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Turning Walls into Stories! 6 Murals by SFHIR
Content warning: SFHIR, a street artist from Madrid, has been crafting murals since 1995, blending techniques like airbrushing and laser graffiti. His works, including "A Violonchelista de Fene" and "Anf10n," transform walls worldwide with stunning realism and storytellin
SFHIR, a street artist from Madrid, has been creating murals since 1995. His art combines techniques like airbrushing, rollers, and laser graffiti.
His work can be found on walls worldwide, from Spain to the U.S., drawing attention with its detail and storytelling.
In Fene, Spain, SFHIR created a mural called “A Violonchelista de Fene” turning a building into a tribute to music and emotion. The mural features a cellist painted with stunning realism, blending art and sound seamlessly.
SFHIR’s art often draws from myths, culture, and everyday life. Murals like “Anf10n” and “Sirena” reimagine Greek myths in fresh ways. His art isn’t just pretty—it’s full of ideas about creativity and how we connect with each other.
Explore SFHIR’s murals to see how he transforms ordinary walls into stories of imagination and artistry. And give him a follow on Instagram!
More like this: 24 Murals By SMUG!
“A Violonchelista de Fene” at Perla Mural Fest in Fene, Spain.
A monumental mural by SFHIR in Fene, Spain, depicting a woman playing a cello. The artwork spans multiple building faces, creating a stunning visual of musical grace.
“Sirena” in Fuenlabrada, Spain.
SFHIR’s “Sirena” in Fuenlabrada, Spain, reimagines a mythical siren playing a brick lyre, symbolizing her triumph over Orpheus. This striking mural brings Greek mythology to life in the heart of Fuenlabrada.
“Anf10n” at Perla Mural Fest in Fene, Spain.
“Anf10n” by SFHIR in Fene, Spain, created for Perla Mural Fest, reimagines the myth of Amphion, who built the walls of Thebes with the magical sound of his harp. The mural portrays a modern interpretation, where the wall itself becomes a harp, producing music that unites people.
Mural for Meninas de Canido in Ferrol, Spain.
SFHIR’s mural in Ferrol, Spain, for Meninas de Canido portrays Marcela de Ulloa, a figure from “Las Meninas,” as a rebellious, tattooed nun creating graffiti, questioning societal norms and imposed aesthetics.
“Snake Stairs” in Guarda, Portugal.
SFHIR’s “Snake Stairs” in Guarda, Portugal, transforms a staircase into a coiled snake, complemented by a young adventurer holding a staff.
Mural in Málaga, Spain.
SFHIR’s mural in Málaga, Spain, at the HLA El Ángel Hospital, portrays a nature goddess merging with greenery. The artwork highlights the relationship between nature, medicine, and Málaga’s cultural identity.
More like this: 9 Martín Ron Murals That Redefine Urban Art
What do you think about the murals by SFHIR?
Fediverse Reactions
24 Times SMUG Made Walls Look More Real Than Life
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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Photo by @thedreadedcatstudios
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.5
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.7
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.13
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!18
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.19
For Colour Tumby Street Art Festival in Tumby Bay, Australia.20
In Glasgow, Scotland.
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In Melbourne, Australia.
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Photo by @fredrikakerberg
Photo by @fredrikakerberg
Photo by @fredrikakerberg
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.23
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.24
Photo by Gordon Terris.
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?
6 Walls Where Hebs Art Left Something You Can Still Feel
Content warning: From London’s graffiti-filled tunnels to the colorful streets of Akumal and Playa del Carmen, Hebs Art transforms public walls into scenes that make you stop and stare.
From London’s graffiti-filled tunnels to the colorful streets of Akumal and Playa del Carmen, Hebs Art transforms public walls into scenes that make you stop and stare. His work plays with perception—dogs that seem to nap in alleyways, sea turtles mid-flight, and characters who burst off the surface. This collection features seven of his most captivating pieces, including murals in Mexico, Austria, and the UK.
