Scope Miami, 8m Painting

In her monumental work, Ukuthula Makube Nawe (Peace Be With You), Dr Esther Mahlangu imparts a resonant message of peace that traverses cultural and national boundaries. Debuting at SCOPE Miami, this towering artwork not only captivates visually but invites viewers to embrace a philosophy of peace and balance — qualities that have marked her seven-decade-long career as a custodian of Ndebele heritage and a global artistic voice.

Title: Ukuthula Makube Nawe — 'Peace Be With You'
Dimensions: 8m × 2m, acrylic on canvas
Exhibition: First public unveiling at SCOPE Miami during Miami Art Week

Dr Mahlangu's abstract style, characterised by bold geometric forms and vibrant colours, communicates on an intuitive level. In Ukuthula Makube Nawe, there is no prescribed symbolism; rather, the composition's forms and hues are harmoniously positioned to evoke tranquility, embodying an essence of sacred geometry that seeks not literal meaning but a feeling of balance. This pursuit of calm and equilibrium has been central to Dr Mahlangu's practice, reflecting her mastery in creating spaces for contemplation and grounding.

As the title suggests, 'Peace Be With You' is both invitation and reminder. In a time of global tensions and rapid transformations, Dr Mahlangu's call for peace resonates profoundly. As an elder whose career has spanned nearly eight decades, she brings her life's work to this significant moment, creating a serene environment where viewers are encouraged to pause and reflect.

A Year of Celebrated Activations

Dr Mahlangu's contributions to contemporary art are recognised internationally, with accolades from many leading institutions. Her recent mural unveiling at the Serpentine in London saw the institution honour her as 'one of the most important artists of our time.' As she approaches her 89th birthday, she continues to reach new audiences, presenting Ukuthula Makube Nawe and a solo exhibition at SCOPE with The Melrose Gallery and a solo Kabinett at Art Basel Miami with The Jenkins Johnson Gallery.

These exhibitions build on a year of celebrated activations, including BMW's honouring of her as artist of Frieze London 2024 and a solo show at 1-54 New York, solidifying her legacy.

Through the support of The Melrose Gallery, Dr Mahlangu's exclusive global representative, her practice continues to reach new audiences, fostering a vision of peace that transcends boundaries. As Dr Mahlangu reflects, "When you view one of my paintings, it's not so much a message that I am aiming to convey but rather a feeling of peace, balance, and harmony."