Olaolu Slawn’s Instagram bio declares: “im not an artist, i paint like a 6 year old and i steal shit too.” It’s a provocation that both belies and amplifies the rapid success of the London-based, Lagos-born artist. Known for irreverence as much as invention, and with a publicity instinct people have likened to that of the YBAs, Slawn fuses Pop Art playfulness with neoexpressionist urgency in works that spill across canvases, streetwear, and even Formula 1 cars.
His creative career began as part of the burgeoning Nigerian skate scene, where he worked in the pioneering skate store Wafflesncream. It was here that he caught the attention of Skepta, who encouraged his move to the UK. Slawn went on to found Motherlan, a streetwear label that earned the approval of Virgil Abloh, before picking up painting during the pandemic. Since then, Slawn has collaborated with the likes of Louis Vuitton and Nike, and has reimagined the FA Cup trophy and the BRIT Awards statuette.
He’s described himself as a scam artist, and some might agree. Others liken him to Basquiat and can be found emptying their wallets to add his work to their collections. We sat down with the enfant terrible in the attempt to learn more.
hube: The world is full of limits—rules, boxes, expectations. Where does your sense of freedom come from?
Olaolu Slawn: From knowing none of it’s real. The boxes are made up, the rules change depending on who is in the room, and expectations are just other people’s insecurities with better branding. I feel free when I remember that…and when I skate.
h: What feels truly beautiful to you right now—not just visually, but in energy or feeling?
OS: Peace and mess coexisting. Like when my son’s screaming but the sun’s setting and I can’t even be mad because both are perfect in their own chaotic way.