🔗 Follow [b]Hebs Art on Instagram[/b]
Painted Turtle in Flight
A sea turtle glides through space in this large-scale 3D mural, painted across two walls and the pavement. Rich green and violet tones add vibrancy to the shell and flippers, while a painted shadow enhances the illusion of floating.
Girl with Camera — Playa del Carmen, Mexico
A young girl with blonde hair holds a DSLR camera to her face, captured mid-action on the side of a building. The lighting and skin tones are painted with photorealistic care, integrating the shadowed corner into the composition.
Resting Dog in Alleyway — Leake Street Tunnel, London, UK
A white and brown dog stretches naturally across both a wall and an electrical box. Its front paw and head extend toward the sidewalk, making it appear to be physically lying next to passersby.
Dog by the River — Vienna, Austria
This 3D mural shows a relaxed dog reclining across a concrete pillar near a riverside walkway. Painted limbs wrap around the structure, blending with the environment for a seamless visual illusion.
Super Mario Power-Up — Stadlau, Vienna, Austria
A playful mural under a graffitied bridge features Super Mario in full jump, surrounded by power-ups like mushrooms and a blue shell. The sharp outlines and layered elements give the character movement within a chaotic urban backdrop.
Eyes Closed — Leake Street Tunnel, London, UK
A monochrome portrait shows a woman with closed eyes and soft hair fading into the wall. The shading creates a misty, calm mood that contrasts with the rough tunnel walls around it.
Hebs Art pushes the boundaries of visual illusion in public space—turning walls, sidewalks, and pillars into believable living scenes. Whether it’s a turtle in flight or a quiet dog in a tunnel, each piece invites people to pause, look again, and appreciate the unexpected power of street art.
More: 12 Murals That Hit You Right in the Heart (And You’ll Never Forget Them)
Which one is your favorite?
Birds! (14 Photos)
From intimate close-ups to massive architectural takeovers, this collection of bird-themed street art captures the elegance of birds across the globe.
You’ll find photorealistic falcons, surreal cranes, oversized parrots, and delicate wrens brought to life on city walls—each mural a tribute to avian beauty and the artists who transform urban landscapes with their feathers and color. Locations range from the Netherlands and Morocco to France and Australia, each mural offering a unique interpretation of nature through public art.More birds!: 8 Beautiful Artworks That Seem to Grow From Nature
1. Daniel Mac Lloyd’s mural in Heerlen, Netherlands
Two vibrant blue parrots embrace in a strikingly intimate pose, filling the entire side of a house. Painted with rich blues and bursts of orange, the feathers look almost fluid—blending realism with a painterly splash technique that gives motion and emotion to the birds. More photos!: Bird Love by Daniel Mac LLOYD in Heerlen, Netherlands🔗 Follow Daniel Mac Lloyd on Instagram
2. Geoffrey Carran’s mural in Carlton North, Melbourne, Australia
A vibrant superb fairywren perches on a blooming branch of pink flowers, painted on a sleek gray wall. The contrast of the soft blossoms and the vivid blue plumage creates a delicate and cheerful composition full of spring energy. More photos!: Male Fairy Wren by Geoffrey Carran Melbourne, Australia🔗 Follow Geoffrey Carran on Instagram
3. Alegría del Prado’s mural in Rabat, Morocco
A regal falcon with floral plumage and textile patterns adorns a white building in Rabat. The intricate design blends feathers with decorative motifs, transforming the raptor into a symbolic and cultural tapestry. More photos!: 4 Photos of Falcon – Mural by Alegria del Prado in Rabat, Morocco🔗 Follow Alegría del Prado on Instagram
4. Curtis Hylton’s mural in Nykvarn, Sweden
A majestic osprey emerges from a composition of large cream-colored roses and golden shells, with two chicks nestled below. The hyperrealism and symbolic floral fusion create a visual story of protection and grace. More photos!: Floral Osprey – By Curtis Hylton in Nykvarn, Sweden🔗 Follow Curtis Hylton on Instagram
5. Vadim Mezzo’s mural in Rostov-on-Don, Russia
