Esther Mahlangu (b. 1935, South Africa) Ndebele Pattern, 2021

Sign.: LL esther mahlangu 2021

One of the most renowned African artists, Esther Mahlangu (born 1935), who resides in South Africa, creates vibrant geometric artworks inspired by traditional Ndebele paintings. Growing up in the Ndebele community, she honed her skills by painting the walls of homes.

Mahlangu's iconic abstractions gained international attention after she was included in the 1989 group exhibition "Magiciens de la Terre" ("Magicians of the Earth") at the Pompidou Center, where she painted a replica of her home in front of visitors. Two years later, she became the first woman and the first African artist commissioned to paint a BMW Art Car. Mahlangu also collaborates with various brands such as Belvedere, British Airways, and Rolls-Royce, and her works are featured in the collections of celebrities like John Legend, Oprah Winfrey, Trevor Noah, and Swizz Beatz. She still resides in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa, where she teaches Ndebele painting and beadwork to young artists.