Through her vibrant painting, Imba Yerumbidzo (House of Praise), displayed at the Fondation Louis Vuitton, Portia Zvavahera harmoniously merges African culture and Christian convictions, infused with her profound experiences of prophetic dreams. Taking place from the 17th of October, 2024, to the 3rd of March, 2025, this captivating piece testifies to the artist’s deep-seated faith, as roughly sketched silhouettes evoke the presence of guardian angels in white garments, shimmering against a backdrop of carmine and purple-brown hues. These ethereal beings, born from Zvavahera’s dreams, emphasize the intersection of Christian convictions and indigenous Zimbabwean beliefs, honoring the presence of divine guidance in her life.
The inspiration behind Imba Yerumbidzo, stems from a transformative experience in France, where Portia Zvavahera had a powerful dream during a period of physical and emotional turmoil. In her vision, she saw angels, clad in white garments, steadfastly following her, offering comfort and solace. This revelatory experience ignited the creation of Imba Yerumbidzo, a poignant representation of hope, resilience, and divine guidance. As Portia Zvavahera brought her vision to life, she drew upon her technical mastery to overcome the challenges of capturing her dream on canvas.
The painting’s large scale, measuring over 17 meters tall, was a deliberate choice, driven by Zvavahera’s determination to do justice to her transformative dream. Despite never having worked on such a grand scale before, she persevered, recognizing that a smaller representation would diminish the emotional resonance of her vision. Initially conceptualized for a three-sided space, Imba Yerumbidzo underwent a transformation to fit the Parisian exhibition space. Zvavahera shifted her focus from the walls to the floor, adapting her design to create an immersive sacred space. This bold decision allowed her to create an immersive experience, inviting viewers to step into the “House of Praise.” Through this, Zvavahera shares her profound experience with the world, crafting a poignant sanctuary of hope, resilience, and divine guidance that resonates deeply with all who enter.
Zvavahera’s artistic process is characterized by intuitive experimentation, blending traditional batik techniques with modern materials to create intricate patterns and textures. Beeswax, cardboard, and linocut are employed to evoke the emotional intensity of her visions. As the artist reflects, “It’s not in our power to do everything… it’s in God’s power to plan things and then they happen.” This surrender to the divine is palpable in Imba Yerumbidzo, where the boundaries between reality and the spiritual dissolve. Through her art, Zvavahera invites viewers to contemplate the mysteries of life, death, love, and solitude. Her paintings transcend the personal, speaking directly to our collective human experience.
In Imba Yerumbidzo, viewers find a sanctuary of hope and resilience, where the presence of the unknown guides them toward a deeper understanding of ourselves.
