Munich/Cape Town. The Iziko Museums of South Africa
and BMW are pleased to announce “Then I Knew I Was Good at
Painting”: Esther Mahlangu. A Retrospective. The
exhibition, curated by Nontobeko Ntombela, highlights Esther
Mahlangu’s over 50-year long career and her meteoric rise as a
contemporary artist, earning her global acclaim. The retrospective
will be on view at Iziko Museums of South Africa from February
18 until August 11, 2024. From there it will begin its
global tour, stopping first at the Wits Art Museum in Johannesburg,
South Africa, before moving to the United States in early 2026.
BMW is proud to support this landmark exhibition which honours the
talent of Esther Mahlangu and celebrates a shared history of
collaboration. Included in this exhibition will be Mahlangu’s BMW 525i
Art Car, returning to South Africa for the first time in over 30
years. Mahlangu became the first African and woman to paint a BMW Art
Car in 1991. This collaboration marked a significant moment in the art
world, blending African art with contemporary automotive design.
“Painting has always been a part of me. I cannot separate it from
myself, and neither would I want to. I look forward to sharing my
practice and long and colourful story with you on my upcoming
Retrospective Exhibition”, says Esther Mahlangu.
Through the language of colour and form, the exhibition charts
Mahlangu’s contribution to contemporary art close to seven decades.
More than 100 artworks have been gathered from global collections.
They have been placed alongside historic photographs and a short film.
This diverse collection from Mahlangu’s expansive oeuvre which
features in “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting”: Esther Mahlangu. A
Retrospective, will offer a comprehensive yet intimate insight into
her vast and vibrant career.
“Mahlangu’s journey is a testament to passion, innovation, and
resilience”, Curator Nontobeko Ntombela remarks.
Continuing, “The retrospective pays homage to Esther Mahlangu’s unique
approach to art, which intersects African cultures with modernity and
the contemporary. The exhibition celebrates Mahlangu’s voice, agency,
and pioneering spirit, symbolizing her self-enunciation,
self-determination and creativity”, she says.
The retrospective is a landmark achievement for South African art. It
recognizes Mahlangu as one of the few South African artists who have
had the opportunity to present a Retrospective Exhibition in
world-renowned museums. Of the exhibition, Dr Bongani Ndhlovu,
Acting CEO, Iziko Museums of South Africa, says: “Iziko
Museums is honored to celebrate the living legend, Dr Esther Mahlangu,
and to host this colossal showcase where creativity, culture, and
aesthetics are fused.” He continues, “Dr. Mahlangu is a living symbol
of triumph against adversity. Her approach to art has inspired
generations and is a re-affirmation of calls for Africa-centred innovations.”
“The BMW Group’s commitment to this exhibition is a testament to our
respect and admiration for Dr Esther Mahlangu’s pioneering spirit and
remarkable contribution to the world of art. This exhibition not only
celebrates the incredible journey and legacy of Mam’ Esther but also
symbolizes a cherished collaboration that dates back over three
decades. We are especially excited about the return of the BMW Art Car
to South African soil – a significant symbol of our shared history and
appreciation for art that transcends boundaries”, says Peter
van Binsbergen, CEO of BMW Group South Africa.
The BMW Group’s Cultural Engagement, with exclusive updates and
deeper insights into its global initiatives can be followed on
Instagram at @BMWGroupCulture.
“Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting”: Esther
Mahlangu. A Retrospective
February 18 – August 11,
2024
Iziko South African National Gallery
Government
Avenue, Company’s Garden, Cape Town, South Africa
