About

The launch of a book published by Thames and Hudson titled 'To Paint is in My Heart' will be hosted in the Screening Room at 1-54 London. A captivating exploration of the life and work of the iconic South African artist Esther Mahlangu, one of the great innovators of Pan-African Contemporary Art. Esther Mahlangu is globally acclaimed for her bright and bold abstract paintings that are rooted in South African Ndbele art. She was a disruptor from an early age, becoming the first person to reimagine her visual heritage, historically used for decorating houses, on painting media such as canvas. Mahlangu is one of the most influential artists of Pan-African Contemporary Art. Esther Mahlangu: To Paint is in My Heart celebrates Mahlangu’s remarkable journey as a pioneer and innovator of contemporary African art, whose vibrant and distinctive paintings have captured hearts worldwide. Through a series of interviews with Mahlangu conducted by Thomas Girst, Azu Nwagbogu, and Hans Ulrich Obrist, readers gain insight into her creative process, inspiration, and the cultural significance of her work—in the artist’s own words. With a foreword by Nontobeko Ntombela, the curator of Mahlangu’s major 2024 traveling retrospective exhibition, this book presents stunning visuals and engaging narratives, offering an inspiring experience to the reader. About the Authors: Thomas Girst has been the global Head of Cultural Engagement at the BMW Group since 2003. He is the author of several books, including The Duchamp Dictionary, also published by Thames & Hudson. Azu Nwagbogu is the Founder and Director of the African Artists’ Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting African art and artists, and is also the Founder of the annual LagosPhoto Festival. Hans Ulrich Obrist is the Artistic Director of the Serpentine Galleries, London, a widely published author, and internationally renowned curator