Dr. Esther Mahlangu
Ukuthula Makube Nawe (Peace Be With You), 2024
Acrylic on canvas
78 3/4 x 315 x 2 in (200 x 800 x 5 cm)
In her monumental work, Ukuthula Makube Nawe (Peace Be With You), Dr. Esther Mahlangu imparts a resonant message of peace that traverses cultural and national boundaries. This towering artwork not...
In her monumental work, Ukuthula Makube Nawe (Peace Be With You), Dr. Esther Mahlangu imparts a resonant message of peace that traverses cultural and national boundaries. This towering artwork not only captivates visually but invites viewers to embrace a philosophy of peace and balance—qualities that have marked her seven-decade-long career as a custodian of Ndebele heritage and a global artistic voice.
Dr. Mahlangu’s abstract style, characterized by bold geometric forms and vibrant colors, communicates on an intuitive level. In Ukuthula Makube Nawe, there is no prescribed symbolism; rather, the composition’s forms and hues are harmoniously positioned to evoke tranquility, embodying an essence of sacred geometry that seeks not literal meaning but a feeling of balance. This pursuit of calm and equilibrium has been central to Mahlangu's practice, reflecting her mastery in creating spaces for contemplation and grounding.
As the title suggests, “Peace Be With You” is both invitation and reminder. In a time of global tensions and rapid transformations, Dr. Mahlangu’s call for peace resonates profoundly. As an elder whose career has spanned nearly nine decades, she brings her life’s work to this significant moment, creating a serene environment where viewers are encouraged to pause and reflect.
Dr. Mahlangu’s contributions to contemporary art are recognized internationally, with many accolades from leading institutions. Her recent mural unveiling at the Serpentine in London saw the institution honor her as “one of the most important artists of our time.”
As Dr. Mahlangu reflects, "When you view one of my paintings, it's not so much a message that I am aiming to convey but rather a feeling of peace, balance, and harmony."
Dr. Mahlangu’s abstract style, characterized by bold geometric forms and vibrant colors, communicates on an intuitive level. In Ukuthula Makube Nawe, there is no prescribed symbolism; rather, the composition’s forms and hues are harmoniously positioned to evoke tranquility, embodying an essence of sacred geometry that seeks not literal meaning but a feeling of balance. This pursuit of calm and equilibrium has been central to Mahlangu's practice, reflecting her mastery in creating spaces for contemplation and grounding.
As the title suggests, “Peace Be With You” is both invitation and reminder. In a time of global tensions and rapid transformations, Dr. Mahlangu’s call for peace resonates profoundly. As an elder whose career has spanned nearly nine decades, she brings her life’s work to this significant moment, creating a serene environment where viewers are encouraged to pause and reflect.
Dr. Mahlangu’s contributions to contemporary art are recognized internationally, with many accolades from leading institutions. Her recent mural unveiling at the Serpentine in London saw the institution honor her as “one of the most important artists of our time.”
As Dr. Mahlangu reflects, "When you view one of my paintings, it's not so much a message that I am aiming to convey but rather a feeling of peace, balance, and harmony."