BMW Individual 7 Series by Esther Mahlangu

Esther Mahlangu was the first woman to use a BMW 525i Sedan as a canvass for art. Mahlangu, a South African artist, was an expert in Ndebele art which includes bright colors and unique ornamental shapes. Now on her second BMW Art Car, Mahlangu worked on a BMW 7 Series in collaboration with the BMW Individual Manufaktur. The result was a luxury sedan with a very dynamic work of art painted on real wood interior trims.

BMW Individual Manufaktur specialists developed a special white-colored fine-wood trim that the artists can use as canvass. To protect the art and ensure longevity, the images were sealed after painting. The unique car will be present, for the first time, at the Frieze Art Fair from 5- 9 October, in Regent’s Park, London. The car will also be up for silent auction, with proceeds donated to charity.

Esther Mahlangu is currently 81 years old and she considers it a great opportunity to work with BMW. “To paint is in my heart and it’s in my blood. The way I paint was taught to me by my mother and my grandmother. The images and colours have changed and I have painted on many different surfaces and objects but I still love to paint. The patterns I have used on the BMW parts marry tradition to the essence of BMW. When BMW sent me the panels to paint, I could see the design in my head and I just wanted to get started! I start by painting the small ones first to get the feel of the surface and then it was easy as the design follows the lines of the panels.

My art has taken me all over the world and I have seen many places, I have painted many walls and objects and my work is in many museums but I am still Esther Mahlangu from Mpumalanga in South Africa. My heart was full of joy when BMW asked me again to paint for them,” says Esther.

Dr Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of the BMW AG, said: “Within the framework of the long-term partnership with Frieze and Frieze Masters, we are combining our cultural engagement with BMW Individual for the very first time. I am delighted that we have been able to work again with Esther Mahlangu, an exceptional artist and someone I remember well from my time in South Africa. Together with experts from BMW Individual Manufaktur and BMW Group Design, Esther has created a unique work of art – a BMW Individual 7 Series that forms an extraordinary relationship between craftsmanship and Ndebele art.”

The BMW Individual 7 Series used is a right-hand drive vehicle. It has features from the comprehensive BMW Individual Collection plus additional BMW Individual Manufaktur details. It stands elegantly on 20-inch BMW Individual light alloy wheels in V-spoke styling 649 I. The overall appeal is enhanced by the BMW Individual Pure metal Silver body paint.

To add to the already long list of great features, BMW Individual full fine-grain Merino leather in Smoke White/Black were used for the interior. It is of the best quality and will cater to the most picky of customers.