Meet Nontobeko Ntombela, Curator of “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting” the Esther Mahlangu Retrospective which opened with Ma Mahlangu present at Iziko South African National Gallery.
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Nantobeko Ntombela, Afrika Melane (MC)
Nontobeko gives us the full title “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting” and tells us that despite Dr Esther Mahlangu’s work having been represented internationally, this is the first time we are able to see a projection of her work over the past 50 years. In South Africa there has not been a complete retrospective and this will also be the first time that her BMW Art Car has returned since shown locally in 1991.
Nontobeko Ntombela, has worked for 15 years in art institutions and is currently a lecturer at Wits University. Her focus has been on black women artists. She was appointed to curate this retrospective by Melrose Gallery that represents Dr Esther Mahlangu.
The exhibition covers a range of 100 works from the period 1991 to 2023, reflecting the way her work has evolved. Having the Art Car returned to South Africa adds to this being a special occasion.
The archive of photographs, from 1980 to 1923 shows and explains her work and the journey of Ma Mahlangu over this period. – it’s a map of her history as an artist.
“A celebration we have been waiting for,” concludes Nontobeko Ntombela!
WHAT: Esther Mahlangu “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting”
WHERE: Iziko South African National Gallery,
WHEN: February 18 until August 11, 2024
INFO: T 021 481 3970 | VISIT
See also Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective at Iziko SA National Gallery | ESTHER MAHLANGU 80 at UCT Irma Stern Museum
IZIKO South ASfrican National Gallery [A]
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