Every morning, Zimbabwe-based artist Portia Zvavahera and her grandmother would recall and share their dreams, now, the artist paints imagery from her nocturnal subconscious to promote healing and reject negative energy. In her first New York solo show at David Zwirner Gallery, spectral forms and owl-like figures surround the characters, representing both spiritual danger and deliverance. (On view in Chelsea through Dec 18th).
From behind a floating mass of car logos, a stoic figure represents the services of Mhofu Motor Spares in Zimbabwean artist Gareth Nyandoro’s work at Van Doren Waxter Gallery. Known for his cut paper technique – for which he scores, paints and peels layers from the material – Harare-based Nyandoro captures both the energy and the quieter moments of the city’s marketplaces and exchanges. (On view on the Lower East Side through Dec 21st).
