Esther Mahlangu: To Paint is in My Heart
About
Esther Mahlangu: To Paint is in My Heart is a captivating exploration of the life and work of the iconic South African painter, one of the most influential artists of Pan-African Contemporary Art.Esther Mahlangu is globally acclaimed for her bright and bold abstract paintings with vivid, geometric patterns that are rooted in South Africas Ndebele artistic tradition. She was a disruptor from an early age, becoming the first person to reimagine Ndebele visual artistic stylehistorically used for decorating houseson painting media such as canvas, and has become a much-loved cultural ambassador of the Ndebele Nation.Esther Mahlangu: To Paint is in My Heart celebrates Mahlangus remarkable journey as a pioneer of contemporary African art, whose vibrant and distinctive paintings have captured the hearts of many worldwide. Through a series of interviews with Mahlangu conducted by Hans Ulrich Obrist, Azu Nwagbogu, and Thomas Girst, readers will gain insight into her creative process, inspiration, and the cultural significance of her work. With stunning visuals and engaging narratives, this book offers an inspiring experience to the reader.
Why it’s great
One of the most influential artists in Pan-African Contemporary Art, Esther Mahlangu was the first person to reimagine Ndebele geometric wall painting, historically applied on house exteriors, as fine art on canvas, BMW Art Cars, and international gallery walls. This captivating exploration of her life and work reveals how a visually rich, tradition-rooted language became a globally celebrated contemporary practice.
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