SEE: Customised sneakers by esteemed SA artist worth R7.7m unveiled in Dubai
Dr Esther Mahlangu making international waves, yet again!
The past week we have been talking about billion Rands, thanks to the the UN an Elon Musk's interaction. Here's another one - R7.7 million for a pair of Air Jordan sneakers by an esteemed South African artist, Esther Mahlangu.
This took place at the Expo 2020 Dubai event at the South African Pavilion where a variety of features took place - live performances, souvenirs, interactive investment hubs, and fashion displays.
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Among those events and features, was 'Ayashisa Amateki' which highlighted the sneaker culture in SA and saw South African artists add customise sought-after sneakers with their art.
The Ayashisa Amateki academy was founded by Prince Menzi Mthethwa to teach young people to customise sneakers. He then commissioned SA's treasured artist, Mahlangu, to customise the Air Jordan 1 sneakers.
These sneakers with Ndebele designs hand-painted by Mahlangu using a chicken feather, cost about $500 000 which is about R7.5-million this side. Bid deal, right?
But there's a little bit of a catch - they are not for sale.
READ MORE: Artist surprises museum with blank pieces of art after being paid R1.27-million
Instead, they are being taken on a world tour to pay for scholarships at the Ayashisa Amateki academy.
A unique pair of Air Jordan 1 sneakers customised by our Gogo Dr. Esther Mahlangu were unveiled at the Expo 2020 Dubai. They are valued at around $500,000 or R7.7 million. They're going on a world tour where showcasing fees will pay for scholarships at Ayashisa Amateki academy. pic.twitter.com/z8pKkt3ikW
— Ndzavi Derrick .CBA (@NdzaviDerrick) November 4, 2021
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The sneakers will first be taken on a national tour in South Africa then go to galleries in Paris, London, and New York.
Mthethwa shared with Business Insider,
"We've got a lot of students that have sent us their portfolios that want to study, but they don't have the money. Customising with a chicken feather is very difficult. And sourcing these feathers is a little bit of a challenge as well because we have to get the organic chicken from the Ndebele.
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He continued, "Before it goes to Paris, we're going to do a national tour. We must give South Africans a peak of what we have before it goes out. Our people need to have access to this thing."
Here are some of the scenes from Expo 2020 Dubai:
Dr. Esther Mahlangu will be at the SA pavilion showcasing her beautiful talent to the world & customising the AJ1 sneaker.
— moeti damane (@iamSANhedrin) October 28, 2021
With more than 190 countries in one place, if you're in #Dubai - 25 - 31 Oct 2021#DontSleep on our Folks @MenziMthethwa & @Ayashisaamateki at #Expo2020 pic.twitter.com/RXZmWaXxmz
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Although we feel they should be for sale at some point, it is an amazing initiative and cause that they will help fund the education of young artists in the field.
Halala, Dr Esther Mahlangu!
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Main Image Courtesy: @khawula_musa