Slawn

Ugly Bastard

€950

Limited edition

Edition of 100

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Who are you calling ugly?

Slawn is best known for cartoonish artworks spray-painted on canvas and beyond. His distinctive scrawl expands into three dimensions as a limited edition sculpture. Ugly Bastard began as a satirical self portrait – equal parts irreverent and introspective. Now, he’s seeking a life of his own.

The figure is crouching – head bowed and gazed lowered like a sleek, modern gargoyle. He is painted in a hypnotic shade, carefully colour-matched to the underbelly of a Magic 8 ball. Look closely, and you’ll see your own reflection.

Interview

The good, the bad and the Ugly Bastard

"The problem is that they really want me to not like myself, and it's not possible."

Slawn

Blue sculpture being taken out of box with two hands

Red and black bike with a blue painting of two people wearing red boxing gloves next to it

Graffti of face with large teeth on white door next to a director's chair, in artist Slawn's studio

Slawn

1 collaboration

Slawn and his spray paints are taking over the world. His cartoonish scrawl has covered cars, expensive watches, planes and even the FA Cup. Appropriation has a double meaning in Slawn’s work. On one level, he’s staking a claim to these luxury objects. By using these objects instead of a canvas, he inscribes his own meaning on them. More controversial is his ‘appropriation’ of racist caricatures. His black characters feature exaggerated red lips, and are often depicted naked or in voyeuristic situations – all borrowed from minstrelsy. The work titles are also just as provocative e.g. The Irony of a Nigerian Policeman (a nod to Basquiat). Slawn questions how an image is able to elicit such a negative emotional response in the first place – “I just want to get to a place where people feel comfortable with stuff that’s taboo.”

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Reviews from Avant collectors

Super stoked... exceeded expectations. Great framing and packaging and love the extra details in the authenticity card, bag, stickers.
Review of Untitled (Hand-finished)
Overall very good communication the work itself is great quality!
Review of Portrait and Head
I'm thrilled with the two pieces I've bought from you all. I look forward to collecting more in the future.
Review of Guardian
I’m so happy I was able to purchase this piece for my husband. The quality is top notch and just looks beautiful. Communication with you all has been so easy. Thanks so much!
Review of Descendent - Lucid Dreamer
You did a great job with the framing and the packing/shipping. I buy a lot of prints from different vendors and was very impressed.
Review of Out of the Dark
We really appreciate AA being a trusted partner in our collecting journey. The quality offerings that AA helps bring to the market continue to impress.
Review of Portrait and Head
As a longtime buyer of prints and editions I am extremely impressed with my first Avant Arte experience. The attention to quality, detail, packaging and the customer experience are among the best Ive seen.
Review of Untitled
great experience
Review of Guardian

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