The Iziko South African National Gallery is showcasing a retrospective of Dr Esther Mahlangu, one of South Africa’s most cherished artists, from February to August. The exhibition titled ‘Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting: Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective,’ showcases over 100 artworks, historic photographs and a short film, and celebrates Mahlangu’s distinct artistry that weaves African traditions with modernity and contemporary styles. This audacious exhibition offers an intimate view into Mahlangu’s colourful career and acts as a celebration of an utterly unique art form and an artist who has become an emblem of South African artistic talent, resilience, and creativity.
Starting February, the Iziko South African National Gallery opens to showcase a comprehensive retrospective of Dr Esther Mahlangu, one of South Africa’s most cherished artists. The exhibition named ‘Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting: Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective,’ pays homage to Mahlangu’s illustrious career that spans more than five decades.
Starting February, the Iziko South African National Gallery opens to showcase a comprehensive retrospective of Dr Esther Mahlangu, one of South Africa’s most cherished artists. The exhibition named ‘Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting: Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective,’ skillfully curated by Nontobeko Ntombela, pays homage to Mahlangu’s illustrious career that spans more than five decades.
This retrospective emphasizes Mahlangu’s global recognition in the contemporary art sphere, displaying her intrinsic knack for creating large-scale, bold artwork. The imposing exhibition will be accessible to the public from 18th February till 11th August, before it embarks on an international tour starting at the Wits Art Museum in Johannesburg, and subsequently transitioning to the United States in early 2026.
Undertaking the colossal task of manifesting this retrospective is the Melrose Gallery, the global representative of Mahlangu, and the outcome is nothing less than breathtaking. The exhibition traces Mahlangu’s significant contributions to contemporary art over nearly seven decades, employing colour and form as its primary lexicon.
The exhibition showcases more than a hundred artworks, sourced from international collections, which have been carefully curated. Accompanying these are historic photographs and a short film, adding depth to the exhibition’s narrative. A standout piece in the collection is Mahlangu’s BMW 525i Art Car, which makes a return to South Africa after more than three decades. In 1991, Mahlangu made history as the first woman and the first African to contribute to the prestigious BMW Art Car Collection.
Beyond the outstanding art pieces, the exhibition provides an intimate view into Mahlangu’s colourful career. As per curator Nontobeko Ntombela, “Mahlangu’s journey is a testament to passion, innovation, and resilience.”
The retrospective not only celebrates Mahlangu’s distinct artistry, which weaves African traditions with modernity and contemporary styles but also her assertiveness, dynamism, and innovative spirit. It encapsulates her expression, autonomy, and creativity.
Mahlangu’s journey into the arts began as a young ten-year-old girl, under the tutelage of her grandmother and mother in the early 1940s. Despite their mild disapproval, she reminisces about painting on their house during breaks. Over time, Mahlangu’s artistic prowess evolved significantly. “Then I knew I was good at painting,” she would later reflect, a sentiment that now serves as the retrospective’s moving title.
‘Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting: Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective’ is more than just an exhibition. It’s a tribute to a trailblazing icon who has made an unforgettable mark on contemporary art. This exploration of Mahlangu’s vivid career provides viewers a rare peek into the life and work of an artist who has consistently pushed the envelope and surpassed expectations.
The exhibition’s excellent curation, the wide array of works displayed, and the immersive experience it offers make it an unmissable event. This audacious retrospective works not merely as an exploration of Mahlangu’s work, but as a testament to her lasting influence. It acts as a celebration of an utterly unique art form, and an artist who has become an emblem of South African artistic talent, resilience, and creativity.
The exhibition is named ‘Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting: Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective,’ and it pays homage to Dr Esther Mahlangu, one of South Africa’s most cherished artists.
Dr Esther Mahlangu is known for her distinct artistry that weaves African traditions with modernity and contemporary styles.
The exhibition showcases over 100 artworks, historic photographs, and a short film, providing an intimate view of Mahlangu’s colourful career.
Mahlangu’s BMW 525i Art Car, which makes a return to South Africa after more than three decades, is a standout piece in the collection. In 1991, Mahlangu made history as the first woman and the first African to contribute to the prestigious BMW Art Car Collection.
The exhibition will be accessible to the public from 18th February till 11th August, and it will subsequently embark on an international tour starting at the Wits Art Museum in Johannesburg before transitioning to the United States in early 2026.
The exhibition celebrates Mahlangu’s lasting influence and acts as a celebration of an utterly unique art form, and an artist who has become an emblem of South African artistic talent, resilience, and creativity.
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