Esther Mahlangu

Acquired directly from the artist by the present owner

Dr. Esther Mahlangu is a renowned artist celebrated for her vivid geometric paintings, deeply rooted in Ndebele culture. For over seven decades, Mahlangu has worked with large-scale, site-specific installations, a practice she began as a child, learning the art of house painting from her mother and grandmother. Her work, often characterized by bright colors and bold patterns, honours the matrilineal traditions of her heritage, offering a modern interpretation of ancient Ndebele techniques. In 2024 she was honoured with a major retrospective at Iziko South African National Gallery. This October, Serpentine Galleries will unveil Mahlangu’s first public artwork in the UK: a monumental site-specific mural, Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu ("I am because you are"), celebrating concepts of community and unity.