About the artist
Elliot Sithole
Art · People · Culture · Everyday
Elliot Sithole is a South African visual artist, creative entrepreneur and cultural storyteller whose work centres on the human experience, cultural identity and everyday life.
Born in Katlehong, east of Johannesburg, on 28 January 1990, Elliot discovered his passion for art at an early age and later formalised his training with a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts from the University of the Witwatersrand.
His practice is rooted in portraiture and expressive abstraction, with a focus on the nuances of emotion, identity and human connection. He describes his mission simply: to make art that tells stories of everyday people.
Artistic practice & vision
Art should be experiential, accessible and socially relevant.
His debut solo exhibition, Faces of You, explored the complexity and depth of facial expression as a vehicle for storytelling, capturing joy, pain, resilience and introspection in bold colour and form.
Recognising that many people love art but find original paintings out of reach, Elliot took his practice beyond the gallery. He adapted his work into wearable art and everyday objects (t-shirts, sweaters, hoodies, cushions, rugs and mugs) that carry cultural narratives into daily life.
He sees art as a tool for empathy, connection and cultural expression, and shares that process through painted canvases, digital storytelling and interactive projects.
The collections
Three bodies of work
Faces of You
Elliot's debut solo exhibition: close, expressive portraits that use the human face to tell stories of joy, pain, resilience and introspection.
Sweet Dreamers
An ongoing series about imagination and possibility, painted with the same tenderness and bold colour as the portraits.
Ukhamba in Modern Times
Heritage, craftsmanship and art. Hand-painted ukhamba vessels in the Indoniyamanzi, Ezilalini and Umpheki designs.
Portfolio
Original paintings
Every cushion, rug and mug begins as one of these: an original canvas, painted and signed by Elliot.
Entrepreneurship & creative business
Where art meets everyday culture
Wits Fine Arts graduate
Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts from the University of the Witwatersrand, one of South Africa's leading art institutions.
Founder, Elliot Creates (Pty) Ltd
A creative enterprise that fuses fine art with consumer products and cultural engagement.
Edgars Sandton City
A curated range of his art-infused apparel was stocked at Edgars Sandton City, bringing local visual art into mainstream fashion retail.
12,000+ on Instagram
A committed audience that follows his creative process, digital storytelling and cultural commentary.
Wearable art
More than merch. It's a story you carry.
Elliot's apparel (t-shirts, sweaters and hoodies carrying his portraits) is sold directly by the artist. Get in touch for current designs and sizes.
Ask about apparel
Commissions & corporate
Custom paintings, gifting and collaborations
Beyond the shop, Elliot paints custom commissions for individuals and corporate clients, mentors emerging creatives and collaborates with brands. His goal is to build a culturally resonant brand that takes South African creativity to global platforms while staying rooted in community and shared heritage.
Delivery
We courier anywhere in South Africa for a flat R120, free on orders over R1,500. Printed items are made to order and usually ship within 3–5 working days. Framing for original paintings is quoted separately.
Returns
If something arrives damaged or isn't right, let us know within 7 days and we'll replace it or refund you. Amakhamba and original paintings are one of a kind, so please check the photos carefully before buying.
Get in touch
Questions, commissions or wholesale enquiries: sandile@gembeent.co.za or call 072 843 8516.