Esther Mahlangu BMW Artcar at Iziko – Photo Credit: Clint Strydom

Esther Mahlangu’s valuable contribution to contemporary art over 7 decades has not gone unnoticed. Our National Treasure is to be well celebrated in London this October with an exciting series of exhibitions, book launches and activations.

Monumental Mural at Serpentine in London:

On 10 October a monumental 9x5m outdoor work will be unveiled at the Serpentine Gallery at the opening event of the Frieze London VIP program. “I am proud to present this monumental outdoor work at Serpentine in London. The title ‘Umuntu ngumuntu ngabuntu’ means that ‘I am because you are’. It is my wish that this painting brings much joy to those who see it in celebration and recognition of the interconnectedness that exists between our two nations and indeed all living beings”, Esther Mahlangu.

Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu, presented in the garden at Serpentine North, is the artist’s first public mural in the UK. Painted over sixteen wooden panels, the work depicts traditional Ndebele shapes and patterns outlined with a black border

 This mural is part of Serpentine’s Public Art programme, which this year features outdoor sculptures installed throughout Kensington Gardens: Gerhard Richter’s STRIP-TOWER, 2023 (until 20 October 2024) and Yayoi Kusama’s Pumpkin, 2024 (until 4 November).

Book to be Launched:

On the same day, BMW will host the launch of ‘Esther Mahlangu: A Life of Colour’ in their VIP lounge at Frieze and 1-54 Contemporary Art Fair will host one on the 10th October. This book, published by Thames and Hudson, features a series of interviews that were conducted with Dr Mahlangu by Hans Ulrich Obrist (Artistic Director of the Serpentine), Thomas Girst (Head of BMW Cultural Engagement), and Azu Nwagbogu (Respected international curator) at her homestead in Mpumalanga in August 2023.

Solo at 1-54 Contemporary Art Fair:

 The Melrose Gallery is presenting a solo exhibition at 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair which takes place at Somerset House. They will present a selection of paintings and vessels created by Dr Mahlangu between 2018 and 2024.

Frieze London:

Almine Rech will present some works on her booth at Frieze London and others will be showcased in the BMW Lounge.

Major Esther Mahlangu Exhibition Launches in Johannesburg in November:

 “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting: Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective” will launch at the Wits Art Museum in Johannesburg on 19 November at 6:30pm. All are welcome and you are not required to RSVP.

This major exhibition, curated by Nontobeko Ntombela, travels to Johannesburg after a well-received run at the Iziko South African National Gallery. It showcases over 100 artworks that have been loaned from private and public collections from all over the world.

This includes her much loved BMW Artcar which returns to Johannesburg for the first time in over 30 years. Paintings, limited edition prints, numerous objects and a comprehensive timeline will shed some light on Dr Mahlangu’s work and practice and her extraordinary accomplishments.

The exhibition will be accompanied by an educational programme consisting of walkabouts, discussions, and a printed supplement. This is a unique opportunity for South Africans and visitors to our country to see Dr Mahlangu’s works in person.

Dr Mahlangu’s success is an inspiration to us all that we can also achieve global standing and acclaim despite enormous challenges.

BMW Artcar at Iziko

Other International Activations:

 ‘Nostokana’, Dr Mahlangu’s car that was created using BMW latest colour change technologies will be presented at Contemporary Istanbul in October. Ebony called it the ‘hottest ticket at L.A. Frieze’ in March this year.

Jenkins Johnson Gallery will be presenting some of Dr Mahlangu’s works for the Avant Garde San Francisco Group Exhibition. ZuCot Gallery co-curated ‘Heritage in Hues’ with Hassan Smith which is currently running in Atlanta and has been exceptionally well received.

The Melrose Gallery will present a solo booth and a monumental 8m painting at SCOPE Art Fair in Miami, and Jenkins Johnson Gallery, will showcase some works on her booth at Art Basel Miami.

For more information see www.esthermahlangu.com or www.themelrosegallery.com

Esther Mahlangu, Pitika Ntuli and Nothembi Mkhwebane at the launch of the Retrospective at the Iziko South African National Gallery