Phlegm is a street artist, muralist and illustrator from the UK. He is renowned for his large-scale murals that explore fantastical worlds full of characters, animals and surreal landscapes. Combining highly detailed black and white line work with imaginative themes, Phlegm’s artworks are like stories which have a dreamlike narrative.
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Phlegm is a world-famous street artist who is best known for his huge mural designs, however his artistic journey began in the world of comic books and zines. Comics and zines are where he developed his signature style – one that merges traditional illustration with the boldness of street art. Although he often creates art on buildings and structures (on a very large scale!) His work also includes tiny details which can only be seen up close.
His works often feature a monochromatic palette, allowing the detail of his pen and ink illustrations to take center stage and providing a strong contrast between dark and light.
Art Teachers!
My good friend over at Gartree Art has shared a lovely art project inspired by Phlegm. Click here if you’d like the project resources for free. 🎨 😊
Inspiration for Phlegm’s work comes from many sources, including folklore, fiction, and the urban environment. He loves to create narratives that reflect the complexities of life, exploring themes of nature, technology, and the human condition. His art has often been described as a blend of the bizarre and beautiful, with characters that each tell their own story.
Many of Phlegm’s murals include impossible structures, much like artists such as MC Escher and Piranesi.
In the drawing above, we can see strong similarities between Phlegm’s design and MC Escher’s Bond of Union, which was created in 1956. Can you list any similarities and differences between The Round Tower by Piranesi and Phlegm’s mural on the right?
The drawing inspired by Bond of Union became a large-scale mural in London:
In his larger-than-life murals, Phlegm often features a unique mix of fantastical creatures that interact with their surroundings in unexpected ways. These pieces transform ordinary urban spaces into a whimsical gallery, drawing in passersby to explore the tiny details of his designs.
What do you think about Phlegm’s ability to combine storytelling with street art? How does it change the atmosphere of public spaces?
Top Facts about artist Phlegm:
- Phlegm is Welsh born and is now based in Sheffield, UK
- He has gained recognition worldwide for his mural work and created large-scale murals all over the world
- He self-publishes comics and zines, showcasing his illustrations and storytelling ability
- Many of his murals are inspired by local history and architecture, integrating elements of the community into his work
- Phlegm has collaborated with various organizations and festivals to promote art in public spaces
- He often employs an intricate cross-hatching technique, which adds depth and texture to his illustrations
- His artworks are often filled with hidden details, encouraging viewers to take a closer look
- Phlegm has over 100,000 followers on his Instagram account
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Have a close look at Phlegm’s mural designs. Can you see any mark-making techniques you recognise? How does Phlegm create depth and tone while only using pen and ink?
Phlegm’s artwork intertwines architecture with fantastical narratives, transforming urban environments into canvases that spark imagination. His larger-than-life murals often incorporate elements of local architecture, reflecting a deep appreciation for the stories and histories these structures hold.
By merging intricate line work with architectural forms, Phlegm creates a sense of depth and context that gives his characters history and meaning. The buildings in his murals are not just backgrounds; they become active participants in his dreamlike worlds, interacting with the surreal creatures that inhabit them.
As well as flat, illustrative drawings and murals, Phlegm also created an immersive 3D exhibition of his figures and structures. This short video shows his installation work in an exhibition titled ‘Mausoleum of the Giants’ – a show where he brought his beasts and characters to life in a huge way!
Phlegm’s attention to detail – seen through the cross-hatching and elaborate designs – evokes a sense of curiosity about the place and its stories. The incorporation of architectural features invites viewers to explore the relationships between space, structure, and narrative.
This creative fusion of surreal, fantastical elements such as animal and human features, alongside real-life architecture allows viewers to question how we perceive what is real and what is imagined.
Phlegm’s work often reflects the nuances of historical and contemporary architectural styles, grounding his imagination in reality while allowing it to soar into the whimsical. By weaving together the past and present, he crafts visual tales that encourage a dialogue about art, architecture, and the narratives embedded within our urban landscapes.
Alongside his massive public murals, Phlegm creates tiny, highly detailed drawings and prints which he often sells as zines or comics. These delicate and precise drawings serve as plans for his large outdoor artworks – highlighting an exploration of extremes in contrast through scale and size.
Why do you think Phlegm mostly works with pen and ink?
Phlegm on Social Media:
Follow Phlegm on Instagram to see his latest projects and updates on new mural locations:
How to create artwork like Phlegm:
To replicate some of Phlegm’s intricate line work, consider using fine liner pens and experimenting with techniques such as stippling and cross-hatching. Ink and brush will also allow you to explore dynamic textures.
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What do you think of Phlegm’s approach to art? What do you think of the way he balances elements of real architectural structures and fantasy creatures?
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The (free!) resources are in a PowerPoint format and have examples of Phlegm’s artwork, a video talking about an exhibition of his, and some step by step pictures showing how to make figures and architectural structures inspired by Phlegm – enjoy!
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