Prestigious artists have left their mark and given great value to the African art scene. Participating in the worldwide dissemination of contemporary African art, these artists of all generations remain today the essential pillars of this creative movement. Among them, Dr. Esther Mahlangu stands out, continuing to thrill the global art scene despite her advanced age. Until August 11 at the Iziko South African National Gallery, a retrospective entitled “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting: Esther Mahlangu” has been organized in honor of the South African artist to salute her creativity and unique artistic language.
Curated by Nontobeko Ntombela, this retrospective exhibition presented by the Iziko Museums of South Africa reveals, through a series of dazzling works, the 50-year career of Dr. Esther Mahlangu. From humble beginnings to international recognition, the contemporary African artist invites us to discover her exceptional artistic journey in images. This first stop is just the beginning of a world tour for the exhibition, which will make a stop at the Wits Art Museum in Johannesburg, South Africa, before heading to the United States in early 2026. Melrose Gallery, Esther Mahlangu’s worldwide representative, has been commissioned to organize this retrospective exhibition.
In an immersive visual of disparate colors and shapes, “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting: Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective” traces the artist’s impact on contemporary art over the past seven decades. This monumental exhibition features more than 100 works of art from various global collections, accompanied by carefully selected historical photographs and a short film. Even Dr. Esther Mahlangu’s BMW 525i Art Car makes its historic return, 30 years after its first appearance in South Africa, recalling her status as the first woman and African to be invited to participate in BMW’s prestigious art car collection in 1991. This extensive collection of works offers the public a comprehensive overview of the long and exciting career of this contemporary African artist.
“Painting has always been a part of me. I can’t separate it from myself, nor would I want to. I look forward to sharing my practice and my long and colorful history with you at my next retrospective exhibition.” These are the words of Dr. Esther Mahlangu, who accompanies the presentation. “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting: Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective” is a groundbreaking exhibition celebrating her unique approach to art, a rich and relevant creative practice that interweaves African cultures with modernity and contemporaneity.
The presentation is inspired by Esther Mahlangu’s remarkable story, revealing how she discovered her exceptional artistic talent at the age of 10. Almost a symbolic representation for South African art, “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting: Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective” recognizes the artist as one of the few South African artists to exhibit a retrospective in a world-renowned museum. The retrospective exhibition is a tribute to the pioneering spirit of this African artist, a symbol of her creativity and her clear contribution to the evolution of contemporary African art.
Esther Mahlangu’s work effectively transcends the traditional boundaries of painting to encompass a variety of media, from murals and beads to public installations and sculptures. Her art manifests itself in unexpected ways on diverse surfaces, exploring new artistic territories through ceramics, everyday objects and other media. His exceptional ability to transform space and form opens the way to profound reflection on a variety of themes, from the interactions between art and society to the repercussions of historical conflict and the question of land restitution.
“Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting: Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective” was made possible by the generous support of the National Arts Council and BMW. This celebration of the life and art of Dr. Esther Mahlangu will be open to the general public until August 11, 2024. It promises not only to highlight the artist’s exceptional work, but also to offer visitors an immersive and enriching experience, inviting them to explore the multiple dimensions of Esther Mahlangu’s artistic practice and to plunge into her unique creative universe.
