Portrait of Cookie Annie Mavata

This portrait of Annie Mavata, praised by many critics at an international exhibition in Australia the year in which it was painted, is indicative of Kay’s meticulous style of portraiture.

The subject matter, of a working-class woman, no doubt employed in a white household, is designed to be socially representative rather than serving as any form of social critique. The painting’s gentle lines and muted palette are typical of Kay’s mature style. 

Artwork courtesy of Pretoria Art Museum.