As Frieze London and Frieze Masters prepare to return to Regent’s Park from October 9 to 13, BMW continues its longstanding partnership with Frieze by honoring the groundbreaking work of South African artist Esther Mahlangu. This year marks a significant milestone in Mahlangu’s career, as her works and collaborations with BMW take center stage in an array of cultural events during Frieze week.
BMW has been a global partner of Frieze since 2004, fostering a deep connection with the art world through its Art Car program, cultural engagement, and collaborations with trailblazing artists. Among the luminaries featured, Esther Mahlangu stands out not only for her contributions to the program but also for her role as a pioneering figure in Pan-African contemporary art. In 1991, Mahlangu became the first woman and African artist to create a BMW Art Car, transforming a BMW 525i into a vibrant canvas of Ndebele patterns. This historic creation began a decades-long relationship between BMW and Mahlangu, inspiring future collaborations and culminating in a profound celebration of her artistry at Frieze London 2024.
A Monumental Mural in London’s Serpentine Garden
One of the highlights of this year’s Frieze is the unveiling of Mahlangu’s first public mural in the UK, titled “Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu”—a Ndebele phrase that translates to “I am because you are”. The 16-panel mural, presented by BMW and Serpentine, is installed in the Serpentine North garden and features Mahlangu’s signature Ndebele shapes and bold patterns, outlined with a striking black border. This monumental work emphasizes the interconnectedness of communities and the unity of all living beings, a central theme in Mahlangu’s practice.
Mahlangu herself expressed pride in bringing her unique artistic vision to London, stating, “It is my wish that this painting brings much joy to those who see it in celebration and recognition of the interconnectedness that exists between our two nations and indeed all living beings.”
Russell Tovey Curates in Dialogue with Mahlangu’s Work
At the BMW Lounge at Frieze London, renowned actor and art collector Russell Tovey presents a curated selection of pieces from his private collection, responding to Mahlangu’s works. As the co-host of the Talk Art podcast, Tovey is known for his deep appreciation of abstract and geometric art, and he has long been inspired by Mahlangu’s vibrant compositions.
Tovey’s curated collection, featuring works by female, queer, and artists of color—including Etel Adnan, Matt Connors, Carmen Herrera, and Jadé Fadojutimi—enters into a rich dialogue with Mahlangu’s “Ndebele Abstract” and “Ndebele Abstract 2022”. During Frieze week, Tovey will share his personal connection to Mahlangu’s work during a talk at the BMW Lounge, where he will explore the profound impact her geometric abstractions have had on his collection.
Celebrating Mahlangu’s Legacy: A Retrospective and Book Launch
Beyond the visual celebrations at Frieze, BMW is also proud to sponsor the first interview publication on Mahlangu’s life and career, “Esther Mahlangu: To Paint is in My Heart”, published by Thames & Hudson. This exclusive publication delves into Mahlangu’s artistic journey through interviews with esteemed curators Hans Ulrich Obrist, Azu Nwagbogu, and BMW’s cultural engagement lead, Thomas Girst. The book will be pre-launched during Frieze London, with a special book signing event on October 9 featuring the editors.
Mahlangu’s legacy is further cemented by a global retrospective, “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting”, which opened earlier this year at the Iziko Museums of South Africa and is set to travel to the Wits Art Museum in Johannesburg in November. The exhibition showcases Mahlangu’s over 50-year career, spotlighting her rise as a contemporary art icon. Her famous BMW 525i Art Car, part of this exhibition, made its return to South Africa after more than 30 years.
Frieze Music: Arlo Parks Headlines a Night of Inspiration
In addition to celebrating visual art, BMW continues its collaboration with Frieze through Frieze Music, an initiative that merges music with the arts. This year, contemporary Indie-Pop sensation Arlo Parks will perform at the iconic KOKO Theatre in Camden on October 10. Parks, whose poetic lyrics and intelligent songwriting have earned her critical acclaim, will bring her unique sound to Frieze Music, continuing a tradition of powerful performances at the intersection of art and music.
Since its launch at Frieze Los Angeles in 2019, Frieze Music has featured artists like Moses Sumney and Loyle Carner, offering musicians a platform to connect with the art world in meaningful ways. Parks’ performance promises to be a highlight of the week, bridging creative expressions through song and dialogue.
A Tribute to Artistic Legacy and Cultural Exchange
Frieze London 2024 promises to be a landmark event for BMW’s cultural engagement, shining a light on Esther Mahlangu’s trailblazing work and her enduring impact on both the art and automotive worlds. Through the unveiling of her public mural, a curated exhibition by Russell Tovey, and the launch of her first interview publication, this year’s Frieze showcases the profound dialogue between art, culture, and community—values that both BMW and Mahlangu champion. As audiences explore the intersection of art, music, and design, BMW’s support of these creative endeavors ensures that cultural exchange remains at the forefront of Frieze London.
