Dr Esther Mahlangu's Legacy Celebrated in Johannesburg Exhibition

Dr Esther Mahlangu, a celebrated South African artist, is being honoured with an exhibition at The Melrose Gallery in Johannesburg as she approaches her 91st birthday on November 11. The exhibition, titled Her Mark: Dr Esther Mahlangu at Ninety One, showcases her artwork and runs until December 31, 2026. This celebration is not a posthumous recognition but a living tribute to her contributions to the art world. Mahlangu's artwork is a representation of her Ndebele heritage, with bold geometric patterns and fearless colours that carry meaning and significance.

Mahlangu's journey as an artist began in a small Ndebele homestead near Middelburg, where she was taught by her mother and grandmother in the isiNdebele mural tradition. This tradition involves women painting the walls of homes to mark family milestones and preserve ancestry. At around ten years old, Mahlangu started painting and continued to develop her skills, eventually turning her passion into a seventy-year career. Her participation in the 1989 Magiciens de la Terre exhibition in Paris marked a pivotal moment in her career, launching her into the global art scene as a contemporary artist.

One of Mahlangu's most notable achievements was becoming the first African artist and the first woman to be commissioned to paint a BMW Art Car in 1991. She covered a BMW 525i with patterns inspired by her Ndebele heritage, turning a German machine into a rolling Ndebele mural. This achievement not only showcased her artwork but also challenged the Western art establishment's norms. The car has since returned to South Africa and was displayed at the Wits Art Museum in 2024 as part of her retrospective.

Throughout her career, Mahlangu has received numerous commissions and collaborations from prominent brands and artists. In 2020, she created a one-of-a-kind Rolls-Royce Phantom gallery, and she has collaborated with fashion houses such as Comme des Garçons, Melissa, and EYTYS. Her artwork has also been displayed at prestigious institutions like the Serpentine Galleries in London, where she was recognized as one of the most important artists of her time.

Mahlangu's legacy extends beyond her artistic achievements. She has used her platform to support various causes, including the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa. In 2016, she collaborated with American singer John Legend on a limited-edition bottle for the #MakeTheDifference campaign, with half of the profits going to the Global Fund. Her artwork has also supported a school she built to teach children.

The exhibition raises important questions about ownership, the value of indigenous African design, and how South Africa treats its living icons. Mahlangu's career has shown that indigenous African design is a sophisticated abstract language that Western modernism is still catching up to. Her artwork has been sold for $20,000 and $40,000, highlighting the need for South Africa to ensure that the value created by this tradition flows back to the communities that built it.

The Melrose Gallery's exhibition is an invitation to experience Mahlangu's artwork and legacy. The exhibition is open in Johannesburg until December 31, and an online viewing room allows those who cannot travel to experience it from anywhere. As Mahlangu continues to paint at 91, her artwork remains a testament to her biography and a representation of her Ndebele heritage. The exhibition is a celebration of her life's work and a chance for South Africa to say thank you to a living legend.

Key points

• The exhibition showcases Mahlangu's artwork and legacy, highlighting her contributions to the art world and her Ndebele heritage.