An original oil painting by Dezireë Smith, Mirage is part of Dezireë’s African Woman collection.

Mirage is a luminous exploration of imagination, inner worlds, and quiet complexity. Shown in serene profile against a vibrant green background, the figure appears grounded and composed, her gaze steady and contemplative.

Her voluminous headwrap becomes the focal point of the composition—an expansive, dreamlike landscape filled with organic forms, branching lines, and bursts of colour. These intricate motifs evoke thoughts, memories, and unseen connections, suggesting a rich inner life that extends far beyond what is immediately visible. The softness of the fabric contrasts with the precision of the painted details, blurring the boundary between reality and abstraction.

Warm gold earrings anchor the figure in tradition, while her calm expression offers a counterpoint to the animated energy above her head. The interplay between the vivid green backdrop and the pale, intricately patterned headwrap enhances the sense of contrast central to the work: stillness and movement, presence and illusion.

Mirage invites reflection on perception and depth—reminding us that what we see on the surface is often only a glimpse of the layered, vibrant worlds carried within.

Products featuring ‘Mirage‘ include handbags and accessories, art prints and gorgeous homeware items. Made in Cape Town.