Prof Moloko Sepota, Dr Esther Mahlangu, Prof Puleng LenkaBula and Dr Dan Mosia. Photo : Unisa
Unisa conferred the Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) to internationally acclaimed Ndebele artist Dr Esther Mahlangu in recognition of the profound mathematical principles embedded in her breathtaking and mesmerising artwork.
Mahlangu was awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics at a graduation ceremony at the Unisa Muckleneuk Campus in Pretoria on Tuesday.
Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Puleng LenkaBula said Unisa recognises Mahlangu’s work as something that transcends art.
“It is our firm conviction that her work is a form of mathematics and should be recognised as such.” She added that Unisa, as an African university, is committed to recognising and affirming indigenous knowledge systems to ensure that they do not play second fiddle to other knowledge systems in the world,” said LenkaBula
GLOBAL RECOGNITION
Mahlangu is credited with translating traditional Ndebele designs, typically used for house decoration, onto contemporary mediums like canvases and car bodies.
Since she started painting with her grandmother at 10, her artistic journey has flourished internationally for over seven decades.
Her artworks represent artistic mastery and serve as a bridge between tradition and contemporary art, keeping the Ndebele artistic heritage alive.
Her art has gained international acclaim. She has participated in exhibitions in over 20 countries, painted murals in eight cities, and collaborated with prestigious institutions and brands.
She received three honorary doctorates in visual and performing arts before Unisa’s.
She was appointed as an Officer of Arts and Letters (Officier de L’Ordre Arts et Lettres), France’s highest decoration for contributing to the arts.
In 2020, she became the first artist in the world to be commissioned to create an artwork for the gallery of a new Rolls-Royce Phantom named “The Mahlangu” in her honour.
Notably, she was the first woman and African artist to be featured in the BMW Art Car Collection in 1991.
In addition, earlier this year, she was awarded the distinguished Lifetime Achievement award at the inaugural South African Creative Arts Awards (SACA) for her exceptional global contributions as a contemporary artist.