Three of South Africa’s most-loved icons and brands came together for Heritage Day celebrations in a unique and inspiring concept that links art and food in South African heritage.
Tiger Brands is currently running promotions that showcase artwork created by world-renowned artist Dr Esther Mahlangu. Seven of Mahlangu’s designs were presented to Tiger Brands, and the respective creative teams at Albany and Tastic chose designs for the Albany bread and Tastic rice packaging.
“It’s very exciting to have our brands associated with this global icon and be able to use Esther’s phenomenal artistic talent to enhance our packaging in a way that recognises South Africa’s heritage,” said Thembi Sehloho, marketing director: rice and pasta, Tiger Brands.
As part of Heritage Month celebrations, Albany and Tastic arranged for Mahlangu to host a master class for Grade 11 and Grade 10 learners at South Africa’s leading art school, the National School of the Arts (NSA) on 19 September. The youngsters have also submitted artworks which are currently exhibited in the foyer of Tiger Brands Head Office in Bryanston depicting what Albany and Tastic mean to them.
Speaking on Mahlangu’s Master Class, Brenda Sakellarides, acting artistic director at NSA’s marketing and development, said it was an opportunity to bridge generations in the tradition of storytelling as it relates to art and family. “It is a great honour to host Esther Mahlangu at our school and our students will be inspired not only by her art but her incredible spirit.”
Mahlangu’s Ndebele art has garnered her global recognition and has seen her work on pieces for brands such as BMW, Belverde and have her art shown the world-over.
“Art has a role to play in global challenges and there is no greater privilege than passing on my art in the Ndebele tradition that is so much a part of culture in South African society,” said Mahlangu
