On 9 October 2024, the Serpentine unveiled a new site-specific mural by artist Dr Esther Mahlangu. On view in the garden at Serpentine North from 4 October 2024 to 28 September 2025, this monumental work celebrates the themes of community and unity.
Umuntu Ngumuntu Ngabantu, exhibited in the garden at Serpentine North, marks Esther Mahlangu's first public mural in the UK. Comprising sixteen wooden panels, the mural features traditional Ndebele geometric shapes and patterns, meticulously outlined with bold black borders. These vibrant, abstract designs are emblematic of Mahlangu's signature style and deeply rooted in her cultural heritage. The work not only reflects the rich visual language of Ndebele art but also embodies the values of community and interconnectedness suggested by its title.
Esther Mahlangu’s artistic practice is deeply rooted in the traditions of her Ndebele heritage, yet her work transcends cultural boundaries, positioning her as one of South Africa's most globally recognized contemporary artists. Born in 1935, Mahlangu began painting at age 10, learning from the women in her community who adorned the walls of their homes with vibrant geometric patterns using natural pigments. These bold, abstract designs have since become synonymous with Ndebele culture, serving as expressions of identity, resistance, and cultural preservation.
Mahlangu’s distinctive approach involves the use of flat, vivid colors and sharply defined geometric shapes, often applied freehand with great precision. While her work maintains a strong connection to Ndebele visual language, she has expanded its application to various mediums, from traditional mural painting to collaborations with global brands, such as BMW and Rolls-Royce, translating Ndebele aesthetics into contemporary contexts.
In response to this moment, Dr Esther Mahlangu said: “I am proud to present this monumental outdoor work at Serpentine in London. The title ‘Umuntu ngumuntu ngabuntu’ means ‘I am because you are’. 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”.