Lockdown has been a restless time for the Zimbabwean artist Portia Zvavahera.
As an artist who draws inspiration from dreams and introspection, peace and quiet are essential to her process. The rising star’s ethereal work is filled with transcendent imagery that allows the viewer to peek beyond the veil of earthly existence. But amid the chaotic noise of the wider world this year, Zvavahera was struck by creative paralysis.
In search of inspiration, she fled her studio in Harare to seek refuge in the mountains and found herself able to pick up a brush after turning to prayer and reconnecting with the natural world. The resulting paintings are the subject of a show opening at David Zwirner in London on September 15. “Portia Zvavahera: Ndakavata pasi ndikamutswa nekuti anonditsigira” (a Shona title which translates to, “I took my rest in sleep and then I awoke for He sustained me”) includes five large-scale paintings.
We spoke to the artist about her ideal conditions for creativity and why she refuses to plan.
What are the most indispensable items in your studio and why?
I often have floral designs in my paintings, but recently I’ve been more inspired by the colors and shapes of coral reefs. To achieve these on the canvas, I use beeswax for batik and for color separation. I use the wax as a stencil, so I need that, and cardboard, to print.