Two elegant herons stand side by side in front of a stylized pink sunset and pine tree silhouettes. The mural is geometric yet soft, creating a tranquil lake scene with a graphic, poster-like quality. More photos!: “In silence” by Vadim Mezzo in Rostov-on-Don, Russia🔗 Follow Vadim Mezzo on Instagram
6. A-MO’s mural in Bordeaux, France
A kingfisher, perched on the corner of a building, bursts with color and texture. The dynamic brushwork mimics feathers in motion, and the location cleverly integrates the mural into urban flow. More photos!: Kingfisher by A-MO in Bordeaux, France🔗 Follow A-MO on Instagram
7. WD (Wild Drawing)’s mural in Athens, Greece
An owl stares intensely from a historic building corner, its massive eyes framed by golden ornamental swirls. The illusion of depth and the realistic textures make it feel alive within the wall. More by WD!: 3D Street Art by WD (7 Murals)🔗 Follow WD (Wild Drawing) on Instagram
8. TUZQ’s mural in Mol, Belgium
A grey crowned crane stands regally with deep blue feathers and a shimmering gold crest. The dark background contrasts sharply with the vivid bird, adding theatrical lighting to this photorealistic piece. More photos!: Mural of a Crane bird by TUZQ in Mol, Belgium🔗 Follow TUZQ on Instagram
9. Adele Renault’s mural in Stavelot, Belgium
A pigeon’s head dominates a multi-surfaced house, with textured roof tiles doubling as feathers. The gradient iridescence and scale of the piece give it a surreal monumentality. More photos!: This Stunning Pigeon Mural in Belgium Is a Must-See🔗 Follow Adele Renault on Instagram
10. L7m’s mural
A small bird bursts into motion with chaotic lines and neon shades of pink, orange, and black. L7m blends abstract graffiti with realism, creating a sense of explosive speed and urban energy. More by L7m!: Street Art by L7m – A Collection🔗 Follow L7m on Instagram
11. Jan Is De Man’s mural in Vinkeveense Plassen, Netherlands
A photorealistic peacock appears to be walking off a brick wall and into nature. The illusionary depth and shimmering tail feathers spill across the path like a real bird mid-stride. More!: 8 Happy 3D Artworks by Jan Is De Man That Will Make You Smile🔗 Follow Jan Is De Man on Instagram
12. Mural by Carlos Alberto GH in Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico
A hyper-realistic 3D street art mural by Carlos Alberto GH in Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico, depicting a vibrant scarlet macaw in flight. The parrot’s red, blue, and yellow feathers are rendered with stunning precision, creating the illusion that the bird is emerging from the wall. More photos!: By Carlos Alberto GH – In Chiapas, Mexico (6 photos)🔗 Follow Carlos Alberto GH on Instagram
13. Chicken Punk — Lexus One in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
A large mural of a rooster painted with striking realism. The bird’s red comb and wattles contrast with its layered brown feathers, while its tail fans out in deep blue and purple tones.🔗 Follow Lexus One on Instagram
Photo by LuKutz
14. Nature Is the Teacher of Art — Anna Tautt & Kkade Schwarzmaler in Hamburg, Germany
An Art Nouveau–inspired mural featuring two thrushes against a deep green background. Surrounded by ornate golden framing, the birds are rendered with lifelike detail, one perched and the other with an open beak as if calling.🔗 Follow Anna Tautt & Kkade Schwarzmaler on Instagram
More: When Street Art Meets Nature (40 Photos)
Which one is your favorite?
Emotion (15 Photos)
Content warning: Urban Art has the power to capture emotions in a way words often cannot. These 15 street art pieces and sculptures express love, grief, hope, and longing in striking and unforgettable ways. More: 3D Masterpieces (18 Photos) The Weight of Grief by Celeste
Urban Art has the power to capture emotions in a way words often cannot. These 15 street art pieces and sculptures express love, grief, hope, and longing in striking and unforgettable ways.
More: 3D Masterpieces (18 Photos)
The Weight of Grief by Celeste Roberge
A sculpture of a crouched figure made from steel and filled with stones, visually embodying the crushing weight of sorrow. The texture and posture evoke a sense of deep mourning and resilience.
