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Smug’s Powerful Mural in Greenock, Scotland: A Conversation Starter for Normalizing Breastfeeding
Content warning: Today, we take you to Greenock, Scotland, where street artist Smug last year created a thought-provoking mural with an essential message. This artwork aims to spark conversations around normalizing breastfeeding and improving the town's breastfeeding rate
Today, we take you to Greenock, Scotland, where street artist Smug last year created a thought-provoking mural with an essential message.
This artwork aims to spark conversations around normalizing breastfeeding and improving the town’s breastfeeding rates, which are currently among the lowest in the world. Let’s explore the inspiration behind this striking mural and the collaboration that made it possible.
“Hopefully this mural will spark conversation that will lead to normalising breastfeeding and improve breastfeeding rates in the area” – Smug
Greenock, recently named the most deprived area in Scotland, faces a significant challenge when it comes to breastfeeding. On average, only 19% of mothers continue breastfeeding after six weeks, with specific areas in Greenock showing even lower rates, dropping to as low as 1%. This puts the town in the unfortunate position of having the second-worst breastfeeding rate globally.
A Catalyst for Change
Smug’s powerful mural hopes to inspire conversations that will ultimately help normalize breastfeeding and improve breastfeeding rates in Greenock. This collaborative project involved Inverclyde Health and Social Care Partnerships’ Infant Feeding Team and received support from Oak Tree Housing Association. Smug expressed gratitude to Catriona, the driving force behind this impactful mural, and Angela, who served as an excellent model.
The Artist’s Determination
Creating this mural was no easy feat. Smug faced four named storms during the ten days spent working on the piece, enduring relentless rain and freezing temperatures. Despite these challenges, the artist persevered, making this mural a testament to dedication and passion in the face of adversity.
More by Smug: Street Art Murals by SMUG – A Collection 2
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.
2
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.
3
Tribute to SMUGs grandparents in Melbourne, Australia.
4
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.
6
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.
8
This two Squirrels are from Street Art Festival in Belgium.
9
For Project SAATO in Paris, France.
10
In Västervik, Sweden at BANK! Västervik Street Art.
11
At Upeart in Kotka, Finland.
12
At Waterford Walls Street Art Festival in Ireland.13
Mural in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
14
At Yardworks in Glasgow, Scotland.
15
In Melbourne, Australia.
16
For Artscape in Årjäng, Sweden.
17
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.
21
In Melbourne, Australia.
22
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?
By Smugone
Content warning: On Facebook. By SmugOne: http://bit.ly/zhUzSa More by SmugOne. From 26 beloved Street Art Photos - March 2012.
On Facebook. By SmugOne: http://bit.ly/zhUzSa More by SmugOne.
From 26 beloved Street Art Photos – March 2012.
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.
On Facebook.
On Facebook.
On Facebook.
On Facebook.
Boing Boing
From back in March in Liverpool. Threw up a quick bubble Dead from his sketchbook for the background. Should've just done a Smug. Haha.Flickr
26 beloved Street Art Photos -March 2012
Content warning: March 2012 in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Thanks to Fredo Reedoo for the photo! More in 3D. This is some of the most beloved Street Art photos on our Facebook Page march 2012! Click on a photo to (if you´re lucky) make it bigger or to post a comment on it. On F
March 2012 in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Thanks to Fredo Reedoo for the photo! More in 3D.
This is some of the most beloved Street Art photos on ourFacebook Page march 2012!
Click on a photo to (if you´re lucky) make it bigger or to post a comment on it.
On Facebook. In Hossegor Beaches Landes South West of France.
More info on Facebook.
On Facebook. In Bordeaux, France. Thanks to Nana for the photo!
On Facebook. In Iran by Icy And Sot. Moreby Icy and Sot.
More info on Facebook. In Egypt. Thanks to Salahedin Fahmy for the tip! Photo from: http://on.fb.me/x9XBrh
On Facebook. In Nolita, Manhattan, New York City. With JR (www.jr-art.net) and Liu Bolin.
Photo by New York Street Art: http://bit.ly/GAzGUB
On Facebook. In Valdivia, Chile. By Marianne Meier. In her own words: “With the help of nearly 50 women of the city. We knitt for a week in front of the river which crosses the city. Then i cover a front of the Museum of Contemporary Art. It was such a beautiful experience, collaborative work.” More Knitting Graffiti, Yarn Bombing and Guerilla Crochet.
On Facebook. In Almeria, Spain. By RPSendra: www.rpsendra.blogspot.com
On Facebook. By Pøbel (www.pobel.no) in Lofoten, Norway. Photo from Mariken.
On Facebook. In Iran by Icy And Sot. More by Icy and Sot.
On Facebook. Thanks to Pawe‚ Krzych for sending this photo!
In Szczecin, Poland.
Photo from www.szczecinblog.pl More Street Art in 3D.
On Facebook. In Iran by Icy And Sot. More by Icy and Sot.
