Esther Mahlangu is creating mural waves
Renowned Ndebele mural painter Esther Mahlangu has been honoured by a local food company featuring her art designs on its products.
Her colourful designs have for the past few weeks featured in Tiger Brands’ most popular products – Albany bread and Tastic. Speaking to Sowetan at her Mpumalanga home, Mahlangu said she was approached by Tiger Brands a few months ago, and that it was an honour to have her signature drawing and name engraved on the company’s food products.
“When they asked for my permission, I allowed them. I am excited to see my designs on their products. It shows that they appreciate my work. I would love people to use my drawings anywhere, but they must ask for my permission. When I came back from Portugal recently, I bought borotho (bread) and saw the designs; I was happy. I have decided to keep the plastic rappers for memories,” she said.
The artist has an honorary doctorate in visual and performing arts conferred on her by the Durban University of Technology. She was honoured alongside former Ukhozi FM boss Welcome Bhodloza Nzimande, and Sipho Mchunu of Juluka. Last week, Mahlangu returned from a trip to Portugal where she was commissioned to design a hotel and a church. “I turned that place into Ndebele area though there are no Ndebeles living there,” she said.
In 2016, Mahlangu collaborated with Belvedere Vodka and US singer John Legend to create labels for a limited range of Belvedere Vodka bottles.
“John Legend sent me his ornaments so that I could design those using Ndebele drawings. I know John, his wife and their child and it is always a pleasure working with them,” she concluded.
SowetanLive
“When they asked for my permission, I allowed them. I am excited to see my designs on their products. It shows that they appreciate my work. I would love people to use my drawings anywhere, but they must ask for my permission. When I came back from Portugal recently, I bought borotho (bread) and saw the designs; I was happy. I have decided to keep the plastic rappers for memories,” she said.
The artist has an honorary doctorate in visual and performing arts conferred on her by the Durban University of Technology. She was honoured alongside former Ukhozi FM boss Welcome Bhodloza Nzimande, and Sipho Mchunu of Juluka. Last week, Mahlangu returned from a trip to Portugal where she was commissioned to design a hotel and a church. “I turned that place into Ndebele area though there are no Ndebeles living there,” she said.
In 2016, Mahlangu collaborated with Belvedere Vodka and US singer John Legend to create labels for a limited range of Belvedere Vodka bottles.
“John Legend sent me his ornaments so that I could design those using Ndebele drawings. I know John, his wife and their child and it is always a pleasure working with them,” she concluded.
SowetanLive
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