Malkia Hawa in the Garden
BY A. JERRY SIMON MD
August 23 2026 | Art Review
This week we are looking at another painting that highlights our African heritage – Malkia Hawa (Swahili for Queen Eve) in the Garden of Eden. It is not meant to be a political statement, but the darkest skin created by God is the one that absorbs the most visible light and colour of almost all wavelengths.
Rather than a symbol of evil or curse, our dark skin is a symbol of energy and dynamism, as dark skin converts light into heat energy. The natural dynamism of Mwafrika (the dark skin African) is not born from undisciplined physicality; it is the physical and spiritual energy that was imbued in us by our Creator to run, jump, dance, play, praise, sing and worship, all to his honour and glory.
In fact, each member of the earthly family of nations was created with their specific purpose. No “race” was created inferior or superior to the other, but we were all created with our different characteristics to show forth the glory of our Creator.
Referring to the New Jerusalem (the heavenly, holy, city of God) Revelation 21:24 tells us. “The nations will walk by its light, and the Kings of the Earth will bring their splendour (glory and honour) into it”.
This artwork was derived from my observation of a full moon over the star fruit tree in my back yard, several years ago. From that one scene, I created different artworks, featuring butterflies, bees, moons, sun, stars, planets, water bodies, but this one probably has the deepest spiritual meaning for me (at least until I move to the next one).
Whereas in many classical, biblical and historical, metaphorical paintings, the black figure is a symbol of sin, evil, devil, demon, anti-God, anti-Christ, this black figure is a symbol of the first woman, mother, queen, created by God in her innocence, purity and beauty.
The dark skin African is not a cursed “race”. It was created by our God to show forth energy and gusto as we worship him in the beauty of holiness, in song, speech and dance. All the light, colour and energy from the Creator is absorbed in the skin of Mwafrika.
Artwork details:
Title: Malkia Hawa in the Garden
Artist: A. Jerry Simon
Medium: Mixed
Tel / WhatsApp: (268) 779-2176
Email: jerrysimon.art@gmail.com
