Few figures in contemporary art currently stand out as much as Esther Mahlangu. With her customary bright geometric patterns inspired by the traditional Ndebele style, Mahlangu has been a cultural ambassador of South Africa for quite some time, crossing its borders with her strong aesthetic.
A new book, Esther Mahlangu: To Paint is in My Heart, will be released in January 2025. It will offer readers an intimate look into her life, creative process, and cultural significance. Contributing authors include leading voices such as Hans Ulrich Obrist, Azu Nwagbogu, and Thomas Girst. This book provides an in-depth look into Mahlangu’s artistic legacy.
This 144-page book contains 97 colour illustrations that capture the essence of Mahlangu’s work. Her colourful abstract paintings, emblematic of African geometric abstraction, represent this style in which she was the first to translate murals into canvas works. Mahlangu’s innovation transformed the Ndebele tradition from a local custom into a global symbol of African creativity.
One of the many highlights of this book is a series of interviews chronicling Mahlangu’s rise from a South African rural village to international galleries and collaborations with global brands such as BMW. Through them, the reader might discover the secrets of Mahlangu’s creative process and the deep cultural roots that nurture her work.
In an early review, John Legend described the book as a “treasure trove” that invites readers into Mahlangu’s “rich cultural tapestry.” There is little doubt that this might not be a book for art historians alone but for anyone who moves with and values the connectedness of people and culture through art.
Koyo Kouoh, the executive director of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, describes Mahlangu’s work as “the infinite spectrum of African geometric abstraction.” Her bright patterns evoke a heavy sense of tradition, but they take that feeling to the very edge of modernity. In a sense, this combination of heritage and innovation has made her one of Africa’s most significant living artists.
As another fan, Trevor Noah points out that Mahlangu’s art is a testament to the power of creativity and culture. Larry Ossei-Mensah, curator, calls the work an invitation into her world: the vibrant hues dance with tradition. The palpable enthusiasm marks the release date for To Paint is in My Heart.
With its stunning imagery, personal outlook, and insightful commentary, Esther Mahlangu’s To Paint is in My Heart will be a welcome addition to anyone’s bookshelves and to all interested in contemporary African culture. Mahlangu tells a story of endurance, innovation, and the capability of art to be out of time and place simultaneously. But this book celebrates her work while inviting the reader into the larger story of her artistry, a resilient living tradition that has mesmerised the world.