MASTER
This is Esther Mnguni. She is one of the custodians of Ndebele culture. Esther is a master beader, painter and teacher of traditional Ndebele art forms.
One of One
One of One
brings you UMGWALO's
last royal art icon,
HRH Esther Mnguni.
is a global masterclass tour designed to teach art faculty students
the rare Umgwalo painting technique, a fading tradition practised
by only a few master masons.
The tour began at Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria,
South Africa, on August 2, 2024. Its latest event was held on September 5,
2024, at Alto234 in the Leonardo Hotel, Sandton, South Africa. The next stop
will be at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, USA, later this year.
ORIGINS
The second child amongst nine children of the late Mr Elias Mokgalabi
(Segwadi) Mahlangu and the late Betty Benzangani Mahlangu is
Esther Sibunjwa Mnguni, born on the 1st of December 1942 at Welterverde
(emthambothini) commonly known as Ekhosini,
a place situated in the
gracious lands of Mpumalanga.
UPBRINGING
Growing up surrounded by culture Esther learned the fine arts of beadwork from her mother, Esther started painting at the age of 14 by Ukusinda (plastering with mud) when the allocated piece of wall was dry the art lessons began using cow dung and white coloured soil (soil collected from a place called Kwaligidi).
DESIRE
Esther Mnguni has a passion for sharing her knowledge about her culture and Heritage. Her wish is to see the upliftment of her project, a magnitude of growth that will see the members of the project being able to sustain and provide for their families on a monthly bases, she also hopes to expand her international stakeholders in order to have a thriving import/export business for her crafts.
COLLABORATION
Gogo Esther posing in front of a mural honoring her, painted at her project space in Troya by international graffiti artist, D Bongz. This is only one example of her many collaborations with artists young and old
UMGWALO
Gogo Esther’s work has also been licensed to be replicated on other mediums especially those popular amongst the youth to educate them about their heritage and help preserve culture. These mediums include, clothing, sneakers, sports instruments amongst others.
Awards & Acknowledgements
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Certificate from Little World Museum of Man for her participation in re-configuration projects, which took place from the 11th of September until the 2nd of November 1995 in Japan.
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Service Excellence Award from the Mpumalanga Department of Culture, Sports and Recreation on the 4th of December 2009.
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Certificate of Participation sponsored by Business and Arts South Africa, for her participation in the Mpumalanga Traditional Art Market which was held on the 3rd-5th September 2010.
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Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of valuable contribution (Best women in EXCO) to the Ndebele kingdom (Transversal and Rural development department) on the 4th of December 2014.
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5 years Appreciation Award from the Ndebele kingdom (Transversal and Rural development department) on the 2nd of December 2015.
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Certificate of Honour: in appreciation of the dedication and diligence, for being an unsung Heroine in the field of Arts, Culture and Heritage on the 29th of August 2016.
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Queen Mother Sonengani: Arts and Culture Lifetime Achievement Award on the 16th of December 2017.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Esther Mnguni Mosaic Isle
