Who is Olaolu Slawn?
Olaolu Slawn is a name that’s becoming hard to ignore in the art world. Describing himself as a “scam artist,” Slawn's versatility makes him a true renaissance man. From skater and designer to father and model, his creative ventures know no bounds. Now, as a coffee shop owner and rising art superstar, he continues to carve out a unique space in London’s vibrant art scene.
Slawn’s career began in Nigeria at Wafflesncream, the country’s pioneering skate shop. Here, he didn’t just work; he thrived, transforming the shop into a dynamic hub for friends and creatives. His efforts caught the attention of major skate brands like Supreme and Dime, leading him to assist with editorial shoots for various London-based publications.
This experience working with the largest names in the skateboarding industry, would lead Slawn to found his own brand Motherlan in 2018. The brand sought to transcend skatewear, and embed itself deeply in the Lagos skate scene and culture. Motherlan’s debut skate film “Edward” was released in 2019 to critical acclaim, and by 2020, they were collaborating with brands such as Converse. These explorations into the arts and cinema world earned Slawn and his co-founders high praise, including a coveted endorsement from Virgil Abloh, which only went to further cement the brand’s influence in the fashion and skateboarding worlds.
In 2019, Slawn moved to the UK to study graphic design at Middlesex University. The lockdown in 2020 spurred a new creative outlet of painting. His artistic style, characterised by graffiti-like, squiggly lines on canvas, quickly garnered attention. And what started as impromptu gifts to friends soon became highly sought-after pieces, with some selling for £30,000 at Sotheby’s, thanks to a co-curation by beloved artist Skepta.
Slawn’s art may appear whimsical and playful at first glance, but it delves deep into themes of political challenges, racism, and human psychology. His first exhibition in 2021 at the Truman Brewery made waves, showcasing his irreverent yet thought-provoking works. Despite his self-deprecating humour and modesty, it is clear that from very early on in his career Slawn’s art has resonated with a broad audience.
In October 2022, Slawn held his first solo exhibition, “On A Darker Note,” at the Efie Gallery. The show was a sold-out success, a milestone for any artist. His talents were further recognized when he was asked to design the statuette and overall set for the 2023 Brit Awards, making history as the youngest and first Nigerian-born artist to do so.
