Promise Kayne
Promise was born in 1966. He was raised in Gweru and was sent to school for Coloureds (people of mixed race) because his surname seemed like a Coloured name to the Rhodesian authorities. Special Rhodesian subsidies for the education of Coloureds ended with Zimbabwean independence and Promise had to drop out of school because his parents couldn’t afford the higher fees. He was out of work or did manual jobs – the last one as security guard – until he met and married Melania Mazinyani in 1998 and learned to paint from her. His favorite topics are traditional dance, wild animals, and monuments of the past.
Promise’s Work
A FAMILY AT HOME: (sadza painting, 96cm x 66cm)
Ambuya (Grandmother) is grinding on a stone while she is watching over the baby. Temba is walking while their mother, Amai Kuda, is drying the clothes. Chipo is washing the dishes while their elder sister is bringing water.
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This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket at the back of the painting.