Smug (aka Sam Bates), is an Australian contemporary street artist.

Smug is very well-known for his photo realist large murals. Inspired by the realist art movement of the mid 19th century, Smug uses photographs he shoots himself as the basis of his creations. He takes these pictures and recreates them with incredible accuracy, using only spray paints. His subjects are mostly working class, every day people, that he likes to show in huge formats, in a quest to highlight that all individuals are extraordinary in their own way.

Smug’s iconic work can be found all around the world.

Photos: Smug and Street Art for Mankind (banner)