Street Art in Portsmouth: LookUp Festival Murals and My Dog Sighs’ Legacy

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For my final weekend in the UK, I had the incredible opportunity to join over 100 street artists from around the globe in Portsmouth, a charming coastal city in Hampshire (UK), just a couple of hours from London (if you’re in the area, it’s a day trip I highly recommend!).

Portsmouth also happens to be the hometown of my good friend and talented artist, My Dog Sighs, who showed me around during the second edition of the LookUp Street Art Festival. It was an inspiring few days, immersed in his city as it transformed with vibrant murals and creative energy. The second edition of LookUp Festival was curated by Andy Phipps of That Art Gallery, and organized by Angela Parks, Donna Poingdestre and Pete Maynard.

I’ve already shared my day-by-day adventures in a vlog on YouTube, where you can see the artists in action and get a feel for the atmosphere of this exciting festival.

In this article, instead, I want to dive deeper into my favorite pieces from both editions of the festival. With over 100 artists involved each year, it’s impossible to cover everything, but I’ll share the highlights that stood out to me.

Let’s start!

Portsmouth Street Art Map

If you’re planning a trip to Portsmouth, be sure to grab the street art map so you don’t miss any of these stunning artworks.

Exploring Street Art in Portsmouth: My Dog Sighs’ Artistic Playground

Before diving into the artworks created during Portsmouth’s LookUp Street Art Festival, I want to reintroduce you to My Dog Sighs, a street artist whose work is spread throughout Portsmouth, a testament to his roots and his evolving journey from local creative to internationally renowned artist.

• Read also: “My Week With My Dog Sighs in Rome“

My Dog Sighs is known for his emotionally charged pieces that blend delicate realism with an urban rawness.

His signature “eyes” series, where he tells intricate stories through the reflections depicted in highly realistic eyes, evokes quiet introspection and stands out vividly against the bustling cityscape.

What began as a humble project—leaving hand-painted tin cans on the streets—has blossomed into large-scale murals, gallery exhibits, and collaborations worldwide.

Portsmouth, however, remains at the heart of his work. His iconic ‘eyes’ murals are found all over the city, each with its own story, such as a mural celebrating a local nightclub’s history or a tribute to a beloved midwife near the city hospital.

Amazingly, his very first ‘eye’ mural from 17 years ago is still standing strong in Portsmouth!

Also woven into Portsmouth’s landscape is his “Everyman” character, a whimsical figure that lifts the spirits of both residents and visitors, and the more introspective “Quiet Little Voices” characters, which invite passersby to pause and reflect.

I particularly appreciate the poetic decay of his posters around the city, where the passing of time adds new layers, allowing the rust to become part of the artwork.

Back in 2021, Portsmouth was also the stage for My Dog Sighs’ immersive show, “Inside,” where he transformed an abandoned casino into a living gallery, bringing his iconic characters to life.

Finally, My Dog Sighs’ connection to the local street art scene is further enriched by his mentor, Fark, a fellow Portsmouth artist known for his seagulls and cartoonish figures that have become just as ubiquitous in the city’s streets. You can even find Fark’s works, along with those of other major urban artists, at his art gallery in Portsmouth called The Corner Collective -be sure to visit it!

Street Art in Portsmouth: Murals from 2024 Look Up Street Art Festival

The second edition of Lookup Street Art festival attracted over 100 artists from around the world, with standout contributions from both established names like Ben Eine, Beau Stanton, and Reka One, and local talents such as Fark and My Dog Sighs himself.

Their artistic interventions are scattered all around the city, with many artists concentrating in key locations such as The Hard railway arches, Wiltshire Street, Waterloo Street and Hyde Park Road.

Let’s start from my 10 favorite murals from the 2024 edition of Look Up Street Art Festival!

My Top 10 Murals from LookUp Street Art Festival in Portsmouth

LookUp Street Art Festival: Mural by Perspicere (UK)

Perspicere is a British artist distinguished by his innovative approach to street art, using thread and nails to create intricate, three-dimensional installations. The name “Perspicere,” meaning “to see through” in Latin, reflects the artist’s exploration of perception, form, and the ephemeral nature of art.

Unlike traditional graffiti writers or muralists, Perspicere’s technique involves weaving colored threads around strategically placed nails or pins on walls and surfaces, resulting in delicate images that resemble sketches suspended in space. His subjects range from portraits and figures to abstract designs, all rendered with remarkable detail and precision.

