Those plants will develop roots and those roots with time will tear up the pavement. And if there are underground pipes then those will also be impacted.
oh, they knew perfectly well what would happen & i think it's hilarious
for round two, just go ahead & plant the potholes...
in fact, i'm studying those flowers to see what species do well in that environment because i feel like passive-aggressively planting some sidewalk cracks & potholes myself 🤣
Nice, although the kindergarten story probably isn’t true: the oldest source of this picture is from 2021, the kindergarten story only emerged two years later, in 2023.
From a canoe climbing the side of a skyscraper in Japan to a building seemingly unzipping itself in Italy, these sculptures challenge how we see urban space. This collection features eight imaginative public artworks from cities around the world, including Venice, Milan, Geneva, and Osaka. Whether they’re made from trash, cast in metal, or carved into surreal illusions, each piece turns ordinary architecture or furniture into something unexpectedly creative.
1. Canoe Climbing Skyscraper — By Unknown Artist in Osaka, Japan
This sculpture features a yellow canoe with life-sized figures scaling the wall of a high-rise building in Osaka. The façade has been reshaped with a rippling, wave-like contour beneath the boat, giving the illusion that the wall itself is water. The figures appear mid-paddle as if navigating a vertical river.
Two massive white hands rise from the Grand Canal, appearing to hold up the walls of the Ca’ Sagredo Hotel in Venice. Created by Italian sculptor Lorenzo Quinn, the artwork is both dramatic and symbolic—a call to address climate change before it’s too late.
By day, this bronze statue appears to sow seeds into a public park. By night, with the help of a well-placed spotlight, its shadow reveals a dramatic silhouette scattering glowing stars across the wall. The contrast between the statue’s physical form and its shadow turns a simple gesture into a celestial act.
Unzipped Building — By Alex Chinneck in Milan, Italy
This architectural illusion by British artist Alex Chinneck makes it appear as if the corner of a building is being unzipped like a piece of clothing. The peeled façade curls outward, revealing windows and the interior beneath. It’s a play on permanence and perception.
Half Baby Beaver — By Bordalo II in Bernex, Geneva, Switzerland
Street artist Bordalo II created this split-face beaver sculpture entirely from discarded plastic and scrap metal. The left side of the face is naturalistic in color and form, while the right bursts with colorful waste, contrasting nature with pollution.
In this dual installation, bronze arms grip a sculpted cloth frozen mid-motion. In one piece, the “cloth” is shaped like a bench with gentle folds. In the other, it swings like a suspended hammock. Both use fabric-like bronze to play with the idea of softness and gravity.
Lamp Lovers
Two flexible street lamps are bent into the shape of affectionate figures sitting on a park bench. One rests its head on the other’s shoulder, suggesting intimacy in an otherwise cold urban setting. The anthropomorphic design turns everyday objects into characters.
Tree Embrace
A large pair of sculpted white hands cradle the base of a tree in the center of a public square. The installation gives the impression that the tree is being protected or nurtured by human care, merging environmental themes with visual tenderness.
Each sculpture in this collection transforms the city into a canvas for imagination—inviting us to pause, reflect, or smile. These public artworks don’t just decorate urban space—they reshape it with emotion, illusion, and meaning.
I love stumbling upon art that feels like a hidden gem—those incredible sculptures that stop you in your tracks and make you wonder, “How did I not know this existed?” From massive figures seemingly rising from the earth to intricate works that play …
10 Breathtaking Murals by Natalia Rak That Turn City Walls Into Dreams: streetartutopia.com/2025/05/14… - For Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative in Asparn an der Zaya, Austria.
10 Breathtaking Murals by Natalia Rak That Turn City Walls Into Dreams
Natalia Rak is a muralist from Poland who transforms public spaces with her large-scale, colorful works.
