BMW Group South Africa has recently honored the internationally renowned artist Esther Mahlangu with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the inaugural South African Creative Arts Awards (SACA). This recognition comes after Mahlangu’s exceptional contributions and accomplishments over her 50-year career as a contemporary artist.
The Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, announced the introduction of the SACA awards celebration in 2023 to acknowledge individuals who demonstrate outstanding artistic and technical achievements in the arts and culture sector. Mahlangu’s remarkable journey and legacy were celebrated by BMW Group South Africa, highlighting the valued partnership between the automotive giant and the globally acclaimed visual artist that spans over 30 years.
In 1991, BMW Group selected Mahlangu as the 12th Art Car artist, making her the first African and the first woman commissioned to create a BMW Art Car. Her distinctive design on the BMW 525i Art Car marked a groundbreaking moment in the art world, showcasing her traditional Ndebele elements that have since become synonymous with her style.
The ongoing exhibition, “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting”: Esther Mahlangu. A Retrospective, curated by Nontobeko Ntombela, showcases Mahlangu’s creative evolution across various media and objects. Central to the retrospective is the BMW 525i Art Car, making its return to South Africa after over three decades abroad.
Thilosh Moodally, BMW Group South Africa Director for Government Affairs and Communications, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to honor Mahlangu, stating, “To witness a living icon – one who has contributed significantly to the innovation that we so greatly believe in – is truly precious.” The retrospective exhibition not only celebrates Mahlangu’s impact on the art world but also highlights the vibrant richness of South African culture and its people.