Cape Town hosts a retrospective of the iconic South African artist Esther Mahlangu to honor her.
A retrospective of the iconic artist Esther Mahlangu was recently hosted by Cape to honour her work and life. A retrospective of the iconic South African artist Esther Mahlangu opened in the city this week, Barron reports.
The renowned artist wore traditional, brightly coloured blue, yellow, and brown garments and jewelry paired with white sneakers to the exhibition. Barron writes that the exhibition follows the iconic Mahlangu’s “unusual trajectory from rural South Africa to global acclaim.”
The exhibition featured an old BMW painted in colourful shapes, some abstract works, and historic photographs. Next, it will be taken on an international tour after happening in Cape Town.
Mahlangu gained acclaim locally as a painter and mural artist. She also dominated the international scene by creating works that referenced her Ndebele heritage, with skills that were passed down for generations.
She said in an interview, “It’s in my genes to paint Ndebele. The Ndebele art is within me. I was born with it. It is important for me, and I don’t pretend to love it. I love it.”
Curator Nontobeko Ntombela said the retrospective “pays homage to Dr. Mahlangu’s unique approach to art, which intersects African culture with modernity and the contemporary, symbolising pride, self-determination, and innovation.”