Her art often focuses on themes like nature, connection, and emotion, using vivid colors and intricate designs to create murals that inspire. Natalia Rak’s murals have transformed walls in cities across the globe, including Kraków in Poland, Berlin in Germany, Joensuu in Finland, and Asparn an der Zaya in Austria. Each location showcases her vibrant colors and intricate storytelling, making public spaces unforgettable.
To get to know Natalia Rak better, you can check out her on Instagram.
The Legend of Giants: An Immortal Artwork by Natalia Rak
In the heart of Białystok, Poland, a legendary tale has been elegantly translated into a vivid mural by the talented artist Natalia Rak. Painted back in 2013 for the Folk on the Street festival, the mural has become a lasting symbol of this vibrant city.
Natalia Rak: “When I started drawing a sketch I had to consider few elements of the area, for example there are windows and growing tree which we can’t cut. The organizers gave me texts about polish legends from that region. I especially liked legends about giants. First they destroy world around them but later they start to copy human behavior and started taking care of the nature. I hit on an idea how including the tree. I think this mural is good start to take up green areas development. Cities should have as many trees as possible. When I started I had CMYK in acrylics and more that 100 cans. I always use acrylic paints on background and then I make detail using spray cans. The sketch took me 4 hours. I worked ten hours per day. After seven days this mural was finished. I had rain each day of work but I was very optimistic and full of hope.”
More beautiful murals by Natalia Rak!:
2.
For Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative in Asparn an der Zaya, Austria.
3.
“Explore Nature” in Terracina, Italy.
4.
“Tree of life” for Upeart Festival in Joensuu Finland.
6,226 likes, 221 comments - nataliarakart on March 9, 2019: "“Legend about Giants” (2013) painted on festival “Folk on the Street” organized by WOAK (Regional center of cultural animation)
When I started drawing a sketch I had to consider few elemen…
RIP José ‘Pepe’ Mujica "I am not poor, I am sober, light on baggage, I live with just enough so that things do not steal my freedom" - Mural by Cristian Blanxer and Victor García Repo. - 6 Captivating Murals by Cristian Blanxer and Victor García Repo: streetartutopia.com/street-art…
Welcome to a collection of some truly amazing murals by Cristian Blanxer and Victor García Repo. Their murals are more than just art on walls—they’re visual stories woven into the urban landscapes across cities like Aarhus, Huarte, Aracena, and more.
I. Unmasking the Enigma: A Deep Dive into Banksy’s Street Art Revolution In the dynamic world of street art, few names are as resonant or as enigmatic as Banksy.
Natalia Rak is a muralist from Poland who transforms public spaces with her large-scale, colorful works. Her art often focuses on themes like nature, connection, and emotion, using vivid colors and intricate designs to create murals that inspire.
Damon Belanger, a graphic artist based in the San Francisco Bay Area, created a public art installation called “Fake Shadows” in Redwood City, California, USA.
Damon Belanger, a graphic artist based in the San Francisco Bay Area, created a public art installation called "Fake Shadows" in Redwood City, California, USA.
8 Buildings That Look Like They’re From a Dream: streetartutopia.com/2025/05/12… - Unzipped Building — Alex Chinneck in Milan, Italy
A building facade appears to peel open like a jacket, with an oversized zipper curling away the wall to reveal its inner structure. This public installation by Alex Chinneck uses stone, concrete, and illusion to challenge how we perceive architecture.
From a church in Iceland that looks like a spaceship preparing for launch, to a house zipped open on a street in Milan — this collection showcases architecture at its most imaginative. Included are cliffside wartime refuges, storybook cottages, optical illusions, and centuries-old constructions that defy gravity or blend perfectly into mountains. These aren’t digital renderings — they’re real places from around the world.
1. Unzipped Building — Alex Chinneck in Milan, Italy
A building facade appears to peel open like a jacket, with an oversized zipper curling away the wall to reveal its inner structure. This public installation by Alex Chinneck uses stone, concrete, and illusion to challenge how we perceive architecture.
