Installation view of Gallery 2

This image features 'Suid Afrika Vorentoe (South Africa Ahead)' (2003) and an arrangement of smaller Acrylic on canvas works.

"Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting: Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective" at the Iziko South African National Gallery celebrated Dr. Esther Mahlangu’s extraordinary career, which spanned over 50 years and showcased her rise to global acclaim as a contemporary artist. Curated by Nontobeko Ntombela, this monumental retrospective highlighted Mahlangu’s remarkable journey through a diverse collection of more than 100 artworks, historic photographs, and a short film.

A key feature of the exhibition was Mahlangu’s BMW 525i Art Car, which made its historic return to South Africa for the first time in over 30 years. Mahlangu made history in 1991 as the first woman and first African invited to participate in the prestigious BMW Art Car Collection.

The exhibition traced Mahlangu’s artistic evolution over nearly seven decades, emphasizing her unique blend of African cultural traditions with modernity. The diverse collection provided an intimate insight into her vibrant career, celebrating her innovative spirit and distinctive approach to art.

Curator Nontobeko Ntombela remarked, “Mahlangu’s journey is a testament to passion, innovation, and resilience. The retrospective honored her unique art style, which seamlessly intersected African cultures with contemporary expressions.”

Mahlangu’s personal story also served as inspiration for the exhibition. She recounted, “I would continue to paint on the house when they left for a break. When they came back, they would say: ‘What have you done, child? Never do that again!’ After that, I started drawing on the back of the house, and slowly my drawings got better and better until they finally asked me to come back to the front of the house. Then I knew I was good at painting.” This narrative reflected her self-assertive stance and artistic positioning, which was central to the retrospective.

"Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting: Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective" stood as a significant celebration of Dr. Esther Mahlangu’s remarkable artistic legacy.