Nigerian-born and London-based artist Olaolu Slawn has released his own creative version of the popular Labubu art toy in collaboration with global toy company Pop Mart, the makers of the original figures. The new toy has been described on social media as a “time traveling device,” drawing attention from art lovers and collectors around the world.
Slawn’s version keeps the fun, familiar shape of Kasing Lung’s original Labubu but carries his unique artistic touch, mixing bold colors, cartoon-like faces, and a street art influence. A photo of the toys was shared online with the caption “a joke on the fad, a Slawn conspiracy,” showing Slawn’s sense of humor and how he often plays with pop culture trends. His designs include characters with different expressions, from smiling faces to teary-eyed ones, blending fun and social meaning in a playful way.
The idea of the “time traveling device” fits perfectly with Slawn’s usual artistic style, which often combines humor, imagination, and deep social commentary.
This release comes at a time when Labubu toys have become a global phenomenon. The original Labubu character was created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung in 2015 and later licensed to Pop Mart in 2019. Pop Mart’s “blind box” concept, where buyers do not know which toy they will get until they open it, has made collecting Labubu figures a global craze. The toys have gained even more popularity through celebrity endorsements and viral unboxing videos on TikTok.
For Olaolu Slawn, this collaboration adds another big achievement to his growing career. The Nigerian-born artist, now based in London, is known for his bold and colorful pop art pieces that often challenge traditional ideas of art and culture. He designed the 2023 BRIT Awards statuette, worked with Sotheby’s, and partnered with brands like Nike.
With this new project, Slawn continues to connect fine art with street culture, turning a simple collectible toy into a piece of art that reflects creativity, humor, and modern cultural trends.
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