Esther Mahlangu's vibrant legacy: bringing Ndebele-inspired art to the global stage
South African artist Esther Mahlangu is famous around the globe for her Ndebele art. File picture
Image: Supplied
South African artist Esther Mahlangu is not just an icon in art circles but also in the automotive world, where her Ndebele inspired Art Cars have wowed the world for decades.
Traditionally, Ndebele women decorate the outside of their homes with continuous patterns in bright colours, each panel celebrating an event in the history of the family that lives there. However, Mahlangu has put these decorations and patterns into new contexts, including pictures, vessels, carpets and vehicles.
In 1991 Mahlangu was the first woman ever invited to create a BMW Art Car, which saw her design a 525i sedan decorated with the bright colours and geometrical shapes characteristic of Ndebele artwork.
A quarter century later, in 2016, she worked her magic on a BMW 740Li sedan and then in 2024 her artwork came alive in a way never seen before with the BMW i5 Flow Nostokana. Named after her first son, and created with the help of BMW engineer Stella Clarke, this latest Art Car can change its colours right before your eyes, thanks to innovative E Ink technology.
Mahlangu's original Art Car (right) stands next to the new BMW i5 Flow Nostokana.
Image: Supplied
Mahlangu’s artwork was further honoured in November 2024, with the retrospective exhibition ‘Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting: Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective,’ which captivated audiences at the Wits Art Museum.
It chronicled her remarkable journey, from her humble beginnings in a small village in Mpumalanga to her international recognition as one of the most influential artists of her time. It also saw the return of the original BMW 525i Art Car to local shores.
“Dr Mahlangu’s extraordinary legacy is a testament to her pioneering spirit. Our longstanding relationship with her, culminating in the return of the BMW 525i Art Car, is a celebration of her artistic brilliance and our joint effort to push the boundaries of creativity,” said Thilosh Moodally, communications director at BMW Group SA.
Wits exhibition curator Nontobeko Ntombela describes Dr Mahlangu as a living symbol of triumph over adversity.
“As one of the first South African and female African artists to achieve global recognition, her warm personality and ability to inspire creativity have established her as a matriarch and mentor in contemporary art,” Ntombela said.
“Her artistic approach continues to inspire younger generations and emphasises Africa’s rightful place at the centre of the art world.”
IOL Motoring