Dr. Esther Mahlangu is known for bold abstract paintings with geometric patterns rooted in the South African Ndebele nation’s tradition of mural painting. Passed between generations of women, the murals are painted freehand with a chicken-feather brush, without a ruler, prioritizing straight lines and balance. By continuing this tradition she honors the women who used patterns as secret codes to share prayers, emotional journeys & collective values.

In 1991 she was the first woman and person from African to participate in the BMW Art Car Collection alongside artists like Warhol, Calder and Stella. Julie Mehretu was selected for 2024.

Mahlangu’s works are in museums globally including the Centre Pompidou, Hirshhorn Museum, Brooklyn Museum and Iziko South African National Gallery. Recent activity in 2024 includes a retrospective at the Iziko Museum, Cape Town, which traveled to the Wits Art Museum, Johannesburg, and will travel to the US in 2025; a painting in Giants at the High Museum, Atlanta; and a large mural at the Serpentine Gallery. Earlier in 2024, she was in the 60th Venice Biennale.