Serpentine is showcasing a unique site-specific mural by the renowned artist Esther Mahlangu starting this autumn. The monumental painting, titled "Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu" (translated as "I am because you are" in Ndebele), marks her first public artwork in the UK. It will be presented in the garden at Serpentine North from October 4, 2024, until September 28, 2025, symbolising concepts of community and togetherness.
Celebrated for her vibrant geometric paintings rooted in Ndebele culture, Mahlangu has created large-scale works for over eight decades. Her journey began at the tender age of ten, learning traditional Ndebele techniques from her mother and grandmother.
Mahlangu's artistic process involves using natural pigments mixed with clay, soil, and cow dung, which she applies directly to exterior structures in her village. Instead of relying on stencils and tape, she paints intricate lines and shapes by hand using chicken feathers and various brushes. Her works also extend to acrylic paintings on canvas, allowing for the exploration of different scales and a broader colour palette.
In Serpentine North's garden, "Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu" emerges as Mahlangu's first public mural in the UK. Painted across sixteen wooden panels, it showcases Ndebele patterns and shapes outlined with bold black borders.
Commenting on the project, Bettina Korek, CEO, and Hans Ulrich Obrist, Artistic Director of Serpentine, expressed their admiration for Mahlangu's talent and influence on emerging artists. “Esther Mahlangu is one of the most important artists of our time who continues to inspire emerging talents. We met for the first time in 1989 at the 'Magiciens de la Terre' exhibition and, today, the dream of a Serpentine mural has come true. Mahlangu is a polymath who brings art into society. This new vibrant work resonates with Zaha Hadid's spectacular architecture and follows presentations of public artworks which include Gerhard Richter, Yayoi Kusama and Atta Kwami.”
They acknowledged the longstanding friendship between Serpentine and Mahlangu, tracing back to their first meeting in 1989 at the "Magiciens de la Terre" exhibition. “This is a wonderful moment to celebrate Serpentine's friendship with the artist and honour her work in the UK."
Mahlangu's monumental work at Serpentine will be accompanied by a new book published by Thames & Hudson, chronicling her life and artistic journey. The project is supported by BMW, and Mahlangu expressed her pride in presenting this outdoor masterpiece. “It is my wish that this painting brings much joy to those who see it in celebration and recognition of the interconnectedness that exists between our two nations and indeed all living beings."
Mahlangu's work gained international recognition in 1989 when it was featured in the seminal exhibition "Les Magiciens de la Terre" in Paris. Since then, she has participated in various exhibitions and created numerous site-specific murals, as well as ceramic pots, skateboards, and trainers. In 1991, she became the first woman invited to design the BMW Art Car, a prestigious commission showcasing unique car designs through artistic techniques. Currently, her work is part of the 60th International Biennale di Venezia, curated by Adriano Pedrosa, and is on view until November 24, 2024.
Serpentine's commitment to bringing art beyond traditional gallery spaces into the surrounding landscape began in 1970, offering artists opportunities to engage with Kensington Gardens' immediate environment. Notable public art presentations include Anish Kapoor's "Turning the World Upside Down" in 2010, Fischli/Weiss's "Rock on Top of Another Rock" in 2013, Bertrand Lavier's "Fountain" in 2014, Lee Ufan's "Relatum – Stage" in 2018-19, and Christo and Jeanne-Claude's "The London Mastaba" in 2018.
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