Iziko Museum

Recently hosted at the Iziko South African National Gallery, Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting: Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective offered a profound look at Dr. Esther Mahlangu’s illustrious career, which spans over seven decades. This comprehensive exhibition celebrated Mahlangu’s rise as a globally recognized contemporary artist and her distinctive ability to blend traditional African art with modern contexts.

Open to the South African public until August, the exhibition featured over 100 of Mahlangu’s vibrant works, loaned from international collections, along with historic photographs and a short film capturing her journey. Central to the exhibition was the historic return of Mahlangu’s iconic BMW 525i Art Car, the first BMW Art Car painted by a woman, brought back to South Africa for the first time in more than 30 years. This 1991 masterpiece, adorned in her signature Ndebele patterns, served as a powerful symbol of cultural pride and creative innovation.

With plans to embark on a global tour, the retrospective stands as a tribute to Mahlangu’s extraordinary legacy, celebrating her unique vision that bridges African traditions with the contemporary art world. Through her language of color and form, Mahlangu has cemented her influence as a pioneer of cultural expression on the global stage.