2. King Alfred’s Tower — England
This red-brick triangular tower rises dramatically from the fog in Somerset, England. Built in 1772, it commemorates Alfred the Great and reaches over 49 meters high with a narrow footprint that adds to its illusion of impossibility.
3. Alpine Refuge — Monte Cristallo, Italy
Located at 2,760 meters in the Dolomites, this hidden wooden shelter from World War I is embedded directly into the rockface. Built for survival, it now appears like a dreamlike relic barely distinguishable from the mountain.
4. Hallgrímskirkja Church — Reykjavík, Iceland
This iconic Lutheran church, inspired by basalt columns and volcanic formations, dominates the Reykjavík skyline. Designed in 1937 and completed in 1986, its symmetry and scale evoke science fiction architecture.
5. The House That Sank — The Crooked House, UK
Built in 1765 on top of a mine shaft, this British pub developed a pronounced tilt as the ground beneath it slowly gave way. Despite its slanting angles, it remained a local favorite for centuries.
6. Organic Slate Roof House — Germany
This home with flowing lines and a wave-shaped slate roof blurs the line between fairy tale and high-end eco-architecture. Natural stone and soft curves give it a whimsical yet grounded appearance.
7. Cliff House — France (Built 1347)
Balanced between eras and gravity, this timber-framed upper house sits atop massive medieval stonework. Located in France and completed in 1347, it seems to hover above the road with support beams stretching underneath.
8. Rock-Built Homes — Sanaa, Yemen
Traditional Yemeni tower houses in Sanaa rise directly from the rock, combining ancient stone masonry with ornate white geometric window frames. The buildings appear both sculpted by nature and intricately human-made.
These buildings bend our expectations of what architecture can be — not just structures, but expressions of ingenuity, adaptation, and creativity. Whether carved into mountains or dressed like zippers, they show that the line between surreal and real is thinner than it seems.
Some artworks don’t just sit in nature—they become part of it. Around the world, artists are crafting sculptures and murals that seamlessly merge with their surroundings, using trees, vines, and landscapes as living elements of their work.
"This public installation by Alex Chinneck uses stone, concrete, and illusion to [look weird]"
Enough with the shite about "challenging how we perceive" stuff. It doesn't: we don't think buildings can now have big zippers on them as an architectural norm, we know it's art. It wouldn't work as art if we did think it was just architecture.
The building looks weird in a humorous way, and it's OK for that to be the point of it, since it succeeds at that.
8 Beautiful Moments When Nature and Art Became One
From ivy-blanketed murals to sculptures woven from willow branches, these 8 artworks blur the line between nature and art. You’ll find a dreaming child merging into a hedgerow in Ecuador, a giant girl watering a real tree in Poland, and a sleeping forest maiden who changes with the seasons in Cornwall. Artists around the world are letting nature do more than surround their work—it’s becoming part of it.
A child sleeps peacefully against a concrete wall, painted with lifelike softness by El Decertor. Ivy draped across the mural seamlessly forms a textured blanket, and a teddy bear peeks from underneath the greenery.
Painted by Natalia Rak, this towering mural features a young girl in traditional Polish dress gently watering a tree growing from the ground below. The tree aligns perfectly with her tilted watering can, turning the entire scene into a gentle urban myth.
Carved by Eva Oertli & Beat Huber, five stone fingers emerge from the earth to cradle a growing tree, as if nature itself is being held by a giant underground guardian.
A large expressive face inside the hollow of a tree. The grain and curvature of the wood become part of the face, making it appear as though the tree is speaking or laughing.
Come into Light — Tulum, Mexico
Created by Daniel Popper, this monumental wooden sculpture of a human figure gently opens its chest to reveal a tunnel of living greenery. The work invites visitors to step inside and walk through the heart of nature.
This living sculpture by Sue and Pete Hill lies in the woods of the Lost Gardens of Heligan. Covered in moss and ivy, it changes with the seasons, transforming from green and alive in summer to white and frozen in winter.
