Art and footwear have always shared a deep connection, but few projects blur the lines between the two quite like Nigel VMU’s work for the Slawn x Air Max 90 collaboration. As a sculptor, Nigel has spent years perfecting his craft, turning ideas into tangible pieces of art. His partnership with takes that approach to the next level, bringing the artist’s rebellious, high-energy style into the physical realm. Nigel and Slawn first crossed paths two years ago, and they’ve been exchanging ideas ever since. Slawn’s work, known for its raw, fearless energy, needed a form that could capture its essence beyond the canvas. Nigel says. “We’re building a universe, translating his style into sculpture”…
To mark the launch, a massive inflatable sculpture was set up outside, making a bold statement and turning heads. The towering piece, an oversized version of Nigel’s work, embodied Slawn’s signature aesthetic on a grand scale. Alongside this spectacle, a smaller, highly detailed sculpture was made available for sale, allowing collectors to own a piece of the collaboration in a more personal, tangible way.
For Nigel, it’s all about form. While Slawn’s paintings explode with color and movement, Nigel transforms that energy into something you can touch, something with weight. The Slawn x Air Max 90 project is just a glimpse into that universe, a place where sneakers, sculpture, and art collide. But for Nigel, this is just the start. he revealed to that he will be dropping a unique piece each month going forward this time ““I’ll be dropping it at the end of the month. It’s about taking this same concept but putting it into “something people can hang on their walls.”
We love Nigel for his story telling. He wants his pieces to be immersive, to create lasting moments that go beyond social media hype. “Most people are just chasing trends,” he says. “They want the right influencer, the right viral moment. But for me, it’s about building something that connects with the right people, the ones who really care about culture.” That authenticity is what makes his collaboration with Slawn so compelling. It’s wasn’t just another sneaker drop, it’s a carefully crafted world, built one piece at a time. “If we tell the story right, people will remember long after the drop”
With monthly art drops planned throughout the year, Nigel VMU is proof that culture isn’t just about what’s on your feet, it’s about the stories, the art, and the moments that surround it.