On Facebook. By Matt Adnate in Sydney, Cockatoo Island. Thanks to Christel Keijzer for the photo!
On Facebook. More by Alice Pasquini.
On Facebook. Tarragona, Spain. Photo from Yolanda Carbajales Ferreiro.
On Facebook. In Berlin, Germany. Photo by: http://bit.ly/Hm2vGg
Other photo of it on SAU: http://on.fb.me/HwUWIF
On Facebook. In Andalucia, Spain. From Rachel Webb / Andalucia Explorer: http://bit.ly/H4FyHb
On Facebook. In Nizhniy Novgorod, Russia.
By Nikita Nomerz: http://bit.ly/GHgapG
On Facebook. By SmugOne: http://bit.ly/zhUzSa More by SmugOne.
On Facebook. More by Eduardo Relero.
On Facebook. In Iran by Icy And Sot. More by Icy and Sot.
On Facebook. More photos of it on Street Art Utopia. The Green Carpet! In Jaujac, France. Photo by David Monjou. Made fore the celebrate of the 10th year arts and nature trail programs by Gaëlle Villedary: http://on.fb.me/ACjC9T
On Facebook. In Paris, France. More by C215: www.streetartutopia.com/?p=7074
On Facebook. Lace Fence by Demakersvan. More info: www.lacefence.com
On Facebook. From a Chalk Street Art Project of college students in the Philippines.
In Chiang Mai, Thailand
Photo by Fredo Reedoo.
By Juandrés Vera. March 2012 in Chiang Mai, Thailand. More in 3D.
From 26 beloved Street Art Photos – March 2012.
Boing Boing
From back in March in Liverpool. Threw up a quick bubble Dead from his sketchbook for the background. Should've just done a Smug. Haha.Flickr
Murals That Hit You Right in the Heart (12 Photos)
Content warning: Which one is your favorite?
Street art often captures human emotions, societal messages, and profound statements in ways words cannot fully express. From murals depicting the stark realities of conflict to uplifting images celebrating nurturing moments, the works in this collection provide a visual journey through emotional depth, cultural significance, and humanity’s complex narratives. Here, you’ll discover a child’s playful imagination reshaping reality, the raw pain of the housing crisis, heartfelt reflections on war, and compelling advocacy for social change.
More: 14 Powerful Art Pieces Overflowing With Emotion
My Dog Sighs in Cardiff, UK
A striking mural features a detailed eye painted with Ukraine’s flag colors—blue and yellow. Within the eye’s reflection, Kyiv burns, symbolizing the human tragedy of war in Ukraine. Paint drips mimic tears, emphasizing sorrow and empathy.
🔗 Follow My Dog Sighs on Instagram
Chemis in Plzeň, Czech Republic
In Plzeň, a photorealistic mural by Chemis depicts a child wrapped warmly in bed sheets holding a teddy bear, an alarm clock above signaling the passing of childhood. The mural cleverly blends with the building’s aged facade, creating a surreal peeling effect.
Smug One in Greenock, Scotland
An impactful, lifelike mural by Smug One depicts a mermaid tenderly breastfeeding her child, capturing an intimate moment while advocating for the normalization of breastfeeding in public spaces.
More by SMUG: 24 Times SMUG Made Walls Look More Real Than Life
🔗 Follow Smug One on Instagram
Bifido in Gambettola, Italy
A large-scale mural titled “Hell Is Round The Corner” by Bifido portrays an older man holding his head in despair, masterfully integrating existing windows and architectural elements to intensify the expression of emotional distress.
Asbestos in Cork, Ireland
Asbestos addresses Ireland‘s housing crisis through a surreal mural of a person wearing a cardboard box over their head, capturing a profound feeling of helplessness and anonymity amidst the crisis.
🔗 Follow Asbestos on Instagram
Oriol Arumi in Lleida, Spain
Oriol Arumi transforms an apartment block into a stunning scene depicting storks nesting high in a tree, symbolizing family, hope, and the bond between nature and urban spaces.
🔗 Follow Oriol Arumi on Instagram
TANAI and Ali Zakir in Almaty, Kazakhstan
This cheerful mural by TANAI and Ali Zakir shows a child drawing a vibrant orange sun on a residential building, playfully blending street art with childhood innocence and optimism.
🔗 Follow TANAI on Instagram | Follow Ali Zakir on Instagram
GOIN in Geneva, Switzerland
GOIN’s poignant stencil artwork “Peace Maker” portrays a child attempting to heal a fallen dove, symbolizing efforts toward peace amid geopolitical conflicts, notably referencing the invasion of Ukraine.
Murales Lian’s mural in Ondarroa, Spain
A black-and-white photorealistic mural of elderly hands weaving a net, painted across the full height of a residential building. While the hands and background remain monochromatic, the fishing net is brought to life with vivid strands in orange, red, pink, blue, green, and yellow. The mural pays tribute to the traditional work of women in the coastal town of Ondarroa.
