Esther Mahlangu
Peintre
Alexandra de Cadaval has dedicated her life to the art and culture of the world, mainly to traditional crafts which, in many cases, are on the verge of extinction.
On one of her trips to Africa, she discovered the art of Ndebele mural painting and, as a result, Esther Mahlangu, the most recognized and important Ndebele artist.
The impact is immediate.
“From the first time I discovered Esther Mahlangu’s ornamental works, I thought the messages were beautiful, and I always wondered how we could transpose these designs into our homes,” explains Alexandra de Cadaval.
It was then that the tapestry project began to take shape.
“The passionate energy behind the project stems from Alexandra de Cadaval’s love of the art of ornamentation and her vast experience of world culture, to which she has devoted her entire life.”
Alexandra de Cadaval met Esther Mahlangu in 2016 during a visit to her village in South Africa.
Having developed a keen interest in the art of ornamentation in sub-Saharan Africa, Alexandra was inevitably drawn to the mural painting traditions of the Ndebele and Esther Mahlangu.
His works