On a wall in Paleokastritsa, an elegant face is painted alongside a flourishing bougainvillea. The artist positions the real branches as flowing floral hair, giving life and movement to the portrait.
Forest Archer — UK
Crafted by Anna & the Willow, this sculpture made entirely of woven willow shows a woman mid-draw with a bow and arrow. Set deep in a forest path, her flowing skirt and hair mimic the wind.
These works are more than just art in nature—they are art with nature. Whether through seasonal change, plant life integration, or raw materials, each artist reveals how the natural world can be the most powerful collaborator of all.
Street Artist HIJACK HIJACK: www.hijackart.com // Instagram This piece is a piece that means a lot to me as it represents a lot. It symbolizes the simple message of ” keep doing what you love”.
Street Artist HIJACK HIJACK: www.hijackart.com // Instagram This piece is a piece that means a lot to me as it represents a lot. It symbolizes the simple message of ” keep doing what you love”.
8 Beautiful Moments When Nature and Art Became One: streetartutopia.com/2025/05/10… - Crafted by Anna & the Willow, this sculpture made entirely of woven willow shows a woman mid-draw with a bow and arrow. Set deep in a forest path, her flowing skirt and hair mimic the wind.
8 Beautiful Moments When Nature and Art Became One
From ivy-blanketed murals to sculptures woven from willow branches, these 8 artworks blur the line between nature and art. You’ll find a dreaming child merging into a hedgerow in Ecuador, a giant girl watering a real tree in Poland, and a sleeping forest maiden who changes with the seasons in Cornwall. Artists around the world are letting nature do more than surround their work—it’s becoming part of it.
A child sleeps peacefully against a concrete wall, painted with lifelike softness by El Decertor. Ivy draped across the mural seamlessly forms a textured blanket, and a teddy bear peeks from underneath the greenery.
Painted by Natalia Rak, this towering mural features a young girl in traditional Polish dress gently watering a tree growing from the ground below. The tree aligns perfectly with her tilted watering can, turning the entire scene into a gentle urban myth.
Carved by Eva Oertli & Beat Huber, five stone fingers emerge from the earth to cradle a growing tree, as if nature itself is being held by a giant underground guardian.
A large expressive face inside the hollow of a tree. The grain and curvature of the wood become part of the face, making it appear as though the tree is speaking or laughing.
Come into Light — Tulum, Mexico
Created by Daniel Popper, this monumental wooden sculpture of a human figure gently opens its chest to reveal a tunnel of living greenery. The work invites visitors to step inside and walk through the heart of nature.
This living sculpture by Sue and Pete Hill lies in the woods of the Lost Gardens of Heligan. Covered in moss and ivy, it changes with the seasons, transforming from green and alive in summer to white and frozen in winter.
On a wall in Paleokastritsa, an elegant face is painted alongside a flourishing bougainvillea. The artist positions the real branches as flowing floral hair, giving life and movement to the portrait.
Forest Archer — UK
Crafted by Anna & the Willow, this sculpture made entirely of woven willow shows a woman mid-draw with a bow and arrow. Set deep in a forest path, her flowing skirt and hair mimic the wind.
These works are more than just art in nature—they are art with nature. Whether through seasonal change, plant life integration, or raw materials, each artist reveals how the natural world can be the most powerful collaborator of all.
This was situated in the small forest called Hambacher Forst, where climate activists built dozens of tree house to manifest their resistance against lignite coal mining in western Germany and they succeeded 😀
Explore the amazing 3D street art of Joe and Max! Their incredible illusions turn sidewalks into magical, interactive spaces. Check out some of their coolest creations in this post!
Explore the amazing 3D street art of Joe and Max! Their incredible illusions turn sidewalks into magical, interactive spaces. Check out some of their coolest creations in this post!
Hang on by Seth Globepainter for Street Art Fest Grenoble Alpes in Grenoble, France. ❤ 34 Murals That Turn Walls Into Wonders: Seth’s Street Art Will Blow Your Mind: streetartutopia.com/2025/05/08…
Discover how Seth Globepainter turns ordinary walls into vibrant masterpieces. From colorful murals to dreamlike creations, explore 32 stunning works that redefine urban spaces and inspire imagination.
