Dr Esther Mahlangu’s Life’s Work part of the ‘Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting’ is moving to the Wits Art Museum for Joburgers to enjoy!
Johannesburg, South Africa (13 November 2024) — Following a very successful 2024 for Dr Esther Mahlangu internationally, good news comes for fans of the famed painter who are based in Johannesburg. Dr Mahlangu’s life’s work is making its way to Jozi!
An exhibition boasting more than half a century of creativity that put Dr Mahlangu on the map, ‘Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting’ has, for the majority of the year, been up for view in Cape Town at the Iziko South African National Gallery.
This November, the retrospective exhibition moves to the Wits Art Museum where it will be on display until April 2025.
‘Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting’ features over 100 artworks loaned from international collections. It hosts everything from painted mannequins to prints created by the artist in collaboration with Nelson Mandela and of course, the iconic BMW Art Car.
Curator Nontobeko Ntombela explains that visiting the exhibition is both a walk through Esther Mahlangu’s artistic journey as well as sources of great importance and influence in South Africa’s art scene.
“Her work has had a profound impact on South African modern and contemporary art, and this exhibition is a testament to her incredible contribution,” says Nontobeko.
“Mahlangu is a living symbol of triumph against adversity. She is one of the first among South African artists, as well as among women artists, to become a global icon of the art world. Her affable demeanour and her ability to inspire creativity and delight in so many around the world, has earned her reputation as a matriarch and mentor of the contemporary art world. Her approach to art has inspired generations of younger artists and reaffirms the call for Africa to take its rightful place at centre stage in the story of art.”
Know for the Ndebele flair she brings to her unique visual language, Dr Mahlangu’s work speaks not only to cultural preservation, but transformation.
Beneath the seemingly simplistic aesthetics like layers of complexity. To many critics she is understood as a social justice activist. To others, she’s understood as a Warholian entrepreneur. To some, she is a pioneer. To all, however, she is a master of colour and form; marrying the traditional and the contemporary.
The Wits Art Museum offers art lovers in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Tshwane and other outlying areas the epic opportunity to enjoy Dr Mahlangu’s brilliance and her Life’s Work. It can be visited from 20 November to 17 April 2025!
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