Portia Zvavahera

Zvavahera's paintings are filled with transcendent imagery that allows the viewer to peek beyond the veil of earthly existence. Her vivid imagery is rooted in the cornerstones of our earthly existence, and her process of alternating painting and printing results in images that communicate complex emotions in a play of tension and release. This catalogue surveys work made since 2017, including her much-lauded contribution to the 2022 Venice Biennale.

Format: Hardback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 05 January 2023
Publisher: David Zwirner

Zvavahera's ethereal paintings are a captivating exploration of the human experience, inviting viewers to peer beyond the confines of earthly existence. Through her vivid imagery, she gives form to emotions that transcend the ordinary and emerge from other realms and dimensions. Rooted in the fundamental aspects of human existence, such as life, death, pain, pleasure, isolation, connection, and love, her artwork evokes a profound sense of introspection.

In her paintings, Zvavahera draws from a rich visual vocabulary, featuring women, her family, and shape-shifting animals in both metaphorical and fantastical scenes. Intricate patterns derived from her own floral or classical Zimbabwean designs are incorporated into her artwork, creating a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. Her unique process of alternating painting and printing results in images that convey complex emotions through a interplay of tension and release.

The result is a deeply personal body of work that delves into the nature of the human condition. As Zvavahera herself asserts, "It is me in the paintings. I can only speak about myself." This catalogue showcases seventy-five of Zvavahera's stunning paintings, accompanied by detailed reproductions and installation views. Additionally, it includes a new essay by curator Meredith Brown and an insightful interview with the artist conducted by writer Allie Biswas. The catalogue spans her artistic journey since 2017, including her notable contribution to the 2022 Venice Biennale.

Zvavahera's paintings invite us to embark on a journey of self-discovery and contemplation, offering a glimpse into the depths of the human psyche and the vastness of the universe. Her artwork continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, captivating hearts and minds with its ethereal beauty and profound emotional impact.

Weight: 1252g
Dimension: 247 x 289 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781644230718