Dr Esther Mahlangu, a revered artist and cultural icon, is set to enchant audiences in Johannesburg with her retrospective exhibition, ‘Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting: Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective,’ at the prestigious Wits Art Museum (WAM). After a successful showing at the Iziko South African National Gallery in Cape Town, this landmark exhibition, proudly supported by BMW Group South Africa, WAM, and the National Arts Council, will open its doors to the public on 20 November 2024.
Curated by the talented Nontobeko Ntombela, the retrospective delves deep into the life and artistic journey of Dr Mahlangu, a shining beacon in the art world. It traces her extraordinary path from a small village in Mpumalanga to global recognition as one of the most influential artists of our time. Through a comprehensive collection of archival materials spanning five decades, the exhibition pays homage to Dr Mahlangu’s immense contributions and enduring impact on contemporary art.
Nontobeko Ntombela, the exhibition curator, expresses, “Dr Mahlangu stands as a symbol of resilience and triumph. As one of the pioneering South African and female African artists to achieve worldwide acclaim, her infectious warmth and ability to ignite creativity have positioned her as a guiding light and mentor in the art world. Her artistic philosophy continues to inspire younger generations, underscoring Africa’s rightful place at the forefront of artistic expression.”
Craig Mark, Director of The Melrose Gallery, echoes Ntombela’s sentiments, emphasizing the rarity of such a grand retrospective for South African artists. He hopes that this exhibition will pave the way for a global tour, opening doors for other South African artists to showcase their talents in renowned museum spaces.
A standout feature of the retrospective is Dr Mahlangu’s BMW 525i Art Car, a groundbreaking fusion of art and automotive design. Crafted in 1991, this iconic vehicle marked a historic moment as her artwork became the first by a woman and an African artist to join the esteemed BMW Art Car Collection. Its return to Gauteng after more than three decades provides local audiences with a unique opportunity to witness this globally acclaimed masterpiece up close.
Thilosh Moodally, Director of Government Affairs and Communications at BMW Group South Africa, reflects on Dr Mahlangu’s exceptional legacy and their enduring partnership. The return of the BMW 525i Art Car symbolizes a celebration of her artistic brilliance and their joint commitment to pushing the boundaries of creativity. BMW Group South Africa takes pride in their longstanding support of arts and culture, leveraging their platform to champion innovation.
The WAM retrospective beckons audiences from Tshwane, Mpumalanga, and neighboring regions to immerse themselves in Dr Mahlangu’s iconic world. This special tribute honors her deep ties to both Gauteng and Mpumalanga, showcasing the breadth and vision of her work. Julia Charlton, WAM Senior Curator, expresses the museum’s honor in hosting this retrospective, highlighting Dr Mahlangu’s remarkable artistic contributions.
Bettina Korek, CEO, and Hans Ulrich Obrist, Artistic Director of the Serpentine Galleries, acclaim Dr Mahlangu as “one of the most important artists of her time.” They lauded her 9m x 5m mural, titled ‘Umuntu ngumuntu ngabuntu,’ unveiled at the VIP Programme for Frieze London. This mural, Dr Mahlangu’s first public artwork in the UK, spans sixteen wooden panels, conveying a message of human kindness, connection, and community.
‘Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting: Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective’ will grace the halls of WAM from 20 November 2024 to 17 April 2025. The museum’s operating hours are from Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with free admission for all art enthusiasts.
For inquiries, please reach out to the respective contacts:
The Melrose Gallery (through Alkemi Collective)
Sindi Phenya
Client Service Manager – Alkemi Collective
Phone: +27 83 789 2553
Email: sindi@alkemi.global
WAM
Angelique Bougaard
Education Curator – WAM
Angelique.Bougaard@wits.ac.za
BMW Group South Africa
Angela Konert
Head of Business Communications
Phone: +27 71 666 2472
Email: Angela.Konert@bmw.co.za
Experience the transformative power of Dr Esther Mahlangu’s artistry at Wits Art Museum, where her legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
