully painted not only on canvas but on the very soul of South African contemporary art history.