Esther Mahlangu: Celebrating African Art through Vibrant Expressions and embracing future of technology with BMW

Esther Mahlangu: A South African Artist

Esther Mahlangu is a renowned South African artist who has gained international recognition for her unique and vibrant artwork. Born in 1935 in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa, Mahlangu is best known for her distinctive painting style that combines traditional African Ndebele designs with contemporary elements.

The BMW 525i Art Car

One of Mahlangu's most notable achievements is her collaboration with BMW on the iconic 525i Art Car. In 1991, Mahlangu became the first woman and the first African artist to create an Art Car for the prestigious BMW Art Car Collection. The Art Car, adorned with Mahlangu's colorful Ndebele patterns, showcased the rich cultural heritage of South Africa to a global audience.
Her work has captured the attention of audiences across the globe, and in a career spanning decades Mahlangu has devoted much of her time to community projects in her local village — teaching young women and girls the techniques that were passed down from her mother and grandmother, whilst maintaining a strong presence on the international contemporary art scene.
Now 83, Esther Mahlangu is credited with being the first artist to transfer the mural painting to canvas. A self-proclaimed missionary of the art form, Since she was ‘founded’ in 1989 by a traveling art historian and invited to participate in a living art exhibition in the Pompidou Centre, Paris, Esther has never looked back.

It is, therefore, a testament to her genius that she was recently commissioned to paint the interior panels of a BMW Individual 7 Series -25 years after her first work for the same company. In 1991, she became the first woman to be commissioned to design a BMW art car; a series that included the works of Andy Warhol, Alexander Calder, Frank Stella, Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Rauschenberg, and many other well-known male artists of the Western world.

Esther Mahlangu’s latest work on the BMW 750Li Individual further pronounces her unique ability to fuse the modern with the traditional. While being aesthetically appealing to the newer generation, it also spoke volume of the aged Ndebele tradition she wishes to express and preserve. The panels, painted in the vibrant colors that characterize the art is a contrast of periods when compared to the car’s Merino Smoke white leather seats and black Piano finish dashboard and steering wheel. Yet, this vibrancy does not erode the modern outlook of the car’s interior. On her design, Esther enthused;

“The patterns I have used on the BMW panels marry tradition to the essence of BMW. When BMW sent me the panels to paint, I could see the design in my head and I just wanted to get started! I started by painting the small ones first to get the feel of the surface and then it was easy as the design follows the lines of the panels.”

A Retrospective of Mahlangu's Work

In recognition of her contribution to the world of art, the Iziko South African National Gallery held a retrospective exhibition of Mahlangu's work. The exhibition showcased a wide range of her paintings, sculptures, and installations, spanning several decades of her artistic career.

The retrospective provided an in-depth look into Mahlangu's artistic journey, highlighting her evolution as an artist and the themes that have influenced her work. From her early explorations of Ndebele traditions to her experimentation with different mediums and techniques, the exhibition offered a comprehensive overview of Mahlangu's artistic prowess.

The Influence of Aboriginal Art and African Design

Throughout her career, Mahlangu has drawn inspiration from various sources, including Aboriginal art and African design. She has been fascinated by the intricate patterns and symbolism found in traditional Aboriginal artworks, which have influenced her own artistic style.

Mahlangu's work also reflects the rich diversity of African design, incorporating elements from different cultures and regions. Her use of vibrant colors and geometric patterns pays homage to the traditional art forms of various African communities, while also adding a contemporary twist.

By blending these different influences, Mahlangu has created a unique visual language that speaks to her own heritage as well as the universal themes of identity, culture, and tradition.

A Celebration of African Art

Mahlangu's art is not only a personal expression but also a celebration of African art as a whole. She has played a vital role in promoting African art on the global stage, breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes along the way.

Her collaboration with BMW brought African art into the mainstream, showcasing its vibrancy and relevance in a contemporary context. Mahlangu's Art Car became a symbol of African creativity and cultural pride, capturing the attention and admiration of art enthusiasts worldwide.

Furthermore, Mahlangu's retrospective exhibition at the Iziko South African National Gallery provided a platform for African artists to gain recognition and appreciation within their own country. It highlighted the importance of preserving and celebrating African art, encouraging dialogue and understanding between different cultural communities.

Inspiring the Next Generation

As an artist, Mahlangu has not only left a lasting impact on the art world but also inspired a new generation of artists. Her success story serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring artists, especially women and artists from marginalized communities.

Mahlangu's journey from a rural village in South Africa to international acclaim is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and self-belief. She has shown that art has the ability to transcend boundaries and create meaningful connections between people from different backgrounds.

Through her workshops and mentorship programs, Mahlangu continues to empower young artists, encouraging them to embrace their heritage and express themselves through art. She believes that art has the power to transform lives and bring about positive change in society.

Esther Mahlangu's contribution to the world of art is immeasurable. Her unique style and cultural influence have made her a true icon, both in South Africa and internationally. From her collaboration with BMW on the 525i Art Car to her retrospective exhibition at the Iziko South African National Gallery, Mahlangu has left an indelible mark on the art world.

Her art serves as a bridge between different cultures, promoting dialogue, understanding, and appreciation for African art. Mahlangu's legacy will continue to inspire and empower future generations of artists, ensuring that her vibrant and expressive style lives on for years to come.

BMW presented the next stage of colour-changing technology with the BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA, through the eyes and mind of #BMWArtCar artist Dr. Esther Mahlangu this past weekend at Frieze LA.

Named after Esther’s first son, the BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA features Esther’s work across the car’s body, roof and hood, constantly shifting in colours while staying true to Esther’s signature patterns and palette. As a modern homage, NOSTOKANA is reminiscent of Esther’s 1991 #BMWArtCar, now on view at @izikomuseumssa for her major retrospective in 2024.