*APC ART is pleased to present “Grin,” a powerful and unmistakably original 1/1 work executed entirely by hand by Slawn in 2024.*

Rendered in bold paint marker on *brown corrugated cardboard*, this highly expressive composition measures *26 x 26 inches unframed* and *28 x 28 inches framed*. The work is *hand signed by the artist in black marker, bottom right*, and will arrive *professionally framed to true archival standard in a black, hand-cut floater frame*, ready for immediate placement.

Slawn’s meteoric rise from London’s underground creative scene to the global contemporary art stage has been nothing short of extraordinary. Widely regarded as one of the most talked-about artists of his generation, Slawn has successfully bridged the worlds of fine art, fashion, music, and popular culture. His milestone achievements — including designing the *BRIT Awards*, high-profile collaborations with major global brands, sold-out international exhibitions, and institutional presentations — have cemented his reputation as a defining voice of the new contemporary movement. Today, his works are actively pursued by prominent collectors, celebrities, musicians, and serious investors who recognize the lasting cultural significance of his practice.

At the core of Slawn’s visual language is an immediately recognizable system of exaggerated facial forms, raw emotional expression, and deceptively minimal line work. Drawing inspiration from both street culture and art historical figuration, his compositions distill human emotion into their most essential graphic elements. What appears spontaneous is in fact highly controlled — a balance of instinct and authorship that separates Slawn from his contemporaries.

“Grin” is an exceptional example of these signature motifs. The oversized face dominates the composition with arresting presence, constructed from thick, deliberate lines that radiate confidence and clarity. The exaggerated eyes, marked with cross-like pupils, project intensity and psychological tension, while the wide, tooth-filled smile introduces an ambiguous emotional register — hovering somewhere between humor, defiance, and provocation. This duality is a hallmark of Slawn’s work: playful on the surface yet psychologically layered upon closer inspection.

Importantly, the choice of *corrugated cardboard* as a substrate reinforces the artist’s connection to immediacy and urban material culture. Long associated with raw creativity and anti-establishment artmaking, cardboard allows Slawn’s hand to remain fully visible — every stroke, pressure shift, and movement preserved without mediation. The surface texture adds dimensionality, absorbing pigment in a way that enhances the tactile presence of the work while underscoring its authenticity as a fully executed original.

Works of this scale and impact — particularly *unique, hand-executed paintings* — are becoming increasingly difficult to acquire as Slawn’s market continues its rapid upward trajectory. Serious collectors have begun to prioritize early and unequivocally original examples that clearly articulate the visual language responsible for his ascent. “Grin” stands firmly within that category.

Beyond its aesthetic strength, the work represents a compelling investment opportunity. As Slawn further solidifies his place among the next generation of blue-chip contemporary artists, original works that showcase his most recognizable imagery are expected to remain in exceptionally high demand.

The painting will arrive framed to museum-quality archival standards in a black floater frame, offering both protection and a refined presentation that allows the raw edges and material character of the cardboard to remain visually active.

Bold, culturally resonant, and visually unforgettable, “Grin” is the type of work that anchors a collection — equally suited for seasoned collectors and forward-thinking investors seeking to acquire museum-caliber works by artists shaping the future of contemporary art.

*OFFERED EXCLUSIVELY BY APC ART* 
*MIA. ATL. NYC. LA. LONDON. PARIS. TOKYO.*

Provenance

Included with the work will be a COA from APC ART, guaranteeing authenticity in perpetuity. 

Condition

The work is as executed by the artist. The work has been stored flat. The work will arrive framed to archival standard and ready to hang.