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24 Times SMUG Made Walls Look More Real Than Life
Content warning: In Glasgow, Scotland. I’ve always been drawn to SMUG's art—there’s just something amazing about how he brings everyday faces to life on such a massive scale. Known worldwide for his super-realistic portraits, SMUG’s murals are incredibly detailed and ofte
In Glasgow, Scotland.
I’ve always been drawn to SMUG’s art—there’s just something amazing about how he brings everyday faces to life on such a massive scale.
Known worldwide for his super-realistic portraits, SMUG’s murals are incredibly detailed and often tower up to 14 stories high! His work isn’t just impressive; it’s a mix of creativity and skill, with each piece telling its own story through light, shadow, and careful detail.
When SMUG starts a mural, he’s not just copying a photo; he’s adapting to the wall in front of him. Every wall, with its own texture and quirks, becomes part of the artwork. Seeing him turn these challenges into part of the art is what makes his work so incredible.
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In Frankston, Victoria, Australia at The Big Picture Fest.
Be sure to keep up with SMUG’s latest creations by following him on Instagram. For more of SMUG’s remarkable works, check out our previous collection: See some of his older murals in this collection from 2011.
Don’t forget to share your photos of SMUG’s street art in our Facebook group, Your Street Art Utopia.
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Tribute to SMUGs grandparents in Melbourne, Australia.
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In Wirrabara, South Australia.
SMUG: Wirrabara, South Australia. One of my most challenging murals to date. I can’t imagine anyone actually enjoys painting 30m tall murals on a curved surface but, contrary to just about everything I said when I finally finished this, I’m kind of keen to do another one! Haha! I love rural Australia and really regret that I didn’t have more time to spend there to fully appreciate it.
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In Leicester, UK at Bring The Paint Street Art Festival.
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In Karlstad, Sweden for Artscape.
SMUG: One of the most absorbant walls I’ve ever worked on so I killed A LOT of cans on this one and spent a couple of days longer than I wanted to on it.
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In Kreuzberg, Berlin at Berlin Mural Fest.
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This two Squirrels are from Street Art Festival in Belgium.
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For Project SAATO in Paris, France.
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In Västervik, Sweden at BANK! Västervik Street Art.
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At Upeart in Kotka, Finland.
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At Waterford Walls Street Art Festival in Ireland.
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Mural in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
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At Yardworks in Glasgow, Scotland.
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In Melbourne, Australia.
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For Artscape in Årjäng, Sweden.
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At Wonderwalls Festival in Wollongong, Australia.
SMUG: It was a real push to finish this one. Ended up only having 3 days after the local authorities threw their weight around trying to stop us. Plus for a Sunday sunset haired dude like me it was freaking hot as all hell!
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In North Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
SMUG: Painting the local legend Cam, who drops knowledge on everyone and carves these beautiful heart brooches for the women of Hobart to help them fall in love with him. Not my usual color palette but had a lot of fun painting this one.
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For Colour Tumby Street Art Festival in Tumby Bay, Australia.
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In Glasgow, Scotland.
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In Melbourne, Australia.
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Mural in Partille, Göteborg for Artscape.
SMUG: My wall for this years Artscape project in Partille, Göteborg. This year we were given a folk tale to base our murals on and I was given the tale of Revontulet. In the Finnish origin story of the Aurora Borealis a firefox wins favor of the villagers by igniting the sky with the Northern Lights to help a lost hiker find his way in the icy woods. This is now the tallest mural in Sweden and whispers are saying the tallest in Scandinavia.
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Mural paying tribute to farmers by Smug in Lameroo, Australia for Lameroo Silo Art. Curated by Juddy Roller.
Lameroo Silo Art: The incredible Lameroo Silo Art Project is officially completed on the Eastern Viterra Silo, in Lameroo, South Australia. The mural was completed in just 3 weeks, by the extraordinarily talented Sam ‘SMUG’ Bates, at the heels of art curators Juddy Roller! This artwork beautifully reflects Lameroo’s rich farming routes, paying tribute to the resilience of our pioneering farmers, in establishing life and livelihood. The picture aims to capture the essence of the Mallee farmer—a symbolic representation of unwavering spirit and hope, which is still alive in our community today.
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By SMUG in Glasgow, Scotland.
In collaboration with the Govan Housing Association in honour of its 50th anniversary, inspired by the Govan-born ‘Daffodil King’, Peter Barr. Barr is credited with bringing the daffodil back into fashion in the late 1800s, and the Memorial Cup is given out each year to those who follow in his footsteps and advance the standing of daffodils.
What do you think of SMUG’s street art? Do you have a favorite?