I think these are beautiful, especially when done in an environment as transitory as a seashore, and those who are offended by them need to focus their energies on the world's actual problems.
Ever looked at a statue and thought, “What would happen if we made this masterpiece a little… mischievous?” You’re not alone! Every day, people worldwide are adding a twist to statues, bringing them into the world of “dudeism.
Ever looked at a statue and thought, “What would happen if we made this masterpiece a little… mischievous?” You’re not alone! Every day, people worldwide are adding a twist to statues, bringing them into the world of “dudeism.
A drainpipe claims to be Luke’s father, Baby Yoda stares out from under a bridge, and Darth Vader takes a quiet fishing break—this is Star Wars street art at its best.
Powering Up: Photo Journey Through The World Of Super Mario-Themed Street Art! It’s time to level up as we dive into the vibrant world of Super Mario-themed street art! In today’s blog post, we’ll pay tribute to the iconic video game franchise that h…
9 Street Art Dragons That Look Ready to Fly Off the Wall: streetartutopia.com/2025/05/03… - The Giant Greenish-Blue Dragon Mural — Kuantan, Malaysia A three-story dragon coils around a spiral staircase, appearing to slither across the building’s surface. The detailed scales and vivid blues contrast with the black wall, giving this mural an almost cinematic presence. The mural is part of Project 06 at Kuantan Art Street in Pahang.
9 Street Art Dragons That Look Ready to Fly Off the Wall
Dragons have always symbolized power, wisdom, and imagination—and now they’ve taken flight across city walls around the world. From towering, photorealistic beasts to playful chalk sketches curled in brick cracks, these murals transform dull facades into realms of fantasy. This collection features striking dragons spotted from Malaysia to France, from anime tributes to mischievous creatures hiding in plain sight. Whether fierce, friendly, or surreal, each artwork showcases how street art keeps the myth alive in the heart of our cities.
The Giant Greenish-Blue Dragon Mural — Kuantan, Malaysia
A three-story dragon coils around a spiral staircase, appearing to slither across the building’s surface. The detailed scales and vivid blues contrast with the black wall, giving this mural an almost cinematic presence. The mural is part of Project 06 at Kuantan Art Street in Pahang.
The Owl and the Dragon — Buenos Aires, Argentina
A glowing owl stares intensely from the right while a scaled dragon snakes through ethereal, neon-colored shadows on the left. Painted by Julian CruzSolano, this fantasy-themed mural merges nocturnal power with mythic energy.
Dragon and Mouse — Le Pont-de-Claix, France
By Braga Last1, this clever piece features a green dragon painted to fit perfectly into the hollowed-out holes of a brick wall, peeking out with curiosity at a small painted mouse nearby. It’s a charming use of urban textures and playful narrative placement.
A tiny red dragon seems to have scorched the side of a building, cleverly incorporating real fire damage. This playful piece by Oakoak turns decay into storytelling, showing the dragon mid-roar.
Surprise Birthday Party (Introvert Style) — Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
Drawn by David Zinn, this whimsical chalk art features a small dragon playfully lying on its back as a mouse approaches. Fallen orange leaves are used as part of the dragon’s breath or laughter.
In tribute to Akira Toriyama, this mural features Shenron the dragon alongside iconic Dragon Ball characters. Bold colors and anime-style linework make it pop against the street setting.
Falkor the Luckdragon — Outside Barcelona, Spain
This mural by DavidL features a surreal, exaggerated depiction of Falkor from The NeverEnding Story. The creature bursts through a decaying wall with a toothy grin, oversized amber eyes, and flowing white facial hair—melding fantasy nostalgia with the texture of urban decay.
