Creativity has always been at the heart of Junior Oliphant’s story. The 29-year-old visual artist and entrepreneur has turned his passion into a thriving creative business while creating opportunities for others and inspiring the next generation of artists.
From his studio in Kimberley, he is proving art can be both a career and a catalyst for change.
Growing up, art became both an escape and a guide. “I was heavily inspired and influenced by a close relative who made me see that being creative and artistic was a way for me to keep my hands occupied and not dwell on gangsterism and drugs. You know the saying: ‘Idle hands are the devil’s playground’.”
That early encouragement laid the foundation for what has become a flourishing creative career. Although creativity was not always viewed as a viable profession, Junior was determined to build a future that relied on more than talent alone.
“I realized that if I wanted to create a future for myself, I couldn’t just rely on talent; I had to build something sustainable. That’s where the idea of creating my own studio came from. It was about independence, but also about creating space for others like me.”
That entrepreneurial mindset has shaped every aspect of his business. Rather than limiting himself to one discipline, Junior embraced multiple creative avenues, allowing his studio to evolve into a vibrant space where artistry and practical design services exist side by side.
“It came from necessity and curiosity at the same time. As a creative, you don’t always have the luxury of focusing on just one medium, especially in the beginning. You explore, you adapt, and you find ways to make your skills work for you.”
Whether creating large-scale murals, intricate tattoos or thought-provoking paintings, his work is united by a strong focus on storytelling, identity and cultural heritage. Drawing inspiration from Khoisan heritage and the lived experiences of the Coloured community, his art encourages conversation as much as admiration.
“I’m not trying to create something that simply looks good. I’m trying to create something that makes people think, question, and reflect.”
His commitment to community extends well beyond the studio walls. Junior founded the Northern Cape Arts Collective, a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting emerging artists through mentorship, collaboration and education. For him, investing in the next generation is just as important as building his own career.
“One of my main goals is to create access. Whether that’s through mentorship, collaboration, or simply creating a space where creatives can work and learn, it’s important to open doors.”
He believes representation matters and seeing someone from a similar background succeed, can transform what young creatives believe is possible. “When people see someone from their own environment exhibiting internationally or building a sustainable creative career, it shifts their perspective on what’s possible.”
Balancing the demands of entrepreneurship, creative commissions, tattoo clients and a full-time job require discipline and commitment that he encourages young artists to develop from the start.
“Start with what you have and where you are. Don’t wait for perfect conditions because they don’t exist. Talent alone isn’t enough. You need discipline, patience, and the ability to adapt.”
As his studio continues to grow, Junior hopes it will become a recognised creative hub where artists collaborate, businesses flourish and new ideas take shape. His ambitions, however, stretch beyond commercial success.
“I want to leave behind something that goes beyond me as an individual.”
He dreams of pioneering a distinctive artistic style that will one day be studied academically while creating opportunities that were not always available to creatives from communities like his own.
Success is measured not only by the art he creates, but by the doors he opens, the stories he tells and the legacy he leaves behind for Kimberley’s creative community.
“If the next generation of creatives can look at what I’ve built and feel like they can go even further, then I’ve done what I set out to do,” he concludes.
Text and photographs: GYPSEENIA LION
Originally published in the Kimberley and Surrounding Areas Magazine, proudly published by Mahareng Media & Advertising: https://www.bloemfonteincourant.co.za/epapers/kimberley-e-magazine-september-2026/
