Lifestyle
Esther Mahlangu harnesses Ndebele heritage to create BMW 7 Series artwork
Meet South Africa’s creative artist, Esther Mahlangu, hired by BMW to create amazing artwork for the brand’s 7 Series. The immensely talented Mahlangu beautifully harnesses her Ndebele heritage to create remarkable art.
Esther Mahlangu, one of South Africa’s preeminent artists is yet again putting the country and African art on the global map with her unparalleled talent and creativity, which continues to astound many people.
The 81-year-old has captured the hearts of people with her Ndebele inspired and influenced artwork.
Mahlangu has teamed up with BMW to create amazing artwork for the brand’s 7 Series. This is the second time that the prominent artist has joined forces with BMW, having first collaborated with BMW 25 years ago on a Art Car project. 25 years ago, Mahlangu became the first woman to create artwork on a BMW 525i Sedan, based on her Ndebele heritage.
BMW brand’s 7 Series Photo: BMW Blog
Fast-forward to 2016, the limelight is shining brightly on the veteran artist who recently collaborated with the BMW Individual Manufaktur, to transform the interior of a luxury sedan into a dynamic work of art by painting her characteristic motifs on the real wood interior trims. The artist says: “To paint is in my heart and it’s in my blood. The way I paint was taught to me by my mother and my grandmother. The images and colours have changed and I have painted on many different surfaces and objects but I still love to paint”.
Born in Mpumalanga province of South Africa, Mahlangu started painting when she was a young girl, learning the Ndebele cultural tradition of painting and decorating houses from her mother and grandmother. The 81 year-old artist started exhibiting on the international scene in 1989 and she has gained international recognition for her remarkable art and talent.
BMW 525i Sedan Esther Mahlangu worked on 25 years ago. Photo: Flickr
Mahlangu’s recent collaboration with BMW is one of the numerous projects she’s engaged in. According to BMW blog, the vehicle Mahlangu worked on is one-of-a-kind and it will be publicly exhibited at this year’s Frieze Art Fair from 5 to 9 October in Regent’s Park, London. The silent auction for the car has already opened online, and proceeds from the sale of the car will be donated to a good cause.
The collaborative nature of the project, adoption and appreciation of African (Ndebele) artwork, marks a triumph for inclusivity, pride and celebration of African cultures and heritage.