Herbert (Bert) Flugelman was born in Vienna, Austria on 28 January 1923 and migrated to Australia with his family in 1938. After working in the bush and serving in the Australian Army (1943–46), Flugelman studied at the National Art School, Sydney (1948-51). He then travelled and worked overseas. In spite of contracting polio, Flugelman held successful exhibitions at the Piccadilly Gallery in London and Bourne Gallery in New York. He returned to Australia in 1955.

Between 1972 and 1983 Flugelman lectured at the South Australian School of Art, eventually heading the sculpture section. During this time he was one of four artists approached by the Adelaide City Council for the design of an artwork to be located in Rundle Mall.

Bert Flugelman died on 26 February 2013 at Bowral, New South Wales shortly after the City Council announced that Spheres would be relocated off-centre in a redevelopment of the mall.