Slawn is undeniably the most talked-about young artist in the UK: an art-world outlaw for the ages. Since erupting onto the scene in 2021, in a Virgil Abloh–endorsed flurry of spray-painted phallic imagery.
The Nigerian-born painter and south London photographer discuss humility, homage and how they make the art that they make, against all odds..
His critics call him a talentless chancer, but the 23-year-old street artist from Lagos has found success through brand collaborations, Saatchi backing – and manifesting his goal of becoming the ‘biggest artist in the world’.
Before he was known in the art world, Slawn set a challenge to his Instagram fans. If they wanted one of his customised T-shirts, in demand among his Gen-Z fan base, they should go to the Saatchi Yates gallery in Mayfair and ask for “an original Slawn” work. If his followers showed him a video of themselves doing this, he’d give them a shirt for free. The Saatchi Yates gallerists had never heard of Slawn before. But after this stunt, they would remember his name.
Featuring in our Summer 2024 issue, Slawn brings his signature vibrant sketches to a pocket-sized canvas: a watch dial..
Slawn’s paintings already hang in the world’s coolest collections, but with his latest family-first move, it looks like he’s mastered the art of living well too.
Heralding their entrance into the African content, CIRCA presents GONE?, a site-specific study on the theme of hope by Nigerian-born, London-based artist Slawn..
Hypebeast caught up with London’s hottest artist and coffee shop owner to discuss his latest venture with FLANNELS X and his dream of selling houses on ‘Selling Sunset.’.
Viral artist and Virgil Abloh collaborator Slawn made his name disrupting the art world. Now he’s disrupting the café scene with Central Cee-approved iced lattes.
The Best Booths at Art Dubai, from a Verdant Office Space to Visions of Urban Decay