The art studio is a space where Malanga can display his work and make it easily accessible to the community.
To provide space to house the artwork of Dr Estelle Mahlangu during her illustrious career, coal company Tungela has donated an art studio at her home in Mthamposini, KwaNdebele County, Mpumalanga.
The frail and outspoken artist said she was happy with the studio: “I don't know what to say, but I'm very happy,” she said.
The handover took place on Thursday in KwaNdebele, where Mahlangu still lives. The art studio is a dedicated space for Mahlangu to display his artistic heritage and make it easily accessible to the community.
It is hoped that the presence of her work will inspire future generations of talented creatives in the region.
“It really feels good to be recognized like this,” she said.
When asked if she still has the energy to teach and mentor young artists, the 88-year-old bursts into a winsome laugh.
“I don't know what to say, but I'm still strong.”
She previously founded the Esther Mahlangu School of Fine Arts in her village and has been instrumental in preserving and passing on traditional Ndebele painting techniques to younger generations.
Also read: Esther Mahlangu's customised Air Jordans worth R7 million
Tourism Promotion
It is also hoped that the art studio will boost tourism in Mpumalanga.
“As South Africa celebrates Heritage Month, Tungela is honoured to contribute to the legacy of an iconic figure who brought Ndebele art to global renown,” said Tungela CEO July Ndlovu.
“This studio is not just for me, it is for the entire KwaNdebele people. Today I am filled with gratitude and I would like to thank Tungela, the Mpumalanga provincial government, our traditional leaders and all the partners who have been involved in making this art studio happen,” Mahlangu said.
At Strauss & Co.'s inaugural auction in Pretoria earlier this month, a 2014 untitled abstract painting by Malanga sold for R187,600.
Related article: Ndebele artist Estelle Mahlangu assaulted and robbed in her home
World famous
Last year, Malanga was one of six artists who transformed a 100% electric BMW i5 into a unique generative art canvas.
The AI (artificial intelligence) generates all-new abstract animations based on styles learned from classical and contemporary art, and projects them onto the car.
Mahlangu has had a successful collaboration with German car brands for over 30 years.
The Ndebele artist is the first woman to have a work of art commissioned on a BMW 525i sedan.
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