The Wits Art Museum (WAM) presents the work of South Africa’s cultural icon Dr Esther Mahlangu titled ‘Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting: Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective’. The exhibition spans seven decades and features over 100 artworks, including the iconic BMW Art Car, beadwork, painted mannequins and a TV.
Curator Dr Nontobeko Ntombela explains that “this retrospective offers a remarkable opportunity to experience Esther Mahlangu’s artistic journey. Her work has had a profound impact on South African modern and contemporary art, and this exhibition is a testament of her incredible contribution.” The strong research focus by curator Ntombela encourages viewers not only to marvel at the splendour of colour and pattern, but also to take the time to immerse themselves in the artist’s long history of focused artistic practice.
Dr Esther Mahlangu’s acclaimed retrospective exhibition, ‘Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting: Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective’ at the Wits Art Museum follows its successful run at the Iziko South African National Gallery in Cape Town.
This landmark exhibition, supported by BMW Group South Africa, WAM, and the National Arts Council, offers a profound exploration of the life and artistic practice of Dr Mahlangu, a national treasure and global icon. It chronicles her remarkable journey, from her humble beginnings in a small village in the Mpumalanga provonce of South Africa to her international recognition as one of the most influential artists of her time. In a comprehensive collection of archival materials spanning five decades, the exhibition celebrates Dr Mahlangu’s significant contributions to and lasting impact on contemporary art.
Craig Mark, Director of The Melrose Gallery, shared Ntombela’s sentiments, noting, “Few South African artists have had the chance to present a retrospective of this scale. We hope this exhibition can pave the way for a global tour, creating opportunities for other South African artists to access these long-restricted museum spaces.” Dr Mahlangu’s BMW 525i Art Car, a milestone in the history of both art and automotive design, is a highlight of the retrospective exhibition.
Created in 1991, this iconic vehicle marked a historic moment as her work became the first by a woman and an African artist to be included in the prestigious BMW Art Car Collection. Its return to Gauteng after over three decades allows local audiences a unique opportunity to experience this world-renowned masterpiece. The WAM retrospective honours Mahlangu’s deep connections to both Gauteng and Mpumalanga. “Wits Art Museum is honoured to host this retrospective, showcasing the remarkable scope and vision in Dr Mahlangu’s work,” says Julia Charlton, WAM Senior Curator.
The retrospective will run until the 17th of April 2025 at the Wits Arts Museum, the mseum hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 – 16:00 and admission is free.
