Esther Mahlangu, 89, born in the rural town of Middelburg, Mpumalanga, South Africa, is a globally renowned artist who has brought the traditional art of the Ndebele people to the international stage. Her bold and vibrant geometric patterns, rooted in Ndebele culture, have transcended their origins as wall murals and become a key element of contemporary art worldwide. Mahlangu has dedicated her life to preserving and innovating Ndebele art, transforming it from a regional practice into a globally celebrated form of artistic expression.
Here are some facts about the South African art icon: