art – LSTVWW

Slawn is a Liar and that’s the truth we ned

The head torn

Let’s talk about Slawn—Olaolu Slawn, the London-based Nigerian artist who’s flipping the art world upside down and making it look easy. Yesterday, the man had his biggest show yet at Saatchi Yates, and to say it was a monumental moment feels like an understatement. It was more than just an exhibition; it was a cultural event. People flocked to the gallery, rubbing shoulders with creatives, collectors, and casual onlookers alike, all eager to witness history in the making.

On his X bio, he claims “my paintings are shit,” and on Instagram, he writes, “I’m not an artist, I paint like a 6-year-old.” And honestly? That’s a damn lie.

But let’s cut to the chase: Slawn is a liar. Bold statement, right? But don’t take it from me, he says it himself. On his X bio, he claims “my paintings are shit,” and on Instagram, he writes, “I’m not an artist, I paint like a 6-year-old.” And honestly? That’s a damn lie. A big one. In fact, it’s the most outrageous lie ever told in the art world. Slawn, you’re lying to us—and you’re doing it with a sly grin on your face because deep down, you know the truth: you’re a genius.

You see, Slawn’s art isn’t the work of someone stumbling through the creative process. His canvases aren’t just random splashes of color thrown together for shock value. No, his art is a calculated storm—a blend of chaos and precision that takes true mastery to pull off. Every brushstroke feels like it’s fighting for space on the canvas, yet somehow it all works together. His use of form, shape, and texture invites you into a world where disorder is actually the language of order. His pieces are layered with meaning, and you feel it as soon as you stand in front of them.

Take, for instance, his self-proclaimed Nigerian Aunty series—a collection that commands attention with bold strokes and larger-than-life figures. It demands a canvas as massive as its cultural relevance. Then there’s the audacity of his “1000 Canvas” piece—where he lets small canvases converge to form something colossal, like individual brushstrokes creating an entire universe. This is intentional art; this is the kind of creative engineering that doesn’t come from a so-called “6-year-old.”

And let’s talk about his technique for a second. Slawn’s work may appear erratic, almost whimsical at first glance, but every detail has purpose. He’s obsessed with perfection. Faces emerge from what seems like randomness, objects are reimagined and distorted in ways that challenge our perception of reality. Even his choice of canvas sizes isn’t arbitrary—it’s about creating visual dynamics that make you stop, look closer, and think harder. You’re not just viewing art; you’re entering a dialogue with it.

But what makes Slawn even more fascinating is his role as an icon for the next generation. At his exhibition, you could spot kids in the crowd, eyes wide and filled with dreams, looking at him like a living legend. It’s not just about the art he’s creating—it’s about the movement he’s inspiring. These young, hungry minds see themselves in Slawn, a Nigerian-born artist making it big in the world’s most elite galleries. You can practically feel the birth of a new creative movement brewing, one where Slawn stands as the blueprint.

And yet, despite all of this—despite the genius, despite the iconic work, despite the inspiration he’s sparking—Slawn still finds time to be a family man. Behind all the paint and the madness is a husband and father, a man who somehow balances creating mind-bending art with raising a family. This isn’t just some dude tossing paint on a canvas for Instagram likes; this is a fully-rounded human being who embodies what it means to thrive in both personal and professional realms. And if that weren’t enough, Slawn is a sharp businessman too. His art may speak in abstract, but his business game? Crystal clear.

” I would like to say at this point i was only admiring the art and it’s okay to admit this was my fave piece cos i kept coming back to it. ”

So, here’s my message to Slawn: keep lying. Keep telling us you’re not an artist, that your paintings are “shit,” because each lie is a masterstroke. With every self-deprecating comment, you’re quietly rewriting the rules of what it means to be a creator in today’s world. You’re showing us that art doesn’t have to be about pretension—it can be about raw, unfiltered expression. You’re proving that you don’t have to fit into a neat little box to be great.

Keep lying, Slawn, because the world needs more liars like you—artists who dare to challenge conventions, inspire new generations, and redefine what’s possible. The future is bright for you, and if anyone’s still doubting that, they’re not paying attention. We’re witnessing history with every stroke of your brush. And trust me, we’re all here for it.