BMW will present one of the most iconic art cars in history, courtesy of Dr Esther Mahlangu, in Cape Town, in a display that will also feature a retrospective of the famed Ndebele artist’s art and life.
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Running from the February 18 to August 11 at the Iziko Museums of South Africa, the exhibition, curated by Nontobeko Ntombela, will showcase Mahlangu’s career spanning over 50 years, emphasising 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.
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 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
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.
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.
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