Esther Mahlangu Quotes

Cushing, Nathan (17 September 2014). [http://rvanews.com/entertainment/south-african-artist-painting-commissioned-murals-at-vmfa/116911 "South African artist painting commissioned murals at VMFA]". RVA News. Retrieved 24 March 2025.

?What many find interesting about my artworks is that although they are based on traditional Ndebele designs, they are still very modern and current. They can fit into a home or office anywhere in the world and don’t appear dated.”

?Ndebele painting comes from a context of architecture. It is the painting of the house.

?She has spanned the horizon of both painting locally and painting globally.”

?I always watched my mother and grandmother when they were decorating the house,”

?Since being a young child, Esther had a will to paint,”

?To paint is in my heart and in my blood,”

Her works are in major private collections including that of The Contemporary African Art Collection (CAAC) of Jean Pigozzi and in many Western museums. Despite being an internationally recognized artist, Esther Mahlangu still presently lives in her village in close and constant contact with her culture.

?Our young people don’t wear the clothes or respect their forefathers, the girls have hair extensions and wear western clothes. This does not make me feel comfortable. They are vandalising our traditions. This is why I talk to them, try to motivate them with my travels and teach them too about Aids.”