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Portia Zvavahera's Tanda Rima: An Exhibition Audio Guide
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About the Tour
About the Tour
Portia Zvavahera's paintings exist between worlds – between sleep and waking, fear and faith, the personal and the universal. On this self-guided tour through Tanda rima: Chase Away the Darkness, you'll explore how this Harare-born artist transforms her dreams into richly layered canvases that pulse with spiritual intensity.
The tour begins at the information wall just inside the exhibition entrance, where you'll learn how Zvavahera's practice begins each morning – recording dreams before they dissolve, then rebuilding them through accumulated layers of paint, ink, oil bar, and wax. As you move through the exhibition space, you'll trace how her imagery evolves: from unsettling dreamscapes filled with rat-like creatures that multiply and press in, to scenes of collective prayer, angelic protection, and luminous transition.
Deeper into the exhibition, the mood shifts from vulnerability toward grace. You'll encounter Gamuchirai Minamato (Receive My Prayer
), where figures gather in a circle of devotion beneath sheltering angel wings – a personal plea for her grandmother's peaceful passing that opens into something universal. The tour ends with Nzimbo Tsvene, centered on a glowing white tree that functions as both earthly anchor and threshold to the divine.
During this tour of the exhibition, you'll have a chance to:
- Discover how Zvavahera's printmaking background shapes the tactile, almost embossed quality of her canvases
- Understand how the Shona language – and her grandmother's lullabies and proverbs – are woven into the visual language of the work
- Examine how rats shift in meaning across her dreamscapes, from symbols of dread to figures of persistence and survival
- Explore PANE RIMA RAKAKOMBA, where fear during pregnancy and the sustaining force of faith are held in extraordinary tension
- Trace how recurring trees connect earthly grief to spiritual renewal across multiple works
Tanda rima is an experience that stays with you long after you leave. These paintings don't offer easy comfort – they earn it.
Tour Producer
Tour Producer
Norval Foundation
Welcome to the Norval Foundation. Situated in the Tokai region of Cape Town, the Norval Foundation stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of modern and contemporary art from the African continent and its diaspora. With nine indoor galleries with an ever-evolving exhibition programme, this distinguished art museum serves as a vibrant nexus for showcasing a dynamic array of artworks, encompassing painting, photography, sculpture, and media art, both historical and contemporary. The outdoor sculpture garden, nestled amongst the indigenous wetland’s flora and fauna, provides an enchanting environment for visitors to interact with monumental outdoor sculptures in the permanent collection.
Since its inception in 2018, Norval Foundation has been committed to nurturing the understanding and appreciation of African art. It strives to position African artists within the global art historical canon, fostering awareness and elevating the discourse around their contributions. Moreover, the Foundation’s commitment to cultural enrichment and education is evident through its robust public programming and dedicated Learning Centre, which aims to support the creative development of young minds in South Africa.
By providing opportunities for deep engagement with visual art and offering a beautiful space for contemplation, exploration, and learning, the Norval Foundation remains dedicated to enriching lives, inspiring creativity, and fostering appreciation for the multifaceted world of African art.
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Preview Location
Preview Location
Location 3
Shona as Memory
Language plays a central role here. The exhibition’s Shona title is not simply a label but an entry point into Portia Zvavahera’s inner world. Shona is the language through which she think...
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Major Landmarks
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Norval Foundation
Getting There
Getting There
Route Overview
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Start location4 Steenberg Rd, Tokai, Cape Town, 7945, South Africa
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Total distance0m
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Final location4 Steenberg Rd, Tokai, Cape Town, 7945, South Africa
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Distance back to start location0m
Directions to Starting Point
Norval Foundation can be found on Steenberg Road, shortly after the turn off to Ou Kaapse Weg when coming from the M3 highway. It is approximately a 30-minute drive from Cape Town’s city centre and is best reached by car, Uber or taxi. A bicycle stand is provided for cyclists. If you’re unfamiliar with Cape Town, search for ‘Norval Foundation’ in Google Maps, another navigational app or in a GPS unit, to find your way here.
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Tips
Tips
Places to stop along the way
Make the most of Norval's in house cafe, enjoy their gardens and other exhibits too.
Best time of day
Norval Foundation’s Sculpture Garden, galleries and shop is open 10am - 6pm every day except Tuesday.
Precautions
The M3 at rush hour can be quite busy so please check Google Maps or your preferred navigation app, for details. Rush hour lasts from 6am to 10am in the morning and 3pm to 6:30pm in the evening, though visitors coming from the city centre will usually be against the traffic. You’re invited to make use of our secure parking for a minimal fee, as you may be ticketed if you choose to park outside of the facility.
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