This autumn, the Serpentine Galleries in London have unveiled a monumental site-specific mural by world-renowned Ndebele artist Esther Mahlangu. Titled Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu, the work will be on display in the garden at Serpentine North from October 4, 2024, to September 28, 2025. This marks Mahlangu’s first public artwork in the UK, celebrating the themes of community and unity. The title, which translates from Ndebele as “I am because you are,” reflects the interconnectedness of people and cultures.
Supported by BMW Group, The Milstein Family, and The Melrose Gallery, this vibrant outdoor mural represents Mahlangu’s mastery of Ndebele shapes and patterns, rendered across sixteen wooden panels. The mural showcases her signature geometric forms and bold colors, a visual language she first learned from her mother and grandmother as a child growing up in South Africa. Mahlangu’s technique—using natural pigments, clay, and even cow dung to create intricate patterns—remains a tribute to her cultural heritage, which she continues to share with the world.
Hans Ulrich Obrist, Artistic Director at Serpentine, shared insights into the artist’s dedication: “When we visited Esther in South Africa, one of the first things she told us is that painting is in her heart and her blood. She created a repertoire of recurring shapes that originated from the walls of her village and condensed it into an artistic language that resonates globally.”
Mahlangu, now 89, has spent decades creating large-scale murals, ceramics, and canvases that reflect Ndebele culture. Her mural at the Serpentine is a continuation of her ongoing mission to share her heritage with international audiences. In addition to this, she was the first woman to be invited to create a BMW Art Car in 1991—a prestigious commission that saw her transform a vehicle into a mobile canvas.
Serpentine CEO Bettina Korek and Obrist praised Mahlangu’s lasting influence: “Esther Mahlangu is one of the most important artists of our time, and her work continues to inspire emerging talents. This mural, in dialogue with Zaha Hadid’s stunning architecture, is a remarkable addition to our public art program. We hope audiences will engage with this work and its celebration of unity.”
Mahlangu’s large-scale installation at the Serpentine further solidifies her place among some of the greatest artists in contemporary public art, joining the ranks of Gerhard Richter, Yayoi Kusama, and Atta Kwami, whose works have also graced this iconic London space.
Reflecting on her mural, Mahlangu expressed pride: “I am proud to present this monumental outdoor work at Serpentine in London. The title Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu means ‘I am because you are’. It is my wish that this painting brings joy to those who see it, celebrating the interconnectedness that exists between our two nations and all living beings.”
Since its inception in 1970, Serpentine Galleries has embraced the concept of extending art beyond the confines of traditional galleries, allowing visitors to experience world-class art in Kensington Gardens. This latest addition to the Serpentine’s legacy of public art highlights Mahlangu’s contribution to global artistic dialogue, honoring her decades of work in sharing Ndebele culture with the world.
For more information about this exhibition, visit Serpentine Galleries’ website.
