Hurry to Iziko! Dr Esther Mahlangu Retrospective exhibition ends 11 August

Art aficionados take note: The Dr Esther Mahlangu Retrospective Exhibition – entitled ‘Then I Knew I was Good at Painting,’ which debuted at the Iziko South African National Gallery in February, is only open till 11 August in the Mother City. This monumental event has been brought to life with the support of sponsors, the National Arts Council and BMW.

After that, the exhibition will make the exodus to the city of gold for the second leg of the retrospective’s global tour and will be on display to the public at Wits Art Museum in November 2024.

Curated by Nontobeko Ntombela, the exhibition is a profound exploration into the life and artistry of Dr Mahlangu – a national treasure, and living legend, renowned as one of the contemporary virtuosos in the world of fine arts. It charts the course from her humble beginnings in the 1940s, showcasing her talent amongst the IsiNdebele language-speaking community, to her meteoric rise to global acclaim in the late 1980s and 1990s.

The exhibition pays homage to Mahlangu’s unique approach and aesthetic, celebrating her artistic passion, innovation, and resilience. Resisting interpretive capture, her work showcases an exquisite mastery over colour and form, and an inimitable ability to elevate the everyday. From her early days learning traditional Ndebele art to becoming the first African woman to create a BMW Art Car, Mahlangu has emerged as a global icon in the contemporary art world. Come and experience the magic of her art this winter at the Iziko South African National Gallery.