Based in London, Perspicere’s work has appeared in various urban settings, surprising passersby with its unexpected medium and fragility. The temporary nature of his installations adds to their allure, as they are susceptible to environmental conditions and can change or disappear over time. His work challenges conventional definitions of street art and highlights the possibilities of alternative materials in artistic expression.

LookUp Street Art Festival: Mural by Jasmine Crisp (AU)

Jasmine Crisp is an Australian artist and muralist celebrated for her richly detailed, narrative-driven paintings that delve deeply into themes of identity, memory, and the interplay between people and their environments. Her work often explores both personal and collective experiences, frequently depicting intimate interior spaces filled with symbolic objects and figures. By meticulously rendering these details, Jasmine constructs visual stories that invite viewers to reflect on the complexities of human life. Her style is a captivating mix of realism with surreal and fantastical elements, creating immersive scenes that draw audiences into the underlying emotions and narratives.

The mural she painted in Portsmouth for LookUp street art festival (which she titled “She sought what was needed, but it was home where she retreated”) reflects the intricate balance between the comfort of domestic life and the desire for independence. This piece speaks to the historical and ongoing experience of women, especially within the home. It addresses the tension between the safety, warmth, and pride associated with domestic spaces and the yearning to step beyond those boundaries to seek individual prosperity and self-determination. The mural brings this emotional conflict to life, showing that while home offers solace and security, it can also represent confinement, sparking a desire to break free.

LookUp Street Art Festival: Mural by Pachi aka Julian Clavijo (CO – AU)

Julian Clavijo, also known as Pachi, is a Colombian-born Australian artist renowned for his expressive paintings and large-scale public artworks.

Clavijo’s work centers on the human figure, with a particular focus on children and themes of innocence, joy, and the complexities of growing up. His paintings are characterized by vibrant colors, emotive brushwork, and a blend of realism with abstract elements. Through his art, Clavijo seeks to convey universal emotions and connect with audiences on a personal level.

LookUp Street Art Festival: Mural by KMG (UK)

KMG is a Scottish street artist and illustrator celebrated for her bold, graphic style and empowering themes. Her artwork is defined by vibrant colors, clean lines, and playful imagery, often infused with humor to inspire and uplift her audience. Recently, KMG has delved into themes of mythology, community, and the history of local landscapes, using characters to connect with viewers and spark dialogue. Through these narratives, she explores the relationship between our environments and cultural heritage, questioning how these elements shape our identity today.

For the LookUp Street Art Festival 2024 in Portsmouth, KMG drew inspiration from local mythology, specifically the little-known figure of the “Pelucan.” This mythological creature, believed to have origins in the area, is described as half man, half dog. Before becoming this hybrid figure, the Pelucan was a giant wielding a club made from a tree. In her mural, the striking red shape symbolizes the branch or tree that the Pelucan once used as his weapon, blending local folklore with KMG’s signature style to create a visually captivating and culturally rich piece.

LookUp Street Art Festival: Mural by Reka One (AU)

James Reka, known as Reka One is an Australian contemporary artist who has gained international recognition for his abstract and surrealist murals and paintings. Born in Melbourne in 1983, Reka emerged from the city’s vibrant graffiti scene in the early 2000s. Reka’s style is a fusion of clean lines, organic shapes, and bold colors, creating compositions that are both dynamic and harmonious.

His work often features anthropomorphic figures and explores themes of emotion, movement, and the human condition. Influenced by Cubism, Surrealism, and Pop Art, Reka has developed a unique visual language that bridges street art and fine art.

LookUp Street Art Festival: Mural by Sweet Toof x Rowdy (UK)

Sweet Toof is a prominent British street artist known for his signature motif of grinning gums and teeth. His work often explores themes of mortality, identity, and the ephemeral nature of life, using the toothy grin as a metaphor for the human condition. Sweet Toof’s murals are characterized by vivid colors and bold imagery, frequently featuring skulls and skeletal figures adorned with oversized gums and teeth. The playful yet macabre aesthetic of his work engages audiences and provokes thought about the cycles of life and death.

Rowdy is a British street artist best known for his depictions of crocodiles and prehistoric creatures rendered in a bold, expressive style. His crocodile motif is a nod to the resilience and adaptability of nature, serving as a symbol of survival and stealth. Rowdy’s art can be found on walls throughout the UK, especially in Bristol and London, where he often paints alongside Sweet Toof.

