Esther Mahlangu's lifework and BMW Art Car on display in Retrospective Exhibition
The Iziko Museums of South Africa and BMW have announced their collaboration for the upcoming exhibition titled “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting”: Esther Mahlangu. A Retrospective. This exhibition, curated by Nontobeko Ntombela, will showcase Esther Mahlangu’s 50-year career as a contemporary artist. The exhibition is set to take place from February 18 to August 11, 2024, at the Iziko Museums of South Africa, before beginning its global tour and heading to the Wits Art Museum in Johannesburg, South Africa, and then to the United States in early 2026.
BMW will contribute to this landmark exhibition, which pays homage to Esther Mahlangu's talent, and celebrates the shared history of collaboration. The exhibition will display Mahlangu’s BMW 525i Art Car, which is returning to South Africa for the first time in over 30 years. Esther Mahlangu made history as the first African woman to paint a BMW Art Car in 1991, and the collaboration played a significant role in combining African art with contemporary automotive design.
Included in the exhibition will be more than 100 artworks gathered from global collections, along with historic photographs and a short film. The retrospective is a comprehensive overview of Mahlangu’s vast and vibrant career, showcasing her contribution to contemporary art for nearly seven decades.
Curator Nontobeko Ntombela explains the uniqueness of Esther Mahlangu's approach to art that blends African cultures with modernity. The exhibition celebrates Mahlangu's voice, agency, and pioneering spirit, signifying her self-determination, self-enunciation, and creativity.
In conclusion, the exhibition "Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting": Esther Mahlangu. A Retrospective is a must-visit for art enthusiasts globally and an honour for South African art. It is a celebration of Esther Mahalangu's remarkable journey and contribution to the world of art that resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds.
Pictures: BMW Group