On Burning Man by Alexander Milov
This luminous installation at Burning Man depicts two adults sitting back-to-back inside wire cages, with their inner child figures reaching out to each other—symbolizing the barriers we build and the innocence that remains within.
Tribute to Grandparents by SMUG in Melbourne, Australia
A mural of an elderly couple, their expressions rich with history and emotion. The details in their wrinkles and eyes speak of love, loss, and a lifetime of shared experiences.
More!: 24 Murals By SMUG!
The Day Will Come by Sasha Korban in Tbilisi, Georgia
A mural of a soldier embracing his loved one, symbolizing the pain of war and the hope of reunion. The sheer scale of the piece amplifies its emotional weight.
More!: 16 Beautiful Street Art Pieces by Sasha Korban
Love & Loss – A Tribute in Baltimore, USA
A minimalist yet striking mural spelling out “LOVE” using hands and shadows, part of the Baltimore Love Project. It speaks of unity, connection, and the power of simple gestures.
Mooncake by Insane51
A double-exposure style mural showing two lovers gazing into each other’s souls, layered with a haunting X-ray effect. A visual representation of love transcending physicality. See the video for the full effect here!
A Swing in the Summer Light by ATTORREP (Antonino Perrotta) in Belsito, Italy
A nostalgic mural of a girl on a swing, seemingly floating into the sky. The warmth of the scene contrasts with the mysterious figure in the window, adding an air of melancholy. More by Antonino Perrotta on his Instagram.
A Good Host Turns Places Into Friends by HERA (Herakut) in Karlstad, Sweden
A poetic mural of a child having tea with a wolf and a deer, capturing the magic of storytelling and unexpected friendships. The warmth in their interaction makes it deeply moving.
More by the artist here!: HERA – Crafting Stories on Walls Around the World
Mama Mimi by Thomas Dambo in Wyoming, USA
A massive wooden troll sculpture sitting by the water, looking deep in thought. Crafted from reclaimed materials, it carries an environmental message alongside its quiet, contemplative presence. More trolls here!
Jade and Moggy Cat Mural by Nina Valkhoff in Gent, Belgium
A heartwarming mural of a young girl lovingly hugging a cat, her eyes closed in serenity. The surrounding fish and leaves add a dreamlike quality, emphasizing deep companionship.
Homeless Man and His Dogs by Lalone Laleiro Leilo in Málaga, Spain
A mural of a hooded man cradling his sleeping dogs on the street. The realism and tenderness in their expressions highlight themes of loyalty, hardship, and unconditional love. More by Lalone here!
Chalk Mice with Heart by David Zinn
A whimsical yet touching street piece showing two tiny chalk-drawn mice connected by a string, holding a dangling heart. A small but profound message of connection in the simplest of forms.
More!: Whimsical Wonders: 7 Lovely Artworks by David Zinn
‘Brightness through the clouds of cancer’ by JDL in Rotterdam, Netherlands
More photos and about the mural here!
Best Friends – Elephant and Rat (Unknown Artist)
A playful yet deeply emotional mural showing an elephant extending its trunk to give a bouquet of flowers to a tiny rat. A reminder that kindness knows no size, and friendship transcends differences.
Mural by JEKS ONE in Glasgow, UK
A powerful mural blending photorealism and narrative, showing a young woman looking skyward, with a protest scene unfolding in grayscale behind her. The vibrant thistle in the foreground adds a national symbol of Scotland, while the golden arcs frame her presence as a figure of resilience and hope. Painted on the gable end of a building in Glasgow for the Yardworks festival.
Hyperrealistic Murals by JEKS ONE: 9 Murals by JEKS ONE That Blur the Line Between Paint and Reality
More: 11 Beautiful Artworks That Seem to Grow From Nature
Which one is your favorite?
3D Masterpieces (18 Photos)
Get ready to be mesmerized by the fascinating world of 3D street art!
