In a groundbreaking collaboration between the Iziko Museums of South Africa and BMW, audiences are invited to delve into the vibrant world of Esther Mahlangu through an enthralling retrospective titled “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting”. Curated by the insightful Nontobeko Ntombela, this exhibition stands as a testament to Mahlangu’s extraordinary journey spanning over five decades, showcasing her evolution into a globally acclaimed contemporary artist.

Unveiling its treasures at the Iziko South African National Gallery on February 18, 2024, the retrospective promises a visual banquet, providing a window into Mahlangu’s pioneering career until August 11, 2024. Following its debut in South Africa, the exhibition will embark on a worldwide tour, commencing at the Wits Art Museum in Johannesburg before making its international mark in the United States in early 2026.

A pivotal moment in Mahlangu’s illustrious career was her groundbreaking collaboration with BMW in 1991, where she became the first African and woman to embellish a BMW Art Car with her distinctive designs. This fusion of African artistry with contemporary automotive design marked a watershed moment in the annals of art history. The retrospective proudly showcases Mahlangu’s BMW 525i Art Car, making a poignant return to South Africa after over three decades.

Recently selected to participate in the esteemed 60th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, curated by Adriano Pedrosa, Mahlangu continues to shatter boundaries and redefine the contours of contemporary art. Curator Nontobeko Ntombela reflects on Mahlangu’s journey with reverence, underscoring her unyielding passion, innovation, and resilience.

“The retrospective pays homage to Esther Mahlangu’s distinctive approach to art, seamlessly interweaving African cultures with modernity and the contemporary,” Ntombela remarks. “It celebrates Mahlangu’s indomitable spirit and pioneering voice, encapsulating her profound self-expression, determination, and limitless creativity.”

Through a tapestry of color and form, the exhibition meticulously traces Mahlangu’s unparalleled contributions to contemporary art across seven decades. Featuring over 100 artworks from esteemed global collections, accompanied by archival photographs and a captivating short film, the exhibition offers audiences an immersive odyssey into Mahlangu’s enduring artistic legacy.