Nigerian Artist Blurs Lines Between Art and Footwear
Slawn is a force to be reckoned with. The Lagos-born muralist has rapidly ascended to the forefront of the contemporary art scene, captivating collectors and captivating the world. In 2023, he was crowned the most inquired-about artist on Artsy, the leading online art marketplace, boasting a staggering 1,082% increase in inquiries compared to the previous year.
This meteoric rise is no surprise. Since bursting onto the scene in 2021, Slawn has collaborated with high-profile figures like Skepta and Central Cee, and his work has been coveted by A$AP Rocky, Reece James, and Tremaine Emory. The demand for his art is undeniable, with reports of heated bidding wars and even instances of physical altercations at his studio.
Now, Slawn is ready to conquer a new realm: footwear. The artist has partnered with Nike to create a limited-edition Air Max 90, marking a significant milestone in his multifaceted career.
The Slawn x Nike Air Max 90 'Speckle' collection, available in "Black Speckle" and "White Speckle" colorways, exemplifies Slawn's unique aesthetic. Built with premium leather, the sneakers maintain the classic Air Max 90 silhouette while incorporating distinctive Slawn elements. The upper features debossing in his signature graffiti style, and the front of each shoe is adorned with a playful "speckle" pattern.
The collaboration also reimagines the iconic Swoosh logo, transforming it into a hand-drawn graphic. These subtle yet impactful design choices reflect Slawn's artistic vision and elevate the classic sneaker to a new level.
The Slawn x Nike Air Max 90 'Speckle' collection is set to release in the coming weeks at Nike, the Snkrs app, and select retailers globally. While the official price has yet to be announced, it's safe to assume these sneakers will be highly sought-after.