French artist Scaf painted this striking 3D mural of Shenron, the wish-granting dragon from Dragon Ball, across the angular facade of a red brick building. The illusion is so precise that the dragon’s head appears to burst out of the wall, with a fan posing below holding a four-star Dragon Ball for scale.
In Which Nadine Amuses a Dragon and Makes Autumn Happen — Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
Drawn by David Zinn, this chalk artwork captures a whimsical moment between Nadine the mouse and a playful dragon lying on its back in laughter. The scene cleverly incorporates real fallen leaves as the dragon’s fiery breath or joyful energy, blending sidewalk and season into a charming narrative.
See 8 awesome sculptures that mix art and nature. From giant clothespins to zippers in the ground, these works turn ordinary places into something unforgettable.
Zo heb ik ooit een afplakprogrammaatje gemaakt in delphi om bijvoorbeeld zo'n irritante boodschap die door het beeld schuift (bekend van CNN-beursgedoe) af te plakken:
these boxes can often be opened with Torx security bits (they have to be the security bits with the hole in the middle).
you can pick up a whole set of them in a hardware store for 10-15 dollars, and if you don't have a screwdriver to slot them into, then a small adjustable wrench will do just fine for turning it (it's a bit annoying though, and not ideal for quick work)
Street Artist Yip Yew Chong By Yip Yew Chong at the wet market on 30 Temple Street in Chinatown, Singapore. Yip Yew Chong: “While visitors are having fun posing for photos, I also hope they will get up close to the mural to study the details.
Meet Grace Brett, the 104-year-old who became the world’s oldest knitted street artist, spreading joy and creativity through her colorful yarn designs in Scotland.
Chalk Artist David Zinn David Zinn is a street artist known for transforming ordinary urban landscapes into imaginative worlds. Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Zinn has been creating street art since the 1980s.
Discover the moving sculpture of Nello and Patrasche in Antwerp, Belgium—a timeless tribute to love, loyalty, and friendship inspired by A Dog of Flanders.
In the hands of New York street artist Tom Bob, the cityscape becomes a canvas for wildly imaginative creations. This ingenious artist doesn’t just exist in the world; he’s on a mission to transform it.
These 3D Street Art Murals by Shozy Look Like Glitches in Real Life
Born in Moscow, Danila Shmelev—better known as Shozy—has spent over two decades bending urban reality with paint. After studying at the Moscow Institute of Art & Industrial and training in classical techniques, he took his graffiti roots into the third dimension. Today, Shozy is best known for his striking 3D street art, where illusions of melted balconies, floating cubes, and warped towers appear on residential blocks from France to the Arctic Circle.
This post showcases six of his most compelling works: a wave crashing down a Soviet facade in Balashikha, a mirrored distortion in Paris, and a mesmerizing mural above the Arctic Circle in Salekhard, among others. From large-scale murals at international street art festivals to conceptual studio work, Shozy continues to explore light, volume, and realism in ways that stop people in their tracks.
Let’s take a closer look at how he’s reshaping cityscapes with nothing but illusion.
This towering mural creates the illusion of a wave of balconies melting and crashing through the facade. The soft curves and distorted lines make the rigid architecture appear liquid and unstable, transforming the building into a sculptural cascade.
Painted on a tall residential block, this mural creates a mind-bending mirrored distortion that appears to collapse the middle of the building inward. Framed by a bold red outline, it manipulates light and geometry to make the wall ripple like a heatwave.
Part of the International Mural Festival in Solnechnogorsk, this illusion uses sharp angles and cubes to mimic balconies protruding into space. The effect plays with depth and shadow, creating fake extensions that seamlessly integrate into the building’s original layout.
Located above the Arctic Circle, this mural plays with Escher-like geometry, appearing to remove parts of the building while extending impossible window boxes. Painted across a warm-toned facade, the illusion challenges viewers’ perception of dimension.
On the wall of a residential building in Derbent, Shozy painted a symmetrical, abstract form inspired by local patterns and cosmic motifs. The soft gradient gives the illusion of depth, making the artwork appear like a three-dimensional glowing portal.