In today’s blog post, we’ll delve into the mind-bending realm of anamorphic masterpieces, as we explore how these optical illusions are created and what makes them so captivating. So, buckle up and let’s dive into the intriguing world of 3D street art!It’s all about perspective! The Art of Anamorphosis:
Creating Illusions Anamorphosis, the technique behind 3D street art, involves creating distorted images that only appear in their correct proportions when viewed from a specific angle or through a reflective device. This mind-blowing technique has been around since the Renaissance, but it wasn’t until the late 20th century that artists began applying it to the streets, transforming ordinary pavements into magical wonderlands.1
By 3D-Master Odeith
More by Odeith: 19 Jaw-Dropping 3D Graffiti Pieces by Odeith2
By Shozy in Solnechnogorsk, Russia.
See how it is made and from other points of view: Stunning Optical Illusion Mural by ShozyThe Pioneers: Kurt Wenner and Julian Beever
We can’t talk about 3D street art without mentioning its pioneers, Kurt Wenner and Julian Beever. Both artists started creating anamorphic illusions on the streets of Europe in the 1980s, revolutionizing the street art scene. Their innovative works have inspired a new generation of artists to experiment with perspective and create their own jaw-dropping 3D masterpieces.3
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The Process: From Sketch to Lifelike Artwork
Creating 3D street art is a labor-intensive process that begins with a detailed sketch of the desired illusion. Artists then use mathematical calculations and perspective techniques to determine the correct proportions for the final piece. Once the groundwork is done, they meticulously apply chalk or paint to the pavement, using shading and highlights to bring the illusion to life.5
By Leon Keer, Ruben Poncia, Remko van Schaik and Peter Westerink during the 4th Sarasota Chalk Festival in Florida US
By Leon Keer, Ruben Poncia, Remko van Schaik and Peter Westerink during the 4th Sarasota Chalk Festival in Florida US
By Leon Keer, Ruben Poncia, Remko van Schaik and Peter Westerink during the 4th Sarasota Chalk Festival in Florida US
The Impact: Engaging and Interactive Art
One of the most captivating aspects of 3D street art is its interactive nature. Viewers are encouraged to engage with the artwork, often becoming a part of the scene themselves. This immersive quality allows people to connect with art on a deeper level, sparking curiosity and inspiring creativity.6
3D Pedestrian Crossings Are Slowing Down Speeding Drivers in Iceland
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Braga Last1, also known as Tom Bragado Blanco Brings Old Gas Tank to Life with Stunning Sphynx Cat Illusion.
Where to See 3D Street Art: Festivals and Events
Eager to experience these incredible optical illusions for yourself? Keep an eye out for street art festivals and events, where many 3D artists showcase their talents. Some popular events include the Sarasota Chalk Festival in Florida, the Lake Worth Street Painting Festival, also in Florida, and the Fiera delle Grazie in Italy.8
Sleeping kitten by WA in Lima, Peru.
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‘Knowledge speaks – Wisdom listens’ – Mural in by WD (Wilddrawing) in Athens, Greece.
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By Made in Graffiti: The sleeping beauty – In Picardie, France.
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By Peeta in Mannheim, Germany.
To understand the 3D effect better, see more photos of the mural here.12
Horse by Nikolaj Arndt in Neustadt, Germany.
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Giraffe Eating the Plants by Jan Is De Man in Utrecht, Netherlands.
More by Jan Is De Man: Transforming Cityscapes with Playful 3D Street Art14
Mural by Cosimo Cheone Caiffa in Milano, Italy.
More: 27 Masterpieces By CHEONE15.
Mind Your Step – 3D Street Art in Stockholm, Sweden by Erik Johansson.
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In Berlin, Germany.
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More by Eduardo Relero.
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By Sweo and Nikita in El Berrón, Spain with 4 leaf agency.
Which one is your favorite?
INSANE FIFTYONE on Instagram: "“Mooncake” 📍 Worcester, Massachusetts 🇺🇸 Painted for @powwowworcester"
4M likes, 1,927 comments - insane51 on October 29, 2024: "“Mooncake” 📍 Worcester, Massachusetts 🇺🇸 Painted for @powwowworcester".Instagram