LookUp Street Art Festival: Mural by Beau Stanton (US)

Beau Stanton is a multidisciplinary American artist celebrated for his intricate and highly detailed artworks that seamlessly blend classical and contemporary styles. His pieces often delve into the relationship between nature, industrialization, and the passage of time, incorporating elements such as ornate patterns, maritime themes, and architectural motifs. Influenced by movements like Art Nouveau, Baroque, and ancient iconography, Stanton creates works that are both timeless and modern.

For Portsmouth’s LookUp street art Festival, Stanton created a striking tondo that draws heavily from the city’s rich maritime history -a mural filled with subtle nods to the city’s heritage, making it a deeply personal and locally rooted piece.

The ship and tide chart from the Mary Rose reference Portsmouth’s naval past, while the central figure is inspired by sculptures adorning the Queens Hotel. He also incorporates details from the surrounding environment, such as chestnut blossoms and architectural stonework from Portsmouth and Southsea.

LookUp Street Art Festival: Mural by Marina Capdevila (ES)

Marina Capdevila is a Spanish artist celebrated for her vibrant murals that humorously depict the elderly in unconventional and lively scenarios. Her work challenges societal perceptions of aging by showcasing senior characters engaging in youthful and spirited activities. Through exaggerated features and playful compositions, she brings attention to themes of time, age, and the joy of living life to the fullest.

Her use of bold colors and detailed brushwork adds a dynamic quality to her art, making her murals stand out in urban landscapes. Marina Capdevila’s art invites viewers to reflect on the stereotypes associated with aging, promoting a message of inclusivity and positivity. By infusing humor and warmth into her depictions, she encourages a celebration of all stages of life.

LookUp Street Art Festival: Mural by Sophi Odling (AU)

Sophi Odling is an Australian artist renowned for large-scale murals with a particular focus on celebrating cultural diversity and youthfulness. Frequently portraying human figures, especially children and adolescents, Odling’s art symbolizes hope, freedom, and the future. She draws inspiration from local environments and cultural patterns, weaving these elements into her murals to forge a deep connection between her subjects and their surroundings.

Titled “Something Real,” the mural painted by Sophi Odling for LookUp street art festival 2024 explores the idea of home as a universal concept that transcends geography and culture. It reflects on how home is both tangible and elusive, acting as an unshakable anchor amidst the chaos of the world. For Sophi, the idea of home is personal; as an artist, her work often takes her away from her children, but she assures them that she will always return. This mural serves as a message to them, symbolizing that they are her constant and source of purpose. The repetition in the artwork represents the human journey through life, with the figure gazing at a bracelet, a tangible reminder of the pull and comfort of home.

LookUp Street Art Festival: Mural by Inkie (UK)

Tom Bingle, better known as Inkie, is a legendary British street artist whose career spans over three decades. Born in Bristol, Inkie became involved in the city’s graffiti scene during the 1980s, a movement that also saw the rise of artists like Banksy and 3D of Massive Attack.

Inkie’s art is a fusion of graffiti, illustration, and fine art, characterized by intricate patterns, flowing lines, and stylized figures. His influences include Art Nouveau, Celtic art, and ancient iconography, resulting in a unique aesthetic that bridges classical and contemporary styles. Female figures are a recurring theme in his work, often depicted with elaborate headdresses and surrounded by ornate designs.

Street Art in Portsmouth’s Hard Railway Arches from 2024 Look Up Street Art Festival

Under the railway arches at The Hard, 14 street artists came together to create dynamic murals, ranging from emerging talents to seasoned UK street art and graffiti pioneers like The Toasters and Ben Eine, each artist bringing their unique flair to the historic arches.

For me, one of the highlights was stumbling upon the work of Emans, a young artist from Rome whose playful characters I often see on my bike rides around the city’s northern outskirts. His graphic style, always found in the most abandoned, rural spots within the city, felt at home under the rugged arches. Plus, meeting him in person was a treat!

It was also great to reconnect with my friends Billy Colours and Merny Wernz, who were juggling their artistic contributions while looking after their adorable daughter—a testament to their dedication.

The vibrant atmosphere was further enhanced by contributions from other talented artists such as Bex Glover, Abraham.O, Hutch, and Katie Scott among many others, who brought their own energy and creativity to this special part of Portsmouth.

