Esther Mahlangu’s new BMW artwork to be auctioned in London

ESTHER Mahlangu is an 81-year-old artist from Mpumalanga Province in South Africa. At the tender age of 10 years old, she was trained by her mother and grandmother in the traditional art of Ndebele wall painting.

Ever since Mahlangu has devoted her life to embracing her traditional roots and promoting the evolution of Ndebele painting. Her work is a testament to the integrity and sensitivity with which she promotes her people's culture through art.

A quarter of a century ago, Mahlangu became the first woman to create artwork on a BMW 525i Sedan. She decorated it with the bright colours and unique ornamental shapes, typical of Ndebele art and made a ‘BMW Art Car’.

This year she has again collaborated with BMW and refined her original approach on the BMW 7 Series. She transformed the luxury sedan into a dynamic work of art by painting her characteristic motifs on the real wood interior trims.

The unique vehicle/artwork will be unveiled and sold to the highest bidder at the FRIEZE Art Fair in London which runs from October 6-9. All proceeds are to be donated to The Art Room charity, which assists 5-16 year olds who are experiencing emotional and behavioural difficulties. READ MORE