SMUG / Sam Bates (2023)

World-renowned hyperrealism – Smug, or Smug One (Instagram: @smugone), whose real name is Sam Bates, from Australia, is one of the most famous street artists in the world! He is one of the few artists who can recreate absolute realism in large format in his impressive and photorealistic graffiti works.

Usually, the artist sticks to the photograph he is working from, but not everything he does comes directly from a photograph. Smug One does not try to copy images to perfection, as he always adds something personal to the work. The more he paints, the less he relies on the source material. The Australian artist also appreciates humor and a good laugh, and intentionally adds humor to his works.

The Norwegian Farmer (2023)

A tribute to the Norwegian farmer – The impressive and hyperrealistic work "The Norwegian Farmer" can be found on the wall of Bondekompaniet in Flekkefjord. The idea behind the work is to pay tribute to Norwegian farmers and the important work they do. The work also makes one proud of the genuine and natural, as well as those who produce what we live on – the farmers. A local farmer was used as a model: Hege N. Andersen, who runs Livet på Fidsel, an idyllic visitor farm with livestock and vegetables at Fidsel near Kvanvik in Flekkefjord. Hege Andersen is committed to organic, regenerative, and sustainable farming for both humans and animals.

- I am proud to be a farmer, and I believe there is still room for more farmers. I want all the farmers in Norway to show pride in their profession, says Hege Andersen.

Artist Sam Bates says he enjoyed his time in Flekkefjord, especially when he got to visit Hege and Øyvind Andersen at Livet på Fidsel.

- As an avid gardener and producer myself, I was immediately excited about the idea of painting locals who support organic farming methods and small-scale cultivation, as this is something I dream of doing personally. I always feel very at home in Norway; it's almost like a home abroad, and that was also the case in Flekkefjord.

Curators:

Smaabyen Flekkefjord, Bondekompaniet Flekkefjord, and Felleskjøpet Rogaland Agder. Thanks to Flekkefjord Cleaning Service for fantastic service and help with the lift.