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Awards Business News
BRIT Awards reveals Slawn as designer of 2023 trophies
By Andy Malt | Published on Thursday 24 November 2022
Organisers of the BRIT Awards have announced that artist Slawn has designed the event’s 2023 trophies, which are set to be handed out to winners at the annual ceremony in February. He has created three individual designs, so musicians up for prizes will be competing to complete the whole set.
“I’m overjoyed and honoured to have been chosen”, says Slawn. “It is an incredible privilege to have the opportunity to take part in this celebration of fellow creatives since The BRITs are an iconic, self-named celebration of British creativity, and a genuine testament to the richness of talent-making and producing music both in this nation and throughout the world”.
“The BRIT Awards are a classic celebration of global talent”, he adds, “and a powerful forum to genuinely reflect on the shifting nature of culture and the contribution of people to that culture”.
Traditionally, the BRIT trophies wear a helmet, although Slawn’s designs see them holding them instead, revealing three individual faces.
“I wanted to design an award that had a sense of refinement and playfulness at the same time”, he explains. “I am conscious of the narrow line I tread between conventional art and the entertainment industry. I wanted to convey feelings of gratitude and celebration since I know that opportunities such as this don’t come along very frequently for individuals like myself”.
“The concept behind the sculpture is ‘hats off to you’. My decision to remove the helmet from the award is my way of thanking The BRITs for providing me with this opportunity. I hope that seeing this award inspires not only the British populace, but individuals across the world, including myself, that these feats are achievable”.
“I’ve created something that I am extremely proud of that I feel represents my past, present and future”, he continues. “The placement of the arms and the decision to have three heads meant that I could create an award that shows a different perspective at every angle”.
“Growing up in Lagos I was surrounded by bronze sculptures, so they have a very nostalgic feel to me. I also wanted to commemorate and incorporate my roots into the design. I hope that in creating this award this is just the start of my journey in providing more opportunity for young people to realise that these achievements are possible with the right support”.
Chair of the 2023 BRIT Awards, Managing Director of Atlantic Records UK, Damian Christian, adds: “Slawn’s work is incredible and powerful, and we’ve been blown away by what he has created – his design is bold, exciting and in the moment, and represents what we’re trying to achieve with this year’s ceremony”.
“We were very honoured that he accepted our invitation to put his own spin on the iconic statue and continue the BRITs’ rich heritage of design innovation”, he adds. “I’m delighted to have him on board and to have his work play such a prominent part of The BRITs 2023”.
The 2023 BRITs ceremony will take place on 11 Feb – the first time they have been held on a Saturday. See the three trophies here.
