Esther Mahlangu Tribute to Nelson Mandela

Today is the last day to go and take a look at the important collection artwork that was unveiled by the internationally acclaimed Ndebele artist Esther Nikwambi Mahlangu inspired by Mr Nelson Mandela in association with The House of Mandela at the Melrose gallery in Johannesburg.

The paintings are drawings which were initially created by Mr Nelson Mandela but now embellished by Esther Mahlangu’s Ndebele touch were unveiled for the first time since they were created in 2004, almost 13 years ago. The paintings are said to be one of the kind as Esther Mahlangu is said the first artist to transfer traditional Ndebele mural painting style into a canvas

Report Focus caught up with the iconic Ndebele artist and this is what she had to say, “My whole life I’ve been trying to preserve Ndebele mural painting “uku gwala”, I even opened a school in my own yard teaching young ones how to do mural painting, so this exhibition means a lot to me as I am preserving my heritage while I am honoring South Africa’s well known hero”.

We also asked Mahlangu why she took so many years before she could publicize her paintings and she said, “I finished the paintings long ago, Mandela was still alive, it wasn’t up to me on when the paintings would be released as there are many procedures that had to be done” and the artist also added the fact that collector’s edition will be signed by her and the revenue that she will get, she will open an art school.

Among the six breath-taking paintings there are other several paintings which were created by Esther Mahlangu and if you are interested  the exhibition will be still on today from 10h00 to 17h00. For more information the gallery can be contacted at 083 777 6644 or at craig@themelrosegallery.com