Flog’s “Human of Glass” Shines Light on Fragility, Resilience, and the Power of Color

The Fragile Yet Vibrant World of the “Human of Glass”

French artist Flog discusses his iconic “Human of Glass” series, blending fragility and strength, pop culture influences, and his vision for upcoming exhibitions in New York and London.

Art has the power to reflect the human experience, and few artists capture its fragility and resilience as poignantly as Flog. A French artist born in the vibrant Pop era of the 1980s, Flog has carved a unique space in contemporary art with his signature creation, the “Human of Glass.” These transparent figures, filled with bursts of color, serve as metaphors for the human condition—fragile yet brimming with emotions, experiences, and individuality. Against muted gray backdrops, Flog’s characters radiate life, offering a striking contrast that invites viewers to explore themes of vulnerability, connection, and hope. His work is a masterful blend of technical precision and emotional depth, resonating with audiences worldwide and earning him a place among the most compelling voices in modern art.

“Color is life.” – Flog

In this exclusive interview for WOWwART Magazine, Flog takes us on a journey through his artistic evolution, from his early days immersed in graffiti and pop culture to the development of his iconic “Human of Glass” series. He shares insights into the symbolism behind his work, the role of nostalgia in his creative process, and his aspirations for upcoming solo exhibitions in New York and London. With a deep commitment to storytelling and a passion for pushing artistic boundaries, Flog invites us to step into his universe—a world where fragility meets strength, and color becomes a language of humanity.

Can you describe the evolution of your “Human of Glass” character and what inspired its development from a simple figure on a grey background to a vibrant, expansive universe?

I have always wanted to create a colorful universe for my character. Color is life. If I started with this gray background, it was mainly for technical reasons. I needed to focus on my character first, develop the glass rendering to make it believable and recognizable, claim it as my own, and turn it into my signature character. Gray being a neutral color, it directs all the viewer’s attention to the character. It was a necessary step to start with.

“Childhood is deeply rooted within us, and mine was shaped by pop culture.”– Flog

I believe the warm reception of my character and my early paintings by collectors and those who support me has given me the confidence and a sense of legitimacy to take that leap into color. This has made me happy and allows me to thrive today by telling new stories. It’s not impossible that I will return to gray one day, but in a different form and usage.

How did your early experiences with graffiti and pop culture influence your style, and how do these elements continue to shape your work today?

I grew up in the midst of this culture. For me, painting is about sincerity, so my work is necessarily shaped by these elements. You can’t deny who you are, and like my character, this culture is deeply rooted in me. Some of my favorite artists also come from this culture, and I have a great respect for the entire artistic movement that has emerged from it, whether in visual art, music, games, or fashion.

Today, I primarily use materials from graffiti in my paintings, although I am constantly looking to incorporate new techniques into my work to achieve a more subtle rendering. It is likely that I will soon add oil paint to bring a more vibrant and luminous dimension. I also received formal training in painting, so it’s something I would like to integrate in the long term.

What emotions or messages do you hope to convey through the “fragile” nature of your glass character, and why is this metaphor of human vulnerability so central to your work?

A Message of Humanity—this is the first phrase that comes to my mind. If human vulnerability is a central element in my work, it’s because I have experienced, felt, and observed it throughout my life. But we must look beyond this vulnerability represented by the empty and fragile glass shell and see the power and strength of the waves of color that clash together, which represent what we have deeply anchored within us—the strength of each individual, their perseverance, their courage, in short, the best of ourselves. As humans, we all go through numerous experiences and sometimes trials that help us grow.

My character is, in fact, a metaphor for the opposition between our apparent fragility and the strength we truly hold within us, a metaphor that is always intended to be positive and to which the viewer can relate.

In your view, what role does nostalgia play in your art, especially with your references to childhood and pop culture?

I always strive to convey emotions in my work, and nostalgia often underscores my message. Childhood is deeply rooted within us, and mine was shaped by pop culture. Symbolically, I experienced the creation of my character as a birth, so naturally, I drew on my childhood to bring it to life. Ultimately, I hope to express a much broader spectrum of emotions through my works that we experience throughout our lives.

How do you approach the storytelling aspect of your work, and how do you envision viewers interpreting the scenes you create?

I am constantly seeking to say or tell something to the viewer. I approach my paintings in several ways; sometimes, there are things that come to me very easily and simply, while at other times, it requires much more research to express or symbolize my thoughts and ideas.

Experience has taught me that viewers often have interpretations that differ greatly from my own, which is why I rarely share the symbolism behind my paintings—to avoid imposing my vision on the viewer and to allow them complete freedom. As a result, it’s not something I think too much about while creating a work.

With two solo shows coming up in 2025, one in New York and another in London, what themes or new elements are you excited to introduce, and how do you hope international audiences will connect with your work?

First and foremost, I hope that the public as a whole will be able to identify with my character and its humanity. With these two exhibitions, I want to bring even more richness to my universe, both technically and symbolically. For New York, I plan to introduce a new medium beyond simple painting on canvas—an idea I’ve had since almost the beginning of the creation of my character, but which I have never shown before. And for London, I aim to introduce a new character, this time female.

Whatever happens, whether in these exhibitions or others, I want to continue evolving my art and providing even more emotions to the viewers. It is a constant and long-term endeavor that unfolds step by step.

EDITOR’S HIGHLIGHTS