Esther Mahlangu, a South African visual artist renowned for her vibrant geometric works inspired by traditional Ndebele designs, has left an indelible mark on the global art scene. Growing up in the Ndebele community, Mahlangu honed her linework while painting houses—a task traditionally relegated to women. Her iconic abstractions garnered international attention following her participation in the Centre Pompidou’s 1989 group exhibition, ‘Magiciens de la Terre (Magicians of the Earth),’ where she mesmerized visitors by painting a replica of her house. Since then, Esther Mahlangu has been globally recognized as an esteemed painter, storyteller, and cultural pioneer, skillfully weaving African traditions into the fabric of contemporary art. Despite this recognition, Mahlangu has never had a retrospective in the United States. Esther is Here! seeks to celebrate the 90 year-old artist, while also offering new insight into the complex language that she has created. Utilizing hand-crafted brushes, and striking colors and patterns drawn from her own ancestral Ndebele traditions, Mahlangu’s work transcends boundaries, melding the ancient with the modern.
Esther is Here! demonstrates the uniqueness and significance of Mahlangu’s work and the Ndebele tradition. Although formally it exists in dialogue with many other African, or African American Artists abstract work– such as that of Rubem Valentim, Atta Kwame, Alma Thomas, Sam Gilliam, and others from the African diaspora– Mahlangu’s work also introduces specific elements from her own ancestral peoples. Through vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and occasional figurative references, Mahlangu’s art transcends mere aesthetics, blending the local and the global and becoming a conduit for storytelling, resistance, and profound self-expression.
At the heart of Mahlangu’s artistic vision lies a profound dialogue with art history, where her work serves as both a homage to the past and a catalyst for future innovation. Mahlangu’s work reflects a deep reverence for her cultural heritage while also resonating with broader historic artistic movements. As visitors experience the exhibition, they will witness Mahlangu’s meticulously crafted compositions as they are transported to the sun-kissed plains of Mpumalanga, where the rhythm of life beats in harmony with the vibrant hues of her palette.
ITINERARY
Publication
Curator
Larry Ossei-Mensah, a Ghanaian-American curator and cultural critic, is at the forefront of reshaping our perceptions of art and society through his innovative and inclusive approach. With a dynamic blend of creativity and inclusivity, he has become a significant figure in the global art scene. Leveraging his curatorial practice as a powerful platform, Ossei-Mensah has curated groundbreaking exhibitions worldwide, from Manila to London to Athens and, most recently, in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Ossei-Mensah’s commitment to challenging norms and fostering more profound understanding is evident in his curation of exhibitions such as Allison Janae Hamilton’s “Pitch” (2018-2019), Guadalupe Maravilla’s “Purring Monsters With Mirrors On Their Backs” (2022), “Sounds of Blackness” (2023), and Amoako Boafo’s “Soul of Black Folks” (2021-2024). Through these exhibitions, he explores contemporary art and culture as a medium for social commentary, inviting audiences to engage with complex narratives and perspectives
Credit
Esther is Here! Esther Mahlangu and the Ndebele Painting Tradition is organized by the American Federation of Arts.
