Dr Esther Mahlangu’s iconic art car has finally returned back to South Africa after inspiring people around the world for over 30 years. Ever wondered how they get cars into museums? Take a look:
Cape Town, South Africa (26 January 2024) — In anticipation of legendary Ndebele artist Dr Esther Mahlangu’s lifetime exhibition, “Then I knew I was Good at Painting”, her iconic art car has finally returned home to South Africa for the first time in over 30 years.
One of the most famous canvases in history, the car (a BMW 525i) was the beginning of Dr Mahlangu expanding her creative reach to the world and was painted in 1991. Aptly, it drove her talent from big city to big city on global tours from Washington DC to Hong Kong; further securing Ndebele art and Dr Mahlangu’s place on the map.
Its creation also meant that Dr Mahlangu became the first ever non-Western and first female artist to earn the BMW commission. Others who added their touch to the art cars were Frank Stella, David Hockney and Andy Warhol.
The talented Ndebele artist and fans are set to see her creation back on home tar as part of her upcoming exhibition. But, her colourful cruiser was already installed at the Iziko Museum in Cape Town yesterday, 25 January.
Ever wondered how they get cars into museums? Take a look:
Look! Dr Esther Mahlangu’s Iconic Art Car Returns Home
Photo Credit: Nigel Pamplin/ Iziko
Photo Credit: Nigel Pamplin/ Iziko
Photo Credit: Nigel Pamplin/ Iziko
Photo Credit: Nigel Pamplin/ Iziko
Photo Credit: Nigel Pamplin/ Iziko
Photo Credit: Nigel Pamplin/ Iziko
Photo Credit: Nigel Pamplin/ Iziko
The upcoming ‘Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting’ exhibition will explore seven decades of Esther’s magic from 18 February until 11 August before heading off to Wits and then on a global tour. You can explore the world created by one of South Africa’s most acclaimed artists at the Iziko Museum in Cape Town, where her art car will be among the 100 artworks present.
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