Pioneered by Art School Africa and well-loved local brand, Artclub and Friends, Beyond Stitches is an ongoing series of limited edition t-shirts, driven by a shared commitment to supporting local artists. Each edition invites the collaboration of a carefully selected individual from our growing community of prominent artists from Africa and its diaspora. 

By supporting this initiative, individuals not only gain access to an exclusive creation by a world-class artist and brand, but also play an active role in supporting the future generation of art practitioners on the continent, with 100% of profits going towards Art School Africa’s educational offering.

Our inaugural featured artist is Githan Coopoo, a sculptor from Cape Town, represented by Everard Read, who has gained international acclaim for his work with clay.

Coopoo has showcased his jewellery at renowned Fashion Weeks internationally, and recently received the British Fashion Council's 2022 Emerging Creative Award commending his innovative practice. Coopoo’s stylistic vessels and handbags convey impactful messages through text, using humour to break down elitism and various intellectual barriers found throughout our industry. 

Exhibitions in the past two years include Structural Integrity at Norval Foundation x Boschendal Manor House, The Luxury of Wearing Fakes at Everard Read Cape Town, Rejection in Bloom with Galerie Eigen + Art Lab in Berlin, Desi Casual Glamour with Everard Read in Johannesburg and his sold-out solo booth in 2023 at Investec Cape Town Art Fair. These career highlights solidify Coopoo’s position as a promising figure in contemporary art from Africa, speaking to the diaspora.