Celebrating World-Renowned 88-Year-Old South African ‘Art Goddess’ Esther Mahlangu
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The vibrant spirit of Ndebele art bursts onto the Cape Town art scene recently as the city hosts a retrospective of the world-renowned visual artist Esther Mahlangu. Now 88, Mahlangu’s dazzling murals and intricate beadwork stand as powerful symbols of Ndebele cultural heritage. Her journey from the rural Mpumalanga province to international acclaim encapsulates a story of artistic brilliance and cultural preservation.
Born on November 11, 1935, in the Middelburg area of Mpumalanga, Esther Nostokana Mahlangu grew up immersed in the artistic traditions of her Ndebele heritage. Without formal schooling, she honed her skills by imitating the wall paintings of her grandmothers. This early immersion laid the foundation for her vibrant, large-scale murals that have captivated the world.
Excel Magazine International learnt her artistic journey began with the Botshabelo open-air museum in Middelburg, where her work first gained attention.
An invitation to France in 1989 to paint the halls of the Centre Pompidou gallery marked a turning point. This debut trip abroad was the start of a globe-trotting career that saw her works displayed in Japan, Portugal, the United States, New Zealand, Italy, and Spain.
Mahlangu’s art transcends aesthetic appeal, serving as a vessel for the Ndebele identity. “Her artworks are an expression of Ndebele-ness through which identity is preserved, maintained, and continued across space and time,” says Sifiso Ndlovu, an expert in Ndebele art and identity. For centuries, the Ndebele people have used architecture, mural painting, and beadwork to assert their unique cultural identity, especially during periods of displacement and adversity.
Despite the use of modern materials like acrylic paints, Mahlangu’s work remains deeply rooted in tradition. She seamlessly blends traditional techniques with contemporary elements, such as incorporating the colors of the democratic-era South African flag. Her iconic 1991 BMW Art Car, painted with chicken feathers, exemplifies this blend of tradition and modernity.
Mahlangu’s artistic legacy extends beyond her murals and beadwork. She is also a dedicated teacher, passing on the skills and knowledge of Ndebele art to younger generations. In the backyard of her homestead, she instructs boys and girls in wall painting, beadwork, and traditional Ndebele dances, ensuring that her culture continues to thrive.
Esther Mahlangu’s retrospective in Cape Town is not just an exhibition; it is a celebration of a life dedicated to art and cultural preservation. From honorary doctorates to global exhibitions, her accolades speak to her influence and impact. Yet, it is her unwavering commitment to her roots and her role as a cultural ambassador that truly defines her legacy.
Excel Magazine International celebrates this extraordinary artist, for Esther Mahlangu’s work is a testament to the power of art in bridging cultural divides and preserving heritage for future generations.
