Spot, the London-based car culture collective, has unveiled the Slawn Art Car, following the artist’s sold-out exhibition at the Saatchi Yates Gallery.
Slawn, born Olaolu Akeredolu-Ale, has quickly emerged as one of the most sought-after contemporary artists, celebrated for his bold and provocative style. His impressive collaborations range from Dr. Martens to Louis Vuitton, and his redesign of the FA Cup trophy further solidified his reputation. Blending street culture with high art, Slawn represents a fresh wave of artistic innovation.
The centerpiece of this collaboration is a reimagined Lancia Delta Integrale, created with Tanc Barratt, a leading expert on the iconic car. The design transforms the classic Martini racing livery with Slawn’s signature vivid colors and oversized caricature faces, making it a striking reinterpretation of a motorsport classic.
“We’re thrilled to see this collaboration come to life,”
said Jimmy Howson, Founder and Creative Director of Spot.
“Slawn’s work exemplifies how art can elevate car culture, making it accessible and engaging for a new generation of collectors and enthusiasts.”
This marks the fourth art car in Spot’s portfolio, building on its mission to craft unique vehicles that reflect the personalities and passions of their owners. Since its founding in 2023, Spot has established itself as a leader in blending art and automotive design.
Slawn’s rise in the art world has been nothing short of remarkable. Since relocating to London in 2017, he has gained acclaim not only for his creativity but also for his charismatic personality and unconventional approach. His work challenges boundaries while resonating deeply with audiences, cementing his status as a key figure in contemporary art.
About the artist
Olaolu Slawn, born in Lagos, Nigeria, on October 24, 2000, has quickly become a prominent figure in contemporary art. His journey began at Wafflesncream, Nigeria’s first skate shop, where he honed his design and graffiti skills and co-founded the apparel brand Motherlan, which gained recognition from designer Virgil Abloh.
In 2018, Slawn moved to London to study graphic design at Middlesex University. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he focused on painting, sharing his artwork at parties and growing his social media presence. This led to a debut exhibition at Truman Brewery in September 2021, which brought him significant attention.
Slawn’s vibrant graffiti, large-scale pop art canvases, and caricatures have captivated the art world. In 2023, he became the youngest and first Nigerian-born artist to design the BRIT Awards statuette, paving the way for redesigning the FA Cup trophy for 2024. Collaborating with Thomas Lyte, Slawn unveiled a bold new design before the final match between Manchester City and Manchester United.
A significant milestone was his 2022 collaboration with British rapper Skepta for a Sotheby’s charity auction, featuring Skepta’s debut painting. This event showcased Slawn’s ability to blend artistic mediums and cultural influences, further establishing his reputation in the high art market. @olaoluslawn
