SLAWN ON 18TH
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup reaches its final weekend, one of contemporary art's most exciting crossover talents is making an equally bold statement in New York. Nigerian-born, London-based artist Olaolu Slawn is unveiling Slawn on W18th, a monumental new exhibition presented by Saatchi Yates in partnership with Nike, opening July 16 at 456 West 18th Street in Chelsea.
Timed to coincide with football's biggest global stage, the exhibition marks Saatchi Yates' inaugural New York presentation and showcases three enormous 5 x 5 metre paintings that transform Slawn's instantly recognizable visual language into an immersive experience. Towering compositions filled with his signature expressive faces, looping lines and graffiti-inspired mark making demonstrate why the 26-year-old artist has become one of the most influential voices connecting contemporary art, fashion, music and sport.
The exhibition carries added significance because one of the featured works served as the original artwork for Nike's highly anticipated Nigeria national team World Cup kit. Rather than simply displaying the finished jersey, visitors have the rare opportunity to experience the original painting that inspired one of the tournament's most talked-about designs, highlighting the increasingly fluid relationship between fine art and global sports culture.
Born in Lagos and now based in London, Slawn has built an unmistakable visual identity by merging his Nigerian heritage with contemporary street culture, humour and social commentary. His work extends far beyond gallery walls, having reimagined luxury brands through playful interventions while also earning commissions that include the 2023 BRIT Awards trophy, a redesign of the FA Cup, and artwork for 21 Savage's 2025 album What Happened to the Streets?
Supported by influential figures including Skepta, A$AP Rocky, Dave, Central Cee and Wizkid, Slawn represents a new generation of artists whose practice refuses traditional boundaries. His paintings move effortlessly between the worlds of contemporary art, luxury fashion, street culture and music without compromising their raw, instinctive energy.
The accompanying Nike collaboration extends beyond the pitch. The Nigeria collection blends Slawn's graffiti-inspired aesthetic with performance design, featuring bold "NAIJA" typography, hand-drawn graphics and references to both urban visual culture and traditional Nigerian motifs. The result is a collection that feels equally at home on the football field, in the gallery and on the streets.