BMW – one of the world’s most iconic motoring brand has honoured an international venerated artist – Esther Mahlangu.
BMW Group South Africa has presented Mahlangu with the distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award at the inaugural South African Creative Arts Awards (SACA).
According to BMW, the honour on Mahlangu recognised her exceptional contributions and accomplishments over her 50-year career as a contemporary artist.
Zizi Kodwa, the Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture announced the introduction of the all-encompassing awards celebration in 2023 to recognise individuals who show outstanding artistic and technical achievements in the arts and culture sector.
Alongside the rest of the country, BMW Group South Africa celebrated Mahlangu’s remarkable journey and legacy. And, more sentimentally, the award handover exemplified the valued partnership between the global 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. The distinctive design on the now-iconic BMW 525i Art Car resulted in a standout moment in the art world, with Mahlangu lending her talent to groundbreaking industrial applications of future automotive designs. Her traditional Ndebele elements, synonymous with her style, feature in subsequent work with the BMW brand.
Mahlangu’s portfolio reflects bold and contemporary work that is a canvas for her cultural identity. The Iziko Museums of South Africa and BMW Group South Africa proudly announced the commemorative exhibition, titled “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting”: Esther Mahlangu. A Retrospective. Curated by Nontobeko Ntombela, the ongoing exhibition highlights Mahlangu’s creative evolution across various media and objects. Central to the retrospective is the BMW 525i Art Car, which makes its return to South Africa after over three decades abroad, where it graced other exhibitions.
The retrospective is a comprehensive overview of Mahlangu’s contribution to the art world and offers insight into the unique intersection of tradition, culture, and modernity. The artist’s impact also extends beyond her collaboration with BMW Group – a recognition that the awards ceremony drives home. The vibrant geometric artwork embodies the richness of South African culture and the unwavering spirit of its people.
Thilosh Moodally, BMW Group South Africa Director for Government Affairs and Communications, said: “We are honoured to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Mam’ Esther Mahlangu. We are especially grateful to be in her presence this evening. To witness a living icon – one who has contributed significantly to the innovation that we so greatly believe in – is truly precious. We thank the Minister for introducing this important awards recognition that inspires a nation and beyond. We also thank the country for continuously championing the pioneering work of Mam’ Esther.”
