In a bustling corner of Port shepston (Boboyi) where the hum of creativity and the pulse of fashion meet, lies a studio that defies conventional boundaries. Here, amidst rolls of fabric and splashes of paint, Simphiwe Doyisa is redefining what it means to be a creator. As both the visionary behind the avant-garde clothing brand STOLOM ART CLOTHING and a up and coming abstract artist, Simphiwe embodies a unique fusion of artistry that blurs the lines between fashion and fine art.
A Passion Ignited
Simphiwe's journey began in the vibrant art scenes of port shepston, where an early fascination with colors and textures set the stage for a life steeped in creativity.
"It all started with the love I have for art since I was young, but I didn’t know that I also have a gift of being an Artist, I used to like paintings from other Artists even though I didn’t know those artists.," Simphiwe recalls.
"Then on the year 2021 I was moving to another room at home then I saw the room empty with no furniture and I didn’t have money to buy it, then I thank of using the left carts of the ceiling board and door lock blocks that was left and I used those to do a frame, I made a small frame then I took paint that was left at home I painted the board with White and then I also found the Black paint which was the one I used to create something on top of that White board, I just splashed the board then something came out looking nice and I was impressed." Added Simphiwe
With this being a self-training with an unusual but deeply fulfilling path that laid the groundwork for a unique artistic identity it made him to being consistent with art and designing more.
The Birth of Stolom Clothing Brand
In 2022, Simphiwe first launched his Stolom Art clothing collection in which he made one t-shirt design which was a graphic t-shirt known as a PENDOUTS TEE as a way to lure customers and to share his creatives and designs, this was his first experiment for him. The second year he released another T-shirt named A PAINTING LIKE ME IS DEPRESSED , this design was peoples favorite, he tells the Monday Mag. His clothing brand then quickly gained a cult following for its bold designs and artistic flair. Unlike typical fashion lines, each piece from Stolom collection is conceived as a wearable piece of art.
“STOLOM is my father’s street name, who died on the year 2016, he was a drug lord and got killed by his competitors.”
An Artistic Journey
While STOLOM ART CLOTHING BRAND thrives, Simphiwe's work as an abstract artist continues to garner acclaim. Known for bold, expressive works that explore themes of identity, emotion, and the human experience, Simphiwe's paintings have been set to evoke peoples emotions and lure the clients attention on their first look, his aim is to not only picture the perfect artwork but to paint memories that shall last and to see his work on exhibitions sites worldwide. The interplay between Simphiwe's fashion and art is a constant source of inspiration, with each discipline informing and enhancing the other.
In Simphiwe's studio, the convergence of these worlds is palpable. Canvases covered in sweeping brushstrokes sit alongside mannequins draped in richly textured fabrics. Being an abstract artist goes with emotions and mood, as Simphiwe tells us that when he designs or paints, he finds his soul and self at peace and at ease, this makes him to think more, generate more, connect more with the universe and find answers more about himself.
Inspiring a New Generation
Simphiwe's hardwork is not just measured in accolades and sales, but in the inspiration sparked in others. Even though he faces some challenges in finding the best quality fabrics, but he makes sure that he delivers the best for his clients.
“All i can tell upcoming abstract artists is, keep on creating don’t stop and try to find inspiration from other Abstract Artists outside this country they really create nice work, keep on dreaming don’t wake up on your dreams. But try to find a way to make sales and find connections, smile with people, respect people and love people we are all God’s Creation.”
A Vision for the Future
As Simphiwe looks to the future, the goal is clear: to continue pushing boundaries and exploring new frontiers in both fashion and art. Upcoming projects include a new collection collaborating with biggest clothing stores in KZN, that integrates augmented reality elements, allowing wearers to interact with their clothing in innovative ways, and a series of large-scale abstract paintings that will tour major cities.
MONDAY MAGAZINE
Story by Ntombizodwa Dlamini
Story from Simphiwe Doyisa
Art by Simphiwe Doyisa
Designed by KVN & The MondaysCo.
Durban, KZN, South Africa, 2024
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