A BLACKSMITH AND HIS HELPERS BUSY WORKING
signed By: SKpta lower right
acrylic on canvas
42 x 47cm; 16 1/2 x 18 1/2in
unframed

Property of a Private Collector, Germany

Provenance
Hamburg, Auktionshaus Kendzia, 25 November 2023, lot 765
Acquired at the above sale by the present owner

Stephen Kappata was born in Barotseland protectorate, a Western province of Zambia as a son of Angolan immigrants. During the Colonial and Federal days, he worked in Rhodesia and South Africa. He held many varied jobs including: clerk, builder, post-office worker, officer, ticket clerk, and a series of positions in the Zambian Ministry of Agriculture.

Kappata began painting full time after taking retirement in 1969/70. He was self-taught, aided through tutorial sessions with a Zairean painter. His first exhibition was at the Mpapa Gallery in 1986.

His work addresses three main themes which include Zambian traditions, political aspects of the colonial and post independent eras, and contemporary issues including race relations and domestic violence. His unique style combines traditional and contemporary influences, reflecting the tension between urban and rural narratives. Kappata's ability to freeze moments in time and convey complex themes through his visuals position him as an important figure in Zambia's art scene.

Kappata held numerous solo shows including in Finland, France, Royal Festival Hall in London, and the Nayuma Museum in Zambia. In addition, he participated in group shows as well as the Cuba Biennial in 1989.

Kappata has works in private collections in the Glasgow Life Museum, Scotland, London, Germany, Zimbabwe, and New York. He is featured in a number of journals including African Arts.