🔗 Follow Murales Lian on Instagram
Michael Rosato’s mural in Cambridge, Maryland, USA
This lifelike mural of Harriet Tubman is painted on the side of the Tubman Museum and Education Center. Tubman is shown stepping out of a broken brick wall, arm extended as if reaching for the viewer’s hand. Behind her, a calm riverside landscape glows under a setting sun. The artwork is titled Take My Hand and has become an iconic tribute to her legacy.
🔗 Follow Michael Rosato on Instagram
Anonymous artist’s stencil in Germany
A simple yet impactful stencil showing a young woman hunched over, vomiting a stream of bright red hearts onto the sidewalk. Dressed in casual clothes and holding a smartphone in one hand, the artwork titled Lovesick captures a raw, satirical commentary on modern relationships and emotional excess.
My Dog Sighs’ mural in Eccleston, Lancashire, UK
A detailed mural of a single eye painted on a textured wall, with teal and green tones suggesting flowing tears. The reflection in the pupil shows a cobblestone street and a solitary figure, adding depth and a subtle narrative of solitude and reflection. The artwork seamlessly integrates the rough wall texture into its emotional effect.
🔗 Follow My Dog Sighs on Instagram
More: 11 Times I Found Street Art Cleverly Using Its Surroundings
Which one is your favorite?
16 Stunning Bird-Inspired Street Art Murals from Around the World
Bird-themed street art (collection cover)
Get ready to take flight as we embark on a journey to explore bird-inspired street art from around the world!
In today’s blog post, we’ll showcase the beauty of our feathered friends, as seen through the creative lens of talented street artists. So, spread your wings and join us as we soar through the skies, celebrating the artful harmony between nature and urban landscapes!
Bird by DAN23 in Strasbourg, France
The Symbolism of Birds in Street Art
Birds have long been a favorite subject for street artists. Representing freedom, hope, and transformation, these avian creatures have been integrated into street art to convey messages of change, resilience, and the interaction between nature and society.
By Bordalo II in Lisbon, Portugal
Origami Bird by Annatomix in Birmingham, UK
By Yurika – In Cartagena, Colombia
A Global Phenomenon: Bird Murals from Around the World
From towering murals to delicate stencils, bird-inspired street art graces cities worldwide. Some remarkable examples include the colorful parrots of São Paulo, Brazil, the stunning swans of Amsterdam, Netherlands, and the hummingbirds of Bogotá, Colombia. These artistic homages to our feathered friends not only give beauty and inspiration to urban spaces but also ask us to safeguard and preserve our planet’s biodiversity.
By ROA in Katowice, Poland
By L7m – A Collection
Parrot mural by Curtis Hylton in Paris, France
Talented Artists Who’ve Taken Flight
A flock of talented street artists has embraced the theme of birds. Among them are ROA, a Belgian artist known for his monochromatic, larger depictions of birds and other wildlife; L7m, a Brazilian artist who merges abstract and realistic elements in his colorful bird murals; and the UK-based Curtis Hylton, who uses his art to remind people of the beauty and of nature.More birds:
Message mural: “If you want to listen to bird songs, don’t buy cages. Plant trees!”
The Pixel Bird by Ricky Said and DISE in Turin, Italy
Stencil of a confused peace bird by Stevo in Genova, Italia.
“Swallows” by KATO in Casablanca, Morocco for Casamouja.
Mural of a Crane bird by TUZQ in Mol, Belgium
Swallow – Mural of flying birds by Satr in Bayreuth, Germany
Stencil: Alfred Hitchcock dissolving into birds (often misattributed to Banksy)
Art in a frame is like an eagle in a birdcage (6 photos) – By ROCCO AND HIS BROTHERS in Berlin, Germany
“The Bird & The Bee” by Curtis Hylton in Swindon, UK
And there you have it – a celebration of the awe-inspiring beauty of bird-inspired street art from around the world! We hope this visual journey has left you with a newfound appreciation for both the artistic talent and the natural wonders that these magnificent creatures represent.
Don’t forget to share your favorite bird-inspired street art finds in the comments below, and keep your eyes peeled for more avian masterpieces in your own urban adventures!
Which piece of street art is your favorite?
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.
2
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.
3
Tribute to SMUGs grandparents in Melbourne, Australia.
4
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.
6
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.
8
This two Squirrels are from Street Art Festival in Belgium.
9
For Project SAATO in Paris, France.
10
In Västervik, Sweden at BANK! Västervik Street Art.
11
At Upeart in Kotka, Finland.
12
At Waterford Walls Street Art Festival in Ireland.
13
Mural in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
14
At Yardworks in Glasgow, Scotland.
15
In Melbourne, Australia.
16
For Artscape in Årjäng, Sweden.
17
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.
21
In Melbourne, Australia.
22
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
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.
On Facebook.
On Facebook.
On Facebook.
On Facebook.
By SMUG – A Collection 1
Content warning: 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
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.
On Facebook.
On Facebook.
On Facebook.
On Facebook.