FRIEZE LONDON.
FRIEZE LONDON.
Since 2004, BMW is proud to have partnered with Frieze London, the world’s greatest Contemporary Art Fair. From October 9 to 13, Frieze London and Frieze Masters will return to London’s Regent’s Park. For five days visitors can enjoy artworks from over 160 contemporary galleries across almost 30 different countries, showcasing a range of contemporary and historical pieces for a broad audience.
This year’s BMW Lounge is inspired by the work of Esther Mahlangu (b. 1935, South Africa), a pioneer in Pan-African contemporary art, who in 1991 was the first woman to create a BMW Art Car and has just presented her most recent mural at Serpentine Gallery.
BMW LOUNGE: ESTHER MAHLANGU
Acknowledged within South Africa as a living legend, Esther Mahlangu has become renowned for her vibrant geometric designs which are based on traditional Ndebele motifs. Mahlangu’s iconic work drew international attention after her inclusion in the Centre Pompidou’s 1989 group exhibition “Magiciens de la Terre (Magicians of the Earth),” where she painted a replica of her house in front of visitors.
Mahlangu began painting at ten, learning traditional Ndebele techniques from her mother and grandmother; using natural pigments mixed with clay and painting by hand with chicken feathers. Mahlangu explores acrylics on canvas to broaden colours and is celerated for creating large-scale works over the past eight decades.
“Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu”, presented in the garden at Serpentine North in collaboration with the BMW Group and The Melrose Gallery, supported by Benjamin Milstein, is Esther Mahlangu’s first public mural in the UK. Painted over sixteen wooden panels, the work depicts traditional Ndebele shapes and patterns outlined with a black border. The title of the work translates directly from Ndebele as “I am because you are", emphasising the importance of communities and unity among humans and other living species.
"I am proud to present this monumental outdoor work at Serpentine in London. 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." – Artist Esther Mahlangu
BMW LOUNGE COLLABORATORS.
RUSSELL TOVEY.
In celebration of cultural exchange and to honour her work, actor, collector and Talk Art host Russell Tovey has curated the BMW Lounge with a selection of artworks by female, queer, and artists of colour from his private collection saluting joy and inclusivity. Tovey is an admirer of Mahlangu’s colourful abstract expressionism and selected works reflecting on Mahlangu’s practice. This display is purposely presented in a mid-century lounge environment mirroring Tovey’s own home.
“Mahlangu’s geometric work inspires me deeply, the freedom that can be found within her paintings and her practice resonates throughout my collection. To live with these images has felt calming and has satisfied the curiosity and enthusiasm that I long for in an image.” - Russell Tovey
NICHOLAS DALEY.
Community, craftsmanship and culture lie at the heart of Nicholas Daley’s work. Having graduated from Central Saint Martins in 2013, the London-based designer launched his eponymous brand in 2015. Embedded in his lineage, his practise intertwines personal narrative with wider black British and diasporic themes, incorporating tradition, authenticity, and diversity. Inspired by the patterns and vibrant colours of Mahlangu's work and his latest AW24 collection, ‘Anansi Rhythm’, Nicholas Daley designed outfits for the BMW hosts and furnishing elements in the lounge. Both artists use their work as a medium to connect with the past, present, and future, preserving and sharing the unique stories of their communities.
“Esther Mahlangu is is one of the most important artists of our time who continues to inspire emerging talents. Mahlangu is a polymath who brings art into society. This is a wonderful moment to celebrate Serpentine’s friendship with the artist and honour her work in the UK. We’re grateful to all our partners who have made this fantastic project possible and particularly BMW for their support, and we hope audiences will engage with the piece and the unique surroundings of The Royal Parks”. – Bettina Korek, CEO, and Hans Ulrich Obrist, Artistic Director, Serpentine
