SMATES is a Belgian street artist who studied graphic design at Sint-Lukas in Brussels. As he always had a passion for realistic drawings and paintings, he decided to take painting classes for two years after graduating. Around the age of 17 or 18, he got into graffiti, which he continued until he was 22. Without any particular reason for stopping, he picked it up again in July 2009. A few years later, he began working part-time as a graffiti artist, and since September 2013, he has been dedicated to street art full-time.

He draws inspiration for his work from the surrounding environment and the shape of the wall itself. He strives to create pieces that complement the wall or play with depth, 3D illusions, and more.
“When it comes to talent and practice, you always have to work hard and look up to others who are technically and conceptually far ahead: Even if you are talented, there will always be people who are more talented than you.”
Smates has already left his mark across the UK, Malta, and of course Belgium, and looks forward to expanding his reach with even larger walls and new international destinations!