SPEELMAN MAKWE MAHLANGU

(1958 - 2004)

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Speelman Mahlangu (1958-2004), was known as one of the "Big Five" in the Soweto School of Art group. He studied both sculpture and painting at the renowned Katlehong Art Centre, which was established in 1977 and a place of learning for many notable South African artists including Mmakgabo Helen Sebidi, Martin Tose and Simon Masilo. The centre grew out of a collection of individual artists such as Morningstar Motaung, Stanley Nkosi, Napo Mokoena and Lucas Sithole.

Mahlangu’s imagery is distinctly African and his work often encompasses a dreamworld with its roots in Ndebele tribal myths. His iconography draws on traditional practices inspired by his grandfather, who introduced him to the legends and symbolism of animals and ancestor sacrifice. During his life, and following the end of apartheid, Mahlangu was profoundly interested in South Africa's "homecoming" to the African continent, and his work draws one into the realm of southern African icons of traditional life, depicted almost as hieroglyphics.

“My paintings incorporate symbols and patterns from Ndebele murals and Egyptian hieroglyphics,” said Mahlangu. They often describe things that one cannot see but can only feel. My themes include an exploration and spiritual, mythical ideas of the world to come. The role of music in African life and traditional rituals, African pots, human figures, calabashes and drums emerge from semi abstract shapes. A dream dreaming us.”

SPEELMAN MAHLANGU | FOREVER RIDING THE BULL | 7 - 29 OCTOBER, 2022 | REQUEST PORTFOLIO

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

2022
Forever Riding the Bull, Everard Read, London, UK

2019
Legacy of a Gentle Man, Everard Read, Cape Town, South Africa

2006
Retrospective, Everard Read, Johannesburg, South Africa

2003
Everard Read, Cape Town, South Africa

2000
Everard Read, Cape Town, South Africa

1997
Everard Read, Cape Town, South Africa

1991
Botswana National Museum, Gaborone, Botswana

1982
FUBA Gallery, Johannesburg, South Africa
Design Animations, Johannesburg, South Africa

SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS & PROJECTS

2025
10 Years | Summer 2025, Everard Read, London, UK

2024
Investec Cape Town Art Fair, with Everard Read, Cape Town, South Africa
EXPO CHICAGO, with Everard Read, Chicago, USA

2023
Investec Cape Town Art Fair, with Everard Read, Cape Town, South Africa
Director’s Selection, Everard Read, London, UK
Natural Habitat, 16 on Lerotholi, Cape Town, South Africa

2022
Investec Cape Town Art Fair, with Everard Read, Cape Town, South Africa
Summer Sculpture, Riverhill Gardens, UK

2021
Oasis: 25th anniversary exhibition, Everard Read, Cape Town, South Africa

2020
Staring Straight to the Future, online exhibition, Everard Read, South Africa & UK
Journeys of the Mind, Everard Read, Franschhoek, South Africa

2018
Opening exhibition of the Norval Foundation, Cape Town, South Africa

2017
Bronze, Steel & Stone II, Everard Read, London, UK

1995
Commissioned to paint a mural for the Johannesburg International Airport, South Africa

1990
Three-man exhibition, Sanderling Gallery, Johannesburg, South Africa

1990
Town Country, Everard Read, Johannesburg, South Africa

1990
Afrika Now, Sanderling Gallery, Johannesburg, South Africa

1982
Multiracial art, Vaal Triangle, South Africa
Two-man exhibition, Amadlozi Art Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa
BMW Tributaries, touring South Africa and West Germany
Operation Hunger, Southern Sun, South Africa
Volkskas Atelier, South African Association of Arts, Pretoria, South Africa
Awarded first prize for sculpture, University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
Market Graphics, Johannesburg, South Africa
Group show, Sanderling Gallery, Johannesburg, South Africa

1980
Awarded first prize, New Signatures, South African Association of Arts, Pretoria, South Africa

1977
Solo, DH Williams Hall, Johannesburg, South Africa