Limited edition prints at Mahlangu’s ‘Madiba’ show
ESTHER Mahlangu – the first woman to adorn a BMW sedan with Ndebele paintings – will pay tribute to Nelson Mandela’s foray into the art world with her collection at Johannesburg’s Melrose Gallery.
The paintings were created by the 81-year-old Mpumalanga artist in 2004‚ where she embellished prints of drawings created by Mandela in her inimitable style.
Mahlangu will unveil the collection on March 1 to VIP guests‚ including the Mandela family.
From March 2 to April 2 the exhibition will be open to the public. Gallery director Craig Mark said collectors could buy a set of limited edition prints.
“The set of six signed prints in a special collector’s edition box with certificate signed by Dr Makaziwe Mandela launches at R60 000. They are limited to 95 sets‚” said Mark.
More than two decades ago‚ Mahlangu shot to fame when she adorned a BMW 525i sedan with the bright colours and ornamental shapes typical of Ndebele art, transforming it into a BMW Art Car. Last year she again joined forces with the German car manufacturer to transform a luxury sedan into a work of art by painting her motifs on the wood interior trims of a BMW seven series.
It was exhibited at the Frieze Art Fair in London last year.
Back home, Mahlangu is focusing on her latest creations.
The exhibition will include several of her more recent paintings. — TMG