Deeply influenced by her Shona heritage and Christian faith, artist Portia Zvavahera’s work explores the realm of dreams. Born in Harare, Zimbabwe, where she is based, she consigns and translates her powerful dreams and spiritual beliefs into large-scale, visually captivating artworks that often feature spectral characters and symbolic animals. Her paintings are richly constructed, blending techniques such as batik and printmaking often found in Zimbabwean textile design. The works form a vision into otherworldly realities, interrogating themes such as family, community, faith, metamorphosis and protection.
Portia Zvavahera, Tinosvetuka rusvingo, 2024 (detail)