Tanda rima | Portia Zvavahera
Opening 17 February 2026
Norval Foundation presents Tanda rima, a major exhibition by leading contemporary Zimbabwean artist Portia Zvavahera, opening on Tuesday, 17 February 2026 at 6pm as part of the Investec Cape Town Art Fair (ICTAF) programme.
Based in Harare, Zvavahera is internationally recognised for her deeply expressive and rhythmic paintings that move fluidly between the physical and spiritual realms. Drawing from dreams, memories and lived experience, her works give visual form to intimate inner worlds, resulting in richly layered compositions infused with colour, symbolism and emotional intensity.
“Norval Foundation is pleased to present an exhibition of works by Portia Zvavahera, following her recent institutional exhibitions in the USA, Germany, France and beyond,” says Caroline Greyling, Museum Director at Norval Foundation. “Opening during a dynamic period for the local art industry and launching an exciting week of exhibitions and programming across Cape Town, we believe both local and international audiences will find deep resonance in Zvavahera’s vivid imagery and her exploration of core human experiences, including life and loss.”
The exhibition title, Tanda rima, loosely translates from Shona as “Chase away the darkness” and builds on the artist’s 2023 Cape Town exhibition Pane rima rakakomba (“There’s too much darkness”). Rooted in the language through which the artist lives, thinks and dreams, the works presented reflect an intimate and vulnerable narrative shaped by themes of motherhood, care, spirituality and personal transition.
The exhibition includes three new works, among them Gamuchirai minamato (“Receive my prayer”), depicting figures gathered in communal prayer beneath a tree, and Nzimbo tsvene (“A holy place”), introducing angelic figures guiding souls toward divine sanctuary. Inspired by prayers for the artist’s grandmother, these works speak to protection, peaceful passage and spiritual illumination. A recurring luminous tree motif reinforces themes of sanctuary, hope and transcendence throughout the exhibition.
Tanda rima is curated by Tayla Hollamby. Norval Foundation extends sincere thanks to Portia Zvavahera and to the team at Stevenson, with special acknowledgement to Sophie Perryer and David Brodie for their generous support.
