SMUG – Vestre Fjordvej 26
Australian artist Sam Bates, better known as SMUG, is internationally recognized for his impressive photorealistic gable paintings. With an Instagram following of several hundred thousand, his talent for street art has received wide attention and in 2022 this has led him past Vestre Fjordvej 26 in Aalborg.
The gable painting presents the viewer with a close-up of a pensive man, painted in an impressive hyper-realistic style using only spray paint. SMUG is precisely known for its playful and sharp works that create a unique surreal atmosphere that transforms the urban space.
Born in a small Australian village, the talented artist has strong roots in the street art culture. Without a formal art education, he has independently explored and mastered various techniques that have shaped his unique style. From his early days of drawing in books and two-dimensional graffiti to his discovery of the potential of spray paint, SMUG's journey has led him to become a sought-after street art artist worldwide.
SMUG's artistic style has evolved over time. While he previously aimed for photographic realism, he now describes his approach as "stylized realism". His work reflects an organic process where he includes flaws and nuances that add life to his works. The new gable painting on Vestre Fjordvej is a manifestation of this approach, as it turns out to be more colorful than expected, which only adds to its uniqueness.
During the work on the new gable painting on Vestre Fjordvej, SMUG has said that he has paid particular attention to the face, which forms a central part of the painting.
The artwork shows a seated man, but SMUG allows the viewer to interpret the man's background and intent. In accordance with his approach to art, he rarely gives his works titles, so that viewers have the freedom to interpret on their own terms. Using spray paint and an impressive technical skill, SMUG manages to capture even the finest details, from shadows to microscopic nuances.
The gable painting is a replacement for an earlier decoration that had become worn over the years and had lost its original shine.
