We all got very used to traipsing around our local areas during covid, but with if you took a walk around the city recently, you may have stumbled upon something that made you do a double take.
Sure, it's normal to see plenty of pigeons in Glasgow. But these bigs birds are far mightier - and cooler - than your average city pigeon.
Some are tatted and rocking gold chains, like Doo Pac and Pidgey Smalls, others, like Mad Scabface, are suited up behind a desk. These spray painted pigeons have serious swagger - and folk are flocking from all around the city to catch them.
Tef (who goes by @tapentef on Instagram) the man behind the spray can, is fast becoming one of the city’s most revered graffiti artists, making a name for himself with his Pigeons Make Glasgow series.
Although, he prefers to keep his real name under wraps, his art is finally being recognised by Glaswegians as just that, art.
" I don’t see what I’m doing harmful to the public but the opposite," he said. “I just see it as free artwork for the public. It is nothing more than a outdoor art gallery, especially in times when people aren’t allowed in venues."
The 27-year-old has been dabbling with painting ‘for as long as can remember’ and after studying graphic design and illustration for years, he decided to time to pick up a spray can.
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He told Glasgow Live: “As a kid I was allowed to draw on my bedroom walls and people I looked up to encouraged my choice of expression.
“I come from an artistic background and I’ve always found pigeons hilarious but as I’ve got older I’ve grown to love them. Pigeons are sound. I love the era I came from which is why I usually draw them in Pera Peak jackets.”
Far from ruffling feathers, Tef believes is graffiti drawings help to brighten up Glasgow’s gloomy winter days.
He said: “Glasgow as a city that needs colour and humour more than most due to the grey skies and miserable weather.
“I think most people don’t mind as long as it’s not a mess. I’ve had police even give compliments!
“I am always pushing myself out of my comfort zone so I have a lot of plans for the future and am looking forward to building my professional career as an artist. All while continuing the pigeons - the bigger the wall the better.”
