Most of the time, we often read about icons in history books or as people from countless centuries ago. One of the greatest honours it is to live among icons and witness their existence and impact in a current context. Dr Esther Mahlangu is a perfect example of this. A cultural icon of our time whom we are blessed to experience.
In the latest unveiling of the first edition of 𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑟 𝐼𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠, a celebration of those whose impact transcends borders and time, the 89 year old custodian of Ndebele art graces their inaugural cover, where she’s interviewed by the dynamic PR entrepreneur, Sheila Afari.
On Friday, 28th February, 2025, Previdar unveiled Previdar Icons, a new editorial series honouring cultural pioneers whose influence extends beyond their craft, shaping history as they go. And there could be no one more fitting to inaugurate this platform than Dr Esther Mahlangu, a woman whose brush has painted history, redefined legacy, and ensured the vibrancy of Ndebele art on a global stage.
Shot through a lens that captures more than just her artistry, this cover is a testament to the power of heritage, preservation, and the gift of passing knowledge forward. In conversation with Sheila Afari, Dr Mahlangu offers rare insight into her lifelong commitment to teaching younger generations, her upcoming global exhibitions, and the release of Esther Mahlangu: To Paint is in My Heart, a book that immortalises her journey.
In the latest unveiling of the first edition of 𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑟 𝐼𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠, a celebration of those whose impact transcends borders and time, the 89 year old custodian of Ndebele art graces their inaugural cover, where she’s interviewed by the dynamic PR entrepreneur, Sheila Afari.
On Friday, 28th February, 2025, Previdar unveiled Previdar Icons, a new editorial series honouring cultural pioneers whose influence extends beyond their craft, shaping history as they go. And there could be no one more fitting to inaugurate this platform than Dr Esther Mahlangu, a woman whose brush has painted history, redefined legacy, and ensured the vibrancy of Ndebele art on a global stage.
Shot through a lens that captures more than just her artistry, this cover is a testament to the power of heritage, preservation, and the gift of passing knowledge forward. In conversation with Sheila Afari, Dr Mahlangu offers rare insight into her lifelong commitment to teaching younger generations, her upcoming global exhibitions, and the release of Esther Mahlangu: To Paint is in My Heart, a book that immortalises her journey.
In my community, art is not something you do alone. It’s part of life, passed down from one generation to the next, Mahlangu shares.
At 89, her work continues to inspire, not only through exhibitions in Miami, London, and Switzerland but in the hands of the young artists she mentors—ensuring that the patterns of her ancestors are never forgotten.
Something to note about this feature is how it’s not a ceremonial concept, but just seeing a living culture icon of our time as a cover star captured on a random day in February as opposed to a particular niche celebration like heritage month, where a feature of this type would normally be covered. This does not mean ceremonial features are not important, they matter, but this has a different and refreshing feel to it. It is no secret that Dr Mahlangu represents her culture by living it; she lives it. Basically, she just does it, like the other brand and you can’t help but love her and also love it for the young artists who learn from her.
Read full cover interview <here>
Something to note about this feature is how it’s not a ceremonial concept, but just seeing a living culture icon of our time as a cover star captured on a random day in February as opposed to a particular niche celebration like heritage month, where a feature of this type would normally be covered. This does not mean ceremonial features are not important, they matter, but this has a different and refreshing feel to it. It is no secret that Dr Mahlangu represents her culture by living it; she lives it. Basically, she just does it, like the other brand and you can’t help but love her and also love it for the young artists who learn from her.
Read full cover interview <here>
Tags:
Spotlight