Curator Nontobeko Ntombela, will share her knowledge and curatorial insights for “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting: Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective” at Iziko South African National Gallery.
The exhibition features over 100 artworks from around the world, as well as historic photographs and a short film. It offers a comprehensive yet intimate view of Esther Mahlangu’s artistic journey, showcasing her unique approach that blends isiNdebele tradition with modernity and contemporary styles.
Mahlangu’s journey began in the 1940s as a young talent. The title is based on the story she often recounts about how her artistic journey began, saying, “I would continue to paint on the house when [my mother and grandmother] 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.” The exhibition is a testament to Mahlangu’s self-determination, passion, innovation, and resilience. It celebrates her unique approach to art, emphasising her voice, agency, and pioneering spirit.
RSVP HERE
WHAT: Walkabout by Curator Nontobeko Ntombela – Esther Mahlangu Retrospective
WHERE: Iziko South African National Gallery, Company’s Gardens, Cape Town 8001
WHEN: 14h00 Saturday, 9 March 2024
BOOKING: R50 for members, R100 for non-members, students free with a valid student card
INFO: T (083) 480 9189 [Phillippa Duncan] | E friendssang15@gmail.com
See also Esther Mahlangu, A Retrospective at Iziko SA National Gallery
IZIKO South African National Gallery [A]
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