Street Art in Portsmouth’s Park Road from 2024 LookUp Street Art Festival

At the crossroad between Park Road and Anglesea Road, two great street artists have painted new artworks for LookUp Festival 2024.

Giulio Vesprini is an Italian street artist, graphic designer, and architect known for his minimalist, abstract style that blends urban art with architectural design. His background in graphic design and architecture heavily influences his approach, resulting in murals that feature clean geometric forms, abstract patterns, and a fluid interaction between organic shapes and structured lines.

Vesprini’s work often explores the relationship between space, structure, and the environment, with his murals praised for how they harmoniously integrate with the surrounding architecture. He is particularly known for large-scale public art projects that combine precise, graphic elements with spontaneous, expressive touches.

For the second edition of the LookUp Street Art Festival, Vesprini designed a mural for the urban setting of the University of Portsmouth. The shapes and colors in the piece reflect his practice of sampling the environment where he paints, drawing inspiration from the city’s traffic, noise, parks, and public spaces. His approach to the red brick wall involved developing the artwork across three levels of depth, allowing for different interpretations depending on the viewer’s perspective. The mural’s use of color and form blends seamlessly into the urban fabric, offering passersby a shifting sense of depth and dimension as they move through the space.

At the opposite side of the main road, the very talented stencil artist Marie Mando created two spectacular pieces. Mando Marie is known for her distinctive fusion of street art and fine art, where themes of nostalgia, childhood, and fairy-tale-like imagery frequently recur. Her unique visual style seamlessly combines stenciling, painting, and installation, resulting in works that are both ethereal and evocative. Marie’s art is often characterized by ghostly, childlike figures—typically twins or groups—set against stark, mysterious backdrops. Her signature use of pastel tones, with occasional bursts of color, enhances the dreamlike atmosphere of her pieces.

Marie’s work evokes a sense of timelessness and ambiguity, exploring themes of innocence, loss, and the blurred boundaries between reality and imagination. Her art invites viewers into a world that feels both familiar and unsettling, juxtaposing the simplicity of childhood imagery with deeper, more haunting narratives, creating an intriguing mix of comfort and mystery.

Street Art in Portsmouth’s Wiltshire Street from 2024 LookUp Street Art Festival

Finally, many local artists were painting on the fences surrounding a construction site on Wiltshire street / Meridian Road.

Among the many talented artists painting here, I want to mention the unique street art project Background Bob, which was initiated by a young boy named Noah going by the nickname “Background Bob.”

Noah, who had cerebral palsy, began painting during the first lockdown in 2020. His father, Nathan, encouraged his creativity, and together they came up with the idea for Background Bob. Noah painted vibrant backgrounds on canvases, and then over 250 street artists from all over the world have added their own artwork on top of his backgrounds, creating collaborative pieces. These artworks were later auctioned off for charity, raising significant funds for the Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity to support their children’s ward. It is a heartwarming example of the power of art to bring people together and support meaningful causes.

My Top 5 Murals from 2023 Look Up Street Art Festival

As you explore Portsmouth, you’ll come across murals from the first edition of the LookUp Festival. In 2023, nearly 100 artists participated, but here I’ll highlight just my top five. For the full experience, I recommend using my free street art Google map of Portsmouth to find them all.

LookUp Street Art Festival: Mural by Phlegm (UK)

Phlegm is a British street artist known for his intricate, monochromatic illustrations that blend fantasy, surrealism, and architectural elements. Originally from Sheffield, he began his career as an illustrator and comic book artist, and his murals continue to reflect this illustrative style, often featuring complex, black-and-white characters that appear as though they’ve stepped out of a mythical world.

Phlegm’s murals frequently depict elongated, otherworldly figures interacting with machinery, creatures, and urban landscapes, exploring themes of human imagination, mythology, and the intersection of nature and industry. His work is distinguished by a meticulous attention to detail and a narrative quality that captivates viewers.

During his time in Portsmouth, Phlegm brought this creative vision to life by designing a sea creature for the Southsea seafront wall. His concept drew inspiration from the turquoise color already present on half of the facade, representing the sea. The result was a unique interpretation of Triton, the Greek sea god associated with a class of merman-like creatures who served other deities of the ocean.

