The globally recognised and multi award winning visual artist Dr Esther Mahlangu’s iconic BMW 525i art car is set to make its way to Cape Town for the first time since it was painted, over 30 years ago.
Dr Esther’s relationship with the German car brand was officiated in 1991 when she not only painted the BMW 525i but, made history as the first African woman to paint a BMW, infusing African art with high level luxury car.
The 89-year-old Ndebele visual artist started painting at the tender age of 10 years. A first born of nine children, she has cemented the Ndebele cultural heritage in many museums across the world.
The retrospective titled,” Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting” will be on view at Iziko Museum in Gardens, Cape Town, from February 18 to August 11. The iconic car will then begin its global tour, visiting the Wits Art Museum in Johannesburg, later moving to the United States around 2026.
Speaking on the relationship between Dr Esther and the German car brand, BMW Group South Africa CEO, Peter van Binsbergen expressed that the exhibition celebrates the artist and her legacy and the beautiful relationship between their brand and the iconic visual artist that started over 30 years ago.
He added:
“We are especially excited about the return of the BMW Art Car to South African soil – a significant symbol of our shared history and appreciation for art that transcends boundaries.”
Sharing the news on their social media, Dr Ester’s Instagram page posted the iconic car captioning it:
“Dr Esther Mahlangu’s BMW Art Car returns home for the first time in over 30 years for her Retrospective Exhibition at the Iziko SA National Gallery. The exhibition is open to the public from 18 February to 11 August 2024.”
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