If Harmattan was a celebrity, I wouldn't be a fan. An art commentary on two artworks by Jekphrasa and @Justmhide on X
Yesterday, the first rain fell. I think harmattan is gone. It was slow to come and quick to leave. The mornings are no longer cold or misty. Whew! I survived. If Harmattan was a celebrity, I wouldn't be a fan. My skin gets dry, crisscrossed lips, my nose feels like I'm breathing through foam, my under feet looks patchy, scaly and horrible and everywhere is dusty. So I want to ask Mhide if the lady in her artwork also experiences these things too?
Harmattan by @Justmhide
Her eyelashes seem to wage war against dryness though. Lol. Usually my first thought of Harmattan won't be “beautiful” but this painting makes Harmattan feel so gentle. I'd call the blue flower the sky‑blue plumbago which blooms during Harmattan in Africa, a representation of beauty in dust and dryness, hope and calm.
The flower seems boring to her though ‘cause she isn't even looking at it. She's like directly staring at me to give her answers to why the petal is flying away? or why her threaded hair hurts? Or why I do not like harmattan? … (I dodge and look away. I apparently have no answers)
I feels this painting reflects “Harmattan Blues” by Dadaolowoeyo on HELLO POETRY WEBSITE https://hellopoetry.com/poems/2254310/harmattan-blues
He describes Harmattan as “Dry, windy and dehydrating” but there's only one thing that brings peace “the silent, old noisy fan.” In all of the Harmattan chaos, “the peace from the silent old noisy fan” which isn't present in the painting but it blows a pretty blue petal away interrupting the colourless face of the lady and uninteresting white background. Mhide’s attempt to remind us that Harmattan is also beautiful. The art style is quite exquisite, bold and unique.
Harmattan by Jekphrasa
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| DIGITAL ART — PRIVATE ACQUISITION Title: Harmattan Date: 22-06-2026 Single ownership Signed by artist Certificate of Ownership issued This work is offered as an entry acquisition. Price: $500 Inquiries via DM or send email to hellojekph@gmail.com. no NFTs |
Jekphrasa paints the foggy version of harmattan. That moment early in the morning when the windscreen is blurry and the sky seems to be sitting halfway. I wonder how the birds cope, but that's the only little thing that makes Harmattan unique, the misty mornings, the fun of using your fingers to write on the wet glass, cardigans, shorter days and longer nights. The night sky is clearer, and the moonlight is more vivid, bold, shining and you might be able to count the stars. This artwork features water drips on a foggy glass also reminding us that dry harmattan can be beautiful.
Nevertheless I personally insist, if Harmattan was a celebrity, I still wouldn't be a fan.
~ Jesunifemi.
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