Art fashion fusion takes to streets
Lesedi Mkhutshwa | Sunday February 13, 2022 06:00
Fashion has often made a strong case to be perceived as a wearable form of art. Visual and fine artists around the country have proved the above statement to be true as many have started making a profit through customised clothes, shoes and accessories.
In addition, customising clothes and shoes has become a trend not only in Botswana but also in neighbouring countries such as South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and the rest of the world as many celebrities and fashionistas have embraced it.
Arts & Culture spoke to a local artist on the blossoming concept of these wearable trends. Kasane visual artist Timothy Dike told this publication that wearable art has proven that art is everything.
He added that art is usually displayed on walls and in exhibitions, but the concept proves that people can wear their favourite art. He further said that customizing art can help people express themselves through fashion.
Dike indicated that the demand for the concept proves that people are beginning to appreciate art and creativity.
According to the visual artist, ever since he ventured into the customisation of denim or clothing, his business has been blossoming as he receives clients from as far as the United States, in the country as international tourists.
He said: “I customise some of the clothing as a way of conserving culture. Mostly, I use this concept by painting our big five as a way of promoting tourism in our area.”
Another artist based in Maun, Prince Moyo said that wearable art is the new-kid-on-the-block. He shared that he started by doing canvas paintings back in 2017 and the market rejected it as they didn’t like those kinds of paintings.
Moyo said that when he was marketing his canvas paintings people opted for customising their shoes, hats, t-shirts and more.
“My customers wanted to personalise their wearable arts so I went with the flow. Even right now the market is demanding that kind of art infused with fashion because they love it," he said.
He stated that customisation goes hand-in-hand with the fashion trend and season as during winter customers prefer art on their sweaters.
The talented artist indicated that his profitable item is jerseys customised with a painting of lilies, which has hit the United Kingdom market.
Moyo indicated that international tourists also buy tie and dye personalised t-shirts, which gives them the freedom to be creative.
He said that the customisation of clothing is diverse as most of the churches have started using it for the symbols on their garments.
Late last year, one of Botswana’s talented fine artists Prince Tom gained recognition in South Africa, the United Kingdom, Lesotho, China, Indonesia and elsewhere.