By SMUG – A Collection 1
About SMUG from Vantage Point Radio (click link to here a podcast with SMUG):
SMUG is, and has been for many years, one of the leaders in the clubhouse when it comes to realistic portrait murals. His output is beyond impressive and the number of murals he paints in a year is almost unbelievable, but to him… “it’s just what I do.” His massive portraits can span anywhere from one story to 14 stories high but the detail and crispness of the image is the same every time. Over decades of painting walls, SMUG has developed a distinctive and immediately recognizable style which is not always easy for someone who paints realistically. His selection of slightly unconventional models and more importantly his very specific use of light and shadow are undeniably SMUG and exquisitely executed every time.
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How Knitted Street Art is Brightening Cities Worldwide
Content warning: Discover how knitted street art is transforming cities worldwide with its colorful and creative designs. From cozy yarn-wrapped trees to crochet-covered benches, this art brings happiness and a sense of community to urban spaces.
Knitted street art, sometimes called guerrilla crochet, is a fun and creative way people are changing their neighborhoods.
Instead of using spray paint or drawing, these artists use yarn to decorate everyday things like trees, benches, and bikes. They turn plain spaces into colorful and eye-catching works of art. This type of art combines the coziness of handmade crafts with the boldness of outdoor art. It’s not just about making things look pretty — it’s about adding happiness, color, and a sense of togetherness to our streets.
For some truly inspiring knitted street art, check out the works of artists like B-Arbeiten and Agata Olek (Olek). Their creative installations have transformed urban spaces around the world, showcasing just how powerful yarn can be in reshaping public spaces.
More: 104-year-old Grace Brett, a member of band of guerilla knitters
More like this: When Statues Become Fathers: Creative Street Art on Equal Parenting
What do you think about Knitted Street Art?
Grace Brett was 104 years old when she became famous for her colorful yarn creations in Scotland
Grace was part of a group of knitters who decorated her town with bright and fun designs.
She helped transform everyday things like benches and telephone boxes into cheerful works of art. Her love for knitting made people smile and showed that anyone can be an artist, no matter how old they are. Grace proved that creativity has no limits.Grace Brett: “I thought it was a really good idea to decorate the town and enjoyed having my crochet included,” Brett told the Press And Journal. “I liked seeing my work showing with everyone else and thought the town looked lovely.” Brett’s daughter Daphne, 74, explained, “she has always knitted and crocheted all through her life. She has always done all the knitting for the babies and made shawls.”
More knitting: How Knitted Street Art is Brightening Cities Worldwide
“I thought it was a really good idea to decorate the town and enjoyed having my crochet included,” Grace Brett said
“I liked seeing my work showing with everyone else and thought the town looked lovely”
Interview from 2015:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sa5FCItlIzU&ab_channel=SWNS104 year old yarn bomber is World's oldest street artist
Grace Brett is a member of a secret band of guerilla Crocheters, who have bedecked their town in artful crochets. Called the Souter Stormers, the group hit v...YouTube
Grace Brett was 104 years old when she became famous for her colorful yarn creations in Scotland
Content warning: Meet Grace Brett, the 104-year-old who became the world’s oldest knitted street artist, spreading joy and creativity through her colorful yarn designs in Scotland.
Grace was part of a group of knitters who decorated her town with bright and fun designs.
She helped transform everyday things like benches and telephone boxes into cheerful works of art. Her love for knitting made people smile and showed that anyone can be an artist, no matter how old they are. Grace proved that creativity has no limits.
Grace Brett: “I thought it was a really good idea to decorate the town and enjoyed having my crochet included,” Brett told the Press And Journal. “I liked seeing my work showing with everyone else and thought the town looked lovely.” Brett’s daughter Daphne, 74, explained, “she has always knitted and crocheted all through her life. She has always done all the knitting for the babies and made shawls.”
More knitting: How Knitted Street Art is Brightening Cities Worldwide
“I thought it was a really good idea to decorate the town and enjoyed having my crochet included,” Grace Brett said
“I liked seeing my work showing with everyone else and thought the town looked lovely”
Interview from 2015:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sa5FCItlIzU&ab_channel=SWNS
How Knitted Street Art is Brightening Cities Worldwide
Knitted street art, sometimes called guerrilla crochet, is a fun and creative way people are changing their neighborhoods.
Instead of using spray paint or drawing, these artists use yarn to decorate everyday things like trees, benches, and bikes. They turn plain spaces into colorful and eye-catching works of art. This type of art combines the coziness of handmade crafts with the boldness of outdoor art. It’s not just about making things look pretty — it’s about adding happiness, color, and a sense of togetherness to our streets.For some truly inspiring knitted street art, check out the works of artists like B-Arbeiten and Agata Olek (Olek). Their creative installations have transformed urban spaces around the world, showcasing just how powerful yarn can be in reshaping public spaces.
More: 104-year-old Grace Brett, a member of band of guerilla knitters
More like this: When Statues Become Fathers: Creative Street Art on Equal Parenting
What do you think about Knitted Street Art?
104 year old yarn bomber is World's oldest street artist
Grace Brett is a member of a secret band of guerilla Crocheters, who have bedecked their town in artful crochets. Called the Souter Stormers, the group hit v...YouTube