How to Look a Butterfly

Wear African print. That is how you own the look of a butterfly or peacock, ladies. It's that simple. See, you don't know dull or drab or any word that is opposite of colourful. You would if there were no women on earth. Women inside a cloth or not, anywhere and everywhere are one of the most brilliant creatures on earth (I do not want to say the most brilliant, may not be safe). But take African culture with its notes of bright shades, and attach that to any woman. What you get could put fairies to shame.

Now there are so many varieties of what we refer to as African print fabric. There is Kente, Akwete, kitenge, aso oke, adire, Ankara, and more. The thing is, many of what we call African prints are just brightly coloured clothes made by non-African business concerns for Africans, and unlike indigenous African textiles, void of traditional patterns and symbols. Meanwwhile the real African prints suffocate from unfair competition with imports. We need to talk about that.

But then, such ebullience:

Photo Credit: Instagram @valicecouture

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Delmaine Donson

I've always said art is not meant to just tickle or charm you. It should rip you open and give your fine head the chance to re-learn something, give you a fresh insight. So look at these representations of the black woman. What do you see? I see brown/black skin, glorious curly/kinky hair, sun, light and brilliant colours, I see beauty and a few things I can't name and I think this is the complete truth. What do you see? Cape Town based artist Delmaine Donson affirms that what she wants is to empower women of colour with her art, to influence people's perception of beauty in this age especially as it concerns women of colour. Aside from making interesting digital art, Delmaine is also a photographer. You can see more of her creations on her website and on Instagram. Photo Credit: Instagram @delmainedonson_art

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