Phlegm’s mural features a long-limbed, storybook-like figure holding Triton’s trident, symbolizing the character’s royal status and protective role over the sea. The level of detail in the mural is extraordinary, particularly in Phlegm’s use of fluted concrete detailing and strategically placed spiny fins, which create a sense of depth and dimension that brings the fantastical figure to life.

LookUp Street Art Festival: Mural by Hera (G)

Hera, born Jasmin Siddiqui, is a German street artist widely recognized as one-half of the renowned duo HERAKUT. Her murals are known for their emotional depth, blending painting, illustration, and narrative elements to create pieces that are both visually compelling and thought-provoking. Hera’s work often explores themes of human struggle, empowerment, and resilience, with dreamlike figures—frequently women, children, and animals—that appear exaggerated, as if emerging from a surreal world. These figures are often accompanied by handwritten, reflective messages that add emotional layers and invite the viewer to engage on a deeper level.

For the LookUp Portsmouth festival 2023, Hera created the mural “Game Changers” on a local school, conveying an inspiring message to students about breaking free from societal constraints. As a humanitarian artist, her work often focuses on empowering children, and this mural is no exception. The artwork encourages young people to see beyond the limitations placed upon them and to inspire change in others.

The mural includes the message, “Some look at the world and see beyond its given rules… they are the game changers who inspire others along their way.” This reflects Hera’s belief in the potential of youth to challenge norms and make a lasting impact, both for themselves and their communities.

LookUp Street Art Festival: Mural by Paul Monsters (UK)

Paul Monsters is a British street artist recognized for his vibrant use of color, bold patterns, and playful geometric designs. Based in Portsmouth, his work often merges organic shapes with graphic design elements, creating murals that engage viewers through clever use of space, light, and form. A hallmark of his style is his dynamic use of bright, contrasting hues that infuse his pieces with energy and movement.

For the LookUp Street Art Festival 2023 in his hometown of Portsmouth, Paul Monsters created a mural that cleverly reinterprets the festival’s name. The mural features arrows pointing upwards, which together form the shape of an eye—a striking visual metaphor that invites viewers to “look up” in both a literal and imaginative sense.

LookUp Street Art Festival: Mural by CBLOXX (UK)

CBLOXX is a British street artist celebrated for her large-scale, intricately detailed murals that fuse realism with surrealism. As one half of the Nomad Clan duo, alongside fellow artist Aylo, CBLOXX’s work is known for its emotive power, often exploring themes of identity, history, and social justice. Her murals are not only visually striking but also deeply thought-provoking, frequently incorporating elements of local history and folklore to create meaningful connections with the communities in which they appear.

For LookUp Portsmouth, CBLOXX captured the heart of the city’s maritime heritage with her mural Fate. Portsmouth, with its deep-rooted maritime history, is home to some of the world’s most iconic ships, such as the HMS Victory, Mary Rose, and HMS Warrior. These vessels are central to the city’s identity, inspiring artists like CBLOXX to celebrate its rich nautical legacy. Her mural reflects the bustling energy of Portsmouth’s port, alive with the constant movement of ferries and cargo ships, symbolizing the city’s dynamic relationship with the sea and its enduring maritime spirit.

LookUp Street Art Festival: Mural by The London Police (UK)

The London Police is a street art duo originally formed in 1998 by English artists Chaz Barrison and Bob Gibson. The London Police project started in Amsterdam, where they were part of the city’s emerging street art movement. Their iconic characters, first seen on the streets of Amsterdam, quickly spread to walls across the globe, from New York to Tokyo. Their murals are often a celebration of positivity, community, and humor, with their instantly recognizable style bringing a lighthearted energy to urban environments.

Known for their distinctive “Lads” characters—round-headed, joyful figures with big smiles—The London Police have become one of the most recognizable names in the global street art scene. Their work is characterized by a combination of bold, clean lines and playful, cartoonish imagery that often includes dogs, cars, and other urban icons.

There is so much more to see beyond the murals I’ve featured here. Portsmouth’s street art scene is constantly changing, with new pieces emerging across the city. The LookUp Festival has transformed many corners, creating opportunities to discover art in unexpected places. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, exploring Portsmouth’s murals is an adventure that reveals the city’s character. Be sure to use my street art map to find all the works, and keep your eyes peeled—you might just come across your next favorite mural around the corner.

Portsmouth Street Art Map

If you’re planning a trip to Portsmouth, be sure to grab the street art map so you don’t miss any of these stunning artworks.