Gogo Esther making history (halala)

The first time I came across Gogo Esther’s work was when a friend of mine and I decided that we wanted to take a trip to KwaNdebele to get some Ndebele chokers. These accessories were selling like hot cakes and I was not going to miss out on that. I made a few calls to get information on accommodation in that area and one of the Managers of a lodge there mentioned Gogo Esther. He was surprised that I had never heard of her. This was about 2 years ago. So I took it upon myself to google her and her beautiful work. I felt highly ignorant just perusing through her Wikipedia resume. I blogged about her work and shared her info just in case there was someone else out there in Africa especially Joburg who had never heard of Gogo Esther. Since that day she continues to make waves and not only in SA but also globally. She has been honoured with a mural in New York city displaying her artistry.

” When I first came to New York to attend the Pratt Institute in 2009 I didn’t imagine that this would be a city I would have a child in, create lasting memories in, let alone have success in my artistry in. Creating a mural in honor of an artist I’ve known all my life, in a city that isn’t welcoming to many, feels unreal”

“It feels like an aligning moment many of us have when the universe co-creates with us and is in agreement with our path. To you NYC,I present Xola, (Stay in Peace) –((A South African Name I named my daughter–* Alignment*))) a piece that is representative of a feminine energy force that is all encompassing, inclusive and awe-inspiring. Xola welcomes you to charge and open your divine feminine here amidst all that tries to stand against you. This is my form of resistance and protest– my expression”.

The piece is located in Tribeca and spans across two lanes, across Franklin Street and West Broadway’s Citi Bike station, reports the Huffington Post. MuralistImani Shanklin Roberts, modeled the painting after Mahlangu’s famous Ndebele symbol work, and says that the painting evokes a “feminine energy.” She shared an aerial image of the piece on her Instagram page.

The mural was unveiled last week, in a partnership between South African Tourism’s US office, South African Airways and Citi Bike. If this does not inspire you to believe and trust in your purpose I am not sure what will , black child.

I love this caption from Instagram by @imaniniasr

When beautiful people in one of Manhattan’s most expensive neighborhoods capture and appreciate your African x Feminine powered piece enough to track its progress from work & home windows — you have to remain affirmed that your purpose and language is powerful!

#grateful@citibike@southafricantourism#wowsouthafrica#esthermahlangu#art#mural#imanisr#purpose#TriBeCa#artxafrica#dotart#okayafrica