Esther Mahlangu’s Artistic Journey Celebrated In An Epic Retrospective Exhibition
Esther Mahlangu’s Artistic Journey Celebrated In An Epic Retrospective Exhibition. The multi award-winning artist is without a doubt South African national treasure. At her age, Esther Mahlangu continues to make herself and the country proud both locally and internationally.
To honor the icon, the Iziko Museums of South Africa and BMW are presenting “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting”: Esther Mahlangu. A Retrospective. The exhibition highlights Mahlangu’s over 50-year long career and her rise as a contemporary artist, earning her global acclaim. The retrospective will be on view at Iziko South African National Gallery from February 18 until August 11, 2024, curated by Nontobeko Ntombela. 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.
Included in this exhibition will be Mahlangu’s BMW 525i Art Car, returning to South Africa for the first time in over 30 years. BMW is proud to support this landmark exhibition which honours the talent of Esther Mahlangu and celebrates a shared history of collaboration.
“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,” Mahlangu said.
Curator Nontobeko shares, “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.
The monumental exhibition, titled “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting”, will be open to the public at the Iziko South African National Gallery from February 18 until August 11, 2024.
