Esther Mahlangu
b.1935, South Africa
b.1935, South Africa
BIOGRAPHY
Esther Mahlangu paints bold, geometric canvases inspired by the patterns and palettes of Ndebele house painting and beadwork. The South African artist, a member of the Ndebele nation herself, began painting at 10 years old with guidance from her mother and grandmother. Her iconic abstractions have since found fans around the world. Mahlangu has painted murals, collaborated with brands including BMW and Rolls-Royce, and exhibited extensively both inside and outside South Africa.
Celebrities such as John Legend, Oprah Winfrey, Trevor Noah, and Swizz Beatz have all collected her work. Despite Mahlangu’s international success, the artist still opts to live in her small village in the Mpumalanga province, where she has set up an art school in her backyard. There, she shares her deep knowledge of Ndebele painting and beadwork with young, blossoming artists.
Celebrities such as John Legend, Oprah Winfrey, Trevor Noah, and Swizz Beatz have all collected her work. Despite Mahlangu’s international success, the artist still opts to live in her small village in the Mpumalanga province, where she has set up an art school in her backyard. There, she shares her deep knowledge of Ndebele painting and beadwork with young, blossoming artists.
SELECTED WORKS
— Available Works