Shozy’s urban illusions turn functional housing blocks into impossible architectural puzzles. These works demonstrate how street art can reshape familiar environments without a single brick being moved. Whether it’s a melting facade or a floating cube, Shozy invites us to reimagine what walls can be.
Get ready to be mesmerized by the fascinating world of 3D street art! In today’s blog post, we’ll delve into the mind-bending realm of anamorphic masterpieces, as we explore how these optical illusions are created and what makes them so captivating.
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Banksy’s Seaside Murals Still Haunt These Towns—Have You Seen Them All?
Banksy’s street art “A Great British Spraycation” from 2021 along England’s east coast showcase his unique style and ability to integrate art into everyday surroundings.
This collection includes works in Great Yarmouth, Cromer, Lowestoft, and more, featuring creative designs that have become landmarks in these coastal towns. Explore each mural and its connection to the local environment.
I. Unmasking the Enigma: A Deep Dive into Banksy’s Street Art Revolution In the dynamic world of street art, few names are as resonant or as enigmatic as Banksy.
🕊 The Pope has died today. - Two Artists Capture the Spirit of Pope Francis in the Streets of Rome: streetartutopia.com/2025/04/21… - Street Art by Andrea Villa.
Two Artists Capture the Spirit of Pope Francis in the Streets of Rome
On April 21, 2025, Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 in his residence at Casa Santa Marta in Vatican City. His death followed complications from pneumonia after a long hospitalization. As the first Latin American and Jesuit pope, his 12-year papacy was marked by humility, reform, and outspoken support for the marginalized. Even before his passing, Pope Francis had already become a symbol in public spaces—immortalized not by statues or official portraits alone, but by street artists responding to his message in real time. Two powerful works in Rome now carry even deeper weight.
Super Pope by Mauro Pallotta in Rome, Italy
This mural became globally recognized in 2014, just a short walk from the Vatican. It portrays Pope Francis as a comic book-style superhero flying with a briefcase labeled “Valores” (Spanish for “Values”) and a white cape fluttering behind him. A cross hangs from the handle like a keychain.
Mauro Pallotta, also known as Maupal, created the piece to reflect the Pope’s bold approach to social issues—his flight powered not by force, but by ethics and humility.
Tic-Tac-Toe for Peace by Mauro Pallotta in Rome, Italy
In another mural by Maupal, the Pope is seen standing on a ladder, drawing peace signs into a tic-tac-toe game above a window display of bottles. A Swiss Guard walks away, seemingly unaware of the Pope’s quiet rebellion, or is he on the the lookout? The “O”s are peace signs. The “X”s are stacked like weapons.
Painted in Pallotta’s instantly recognizable comic style, this piece gently critiques the systems around the papacy, while celebrating Francis’s consistent efforts to sneak peace into every conversation—even where it wasn’t expected.
Mauro Pallotta’s Pope with a Heart Slingshot in Rome, Italy
Cartoon-style mural by Maupal depicting Pope Francis playfully holding a slingshot with a red heart-shaped projectile. The figure is illustrated in cartoon style, wearing traditional papal robes and a cross necklace, leaning slightly with a cheerful expression.
Be Francis by Andrea Villa in Rome, Italy
Installed guerrilla-style on a bus stop billboard in Rome, this intervention by Andrea Villa shows Pope Francis smiling gently and holding a sign that reads: “In a world of hate, be Francis.” The format imitates an ad, but the message is far from commercial.
Villa, known for his politically charged works, turns public space into a platform for quiet resistance. The text reframes Francis as more than a leader—he becomes a call to action, an embodiment of decency in a polarized world.
These two murals, both steps away from the Vatican, now serve as poignant reminders of Pope Francis’s unique position in modern history. Street artist Maupal, through humor and simplicity, managed to say what many felt: that this Pope tried—quietly but consistently—to steer the world toward something kinder.
Street Artist Mauro Pallotta (Maupal) By Mauro Pallotta on the pope in Rome, Italy. When, how and why did you become an artist? Mauro Pallotta: As a child I had a strong propensity for silence and listening and I understood that an excellent form of …
Two Artists Capture the Spirit of Pope Francis in the Streets of Rome
On April 21, 2025, Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 in his residence at Casa Santa Marta in Vatican City. His death followed complications from pneumonia after a long hospitalization. As the first Latin American and Jesuit pope, his 12-year papacy was marked by humility, reform, and outspoken support for the marginalized. Even before his passing, Pope Francis had already become a symbol in public spaces—immortalized not by statues or official portraits alone, but by street artists responding to his message in real time. Two powerful works in Rome now carry even deeper weight.
Super Pope by Mauro Pallotta in Rome, Italy
This mural became globally recognized in 2014, just a short walk from the Vatican. It portrays Pope Francis as a comic book-style superhero flying with a briefcase labeled “Valores” (Spanish for “Values”) and a white cape fluttering behind him. A cross hangs from the handle like a keychain.
Mauro Pallotta, also known as Maupal, created the piece to reflect the Pope’s bold approach to social issues—his flight powered not by force, but by ethics and humility.
Tic-Tac-Toe for Peace by Mauro Pallotta in Rome, Italy
In another mural by Maupal, the Pope is seen standing on a ladder, drawing peace signs into a tic-tac-toe game above a window display of bottles. A Swiss Guard walks away, seemingly unaware of the Pope’s quiet rebellion, or is he on the the lookout? The “O”s are peace signs. The “X”s are stacked like weapons.
Painted in Pallotta’s instantly recognizable comic style, this piece gently critiques the systems around the papacy, while celebrating Francis’s consistent efforts to sneak peace into every conversation—even where it wasn’t expected.
Mauro Pallotta’s Pope with a Heart Slingshot in Rome, Italy
Cartoon-style mural by Maupal depicting Pope Francis playfully holding a slingshot with a red heart-shaped projectile. The figure is illustrated in cartoon style, wearing traditional papal robes and a cross necklace, leaning slightly with a cheerful expression.
Be Francis by Andrea Villa in Rome, Italy
Installed guerrilla-style on a bus stop billboard in Rome, this intervention by Andrea Villa shows Pope Francis smiling gently and holding a sign that reads: “In a world of hate, be Francis.” The format imitates an ad, but the message is far from commercial.
Villa, known for his politically charged works, turns public space into a platform for quiet resistance. The text reframes Francis as more than a leader—he becomes a call to action, an embodiment of decency in a polarized world.
These two murals, both steps away from the Vatican, now serve as poignant reminders of Pope Francis’s unique position in modern history. Street artist Maupal, through humor and simplicity, managed to say what many felt: that this Pope tried—quietly but consistently—to steer the world toward something kinder.
Street Artist Mauro Pallotta (Maupal) By Mauro Pallotta on the pope in Rome, Italy. When, how and why did you become an artist? Mauro Pallotta: As a child I had a strong propensity for silence and listening and I understood that an excellent form of …
HollieK
in reply to Street Art Utopia • • •welkin7
in reply to Street Art Utopia • • •Eye
in reply to Street Art Utopia • • •Henrik von BARA BADA BASTU
in reply to Street Art Utopia • • •Alex (pausiert)
in reply to Street Art Utopia • • •Mensch, Marina
in reply to Street Art Utopia • • •Jill ☁
in reply to Street Art Utopia • • •le Pétomane Ancien
in reply to Street Art Utopia • • •peachfront
in reply to Street Art Utopia • • •oh, they knew perfectly well what would happen & i think it's hilarious
for round two, just go ahead & plant the potholes...
in fact, i'm studying those flowers to see what species do well in that environment because i feel like passive-aggressively planting some sidewalk cracks & potholes myself 🤣
Parents for Future Köln
in reply to Street Art Utopia • • •MoliseHorizon
