Globally renowned, BMW will be presenting one of the most iconic art cars in history, courtesy of Dr. Esther Mahlangu. The Cape Town display will also feature a retrospective of the famed Ndebele artist’s art and life. Here are the details ahead of its arrival.
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Running from the 18th of February to the 11th of August 2024, the exhibition curated by Nontobeko Ntombela showcases Mahlangu’s career spanning over 50 years, emphasizing her global recognition as a contemporary artist.
Central to the exhibit is Mahlangu’s iconic BMW 525i Art Car, making its return to South Africa after over 30 years. This reflects Mahlangu’s enduring partnership with BMW, a collaboration that extends beyond the renowned Art Car. In 2016, she lent her artistic touch to a BMW 7 Series, displayed at the Frieze Art Fair in London, solidifying her position in the global art scene.
Dr. Esther Mahlangu’s artistic journey, deeply rooted in her Ndebele heritage, draws from familial traditions passed down by her mother and grandmother. Her portfolio showcases bold, contemporary paintings, serving as a canvas for her cultural identity. Mahlangu’s passion for painting is intrinsic, describing it as being in her “heart and blood.”
The upcoming retrospective offers an insight into Dr. Mahlangu’s creative evolution across varied surfaces and objects. Despite the changing images and colours, her love for painting remains unwavering. She expresses eagerness to share her practice and colourful story with visitors.
Related: After 32 Years, Esther Mahlangu’s Iconic BMW Will Return to SA
Curator Nontobeko Ntombela acknowledges Mahlangu’s journey as a testament to passion, innovation, and resilience. The retrospective pays homage to Mahlangu’s unique approach, seamlessly blending African cultures with modernity and the contemporary.
Esther Mahlangu’s impact as an artist goes beyond her collaboration with BMW. The retrospective aims to provide a comprehensive view of her contribution to the art world, showcasing the intersection of tradition and modernity in her work. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the profound artistic journey of Dr. Esther Mahlangu at the Iziko Museums of South Africa soon.
