Every time Zander and I land at Cape Town airport, he turns to me with a smile and says, “Mom, I love the happy vibe I hear and feel.” There’s an energy in the air. People laugh, chat, and call out to each other from across the room, effortlessly bridging the distance with their voices. It’s a world away from the quiet of Switzerland where silence is respected, even legally enforced. So, after touching down, we always grab a coffee and take a moment to soak in the lively atmosphere and tap into the city’s heartbeat.

Though my ancestors likely lived in Europe centuries ago, I feel African blood running through my veins. In the past six months, I have attended two art exhibitions focused on Africa, both at the invitation of my German friends. The artwork’s vibrant colours, joyful energy, and authenticity deeply resonated with me, stirring a longing for South Africa.

Esther Mahlangu                                     

The first exhibition I attended was of Esther Mahlangu’s work at the Iziko Museum in Cape Town with my friend Ulrike in June 2024. Mahlangu, a legendary South African visual artist, is renowned for her vibrant murals featuring traditional Ndebele patterns. This exhibition celebrated her nearly seven-decade-long contribution to contemporary art, showcasing over 100 carefully curated pieces from prestigious international collections.

In Southern Ndebele culture, it is a tradition for women to paint the exteriors of their homes with these intricate patterns, a skill Esther learned at the age of ten from her mother and grandmother. In 2018, at 83 years old, Dr Mahlangu was honoured with two honorary doctorates to recognise her immense contribution to the art world.

Collaboration with major brands

Her groundbreaking work has led to iconic global collaborations with brands and names such as Rolls-Royce, BMW, Fiat, South African Airways, John Legend, Belvedere Vodka, The Smithsonian Museum, Freshpak Rooibos, and many more. She said,

Through my art, I have seen the world. In turn, the world learned about my Ndebele heritage.  I speak isiNdebele, I walk isiNdebele, and I wear isiNdebele.

Esther Mahlangu rose to international fame through an iconic BMW advertising campaign. I had the privilege of seeing the legendary BMW 525i Art Car, which returned to South Africa for the first time in over 30 years.

She was also the first artist in the world commissioned to create an artwork for the exclusive “gallery” of a new Rolls-Royce Phantom, which was fittingly named ‘The Mahlangu’ in her honour.

African Art in Basel, Switzerland

My German friend Darja invited me to an African art exhibition in Basel. The theme was “When We See Us.” It was significant to learn that the Zeitz MOCAA Museum of Contemporary Art Africa in Cape Town had curated and organised the exhibition, as I worked right across from that impressive museum.

The artwork was grouped by themes, each accompanied by a description. Themes, such as Everyday Life, Joy, and Spirituality, resonated deeply, reflecting my experiences with African cultures. The exhibition also powerfully captured the conflict between the world’s expectations of Africa and the vision that Africa aspires to be.

Everyday life

Beauty is woven into our daily lives. We often discover it in games, meaningful work, or during moments of rest. Artists remind us that home isn’t just a place; it’s a feeling rooted in the warmth of community. We find this warmth in the laughter in backyards, conversations on the front porch, tending to gardens, and gathering around dinner tables. Here, elders impart their wisdom, and we experience family love, whether blood-related or not. Everyone becomes an Aunt or Uncle.

While we may have few material possessions, we are rich in togetherness. We find joy in the simple rhythms of carrying water, reading, running, knitting, enjoying a beer, or braiding hair. Together, we celebrate the richness of life and cherish the simple pleasure of just being.

Spirituality

Our spirituality is an integral part of our everyday lives, woven into the fabric of who we are. It is rich and complex, guiding us in understanding the universe and improving our lives. We take pride in our triple heritage of indigenous cultures, Christianity, and Islam.

Our spirituality provides a space for rituals, ceremonies, and storytelling. Through ritual dance, we transcend the present while the sacred texts and prayers from various traditions cleanse and renew our spirits. We discover peace and meaning in this blend of ancient wisdom and modern faith.

Joy

Life is all about savouring every moment, and we know how to throw a celebration. Whether at a friend’s gathering or during a lively street festival, we embrace the warmth of joy. We have a knack for turning any moment into a celebration, believing occasions deserve song and dance.

We possess the voices and the movements to bring our celebrations to life. While we thrive on the energy of coming together, we also value the quiet moments of rest and solitude. We savour life in all its rhythms.

My love for Africa and its people

I am grateful to my German friends for enjoying African art with me. The exhibitions reflected and reaffirmed my deep love for Africa and its people, who truly master the art of living in the moment.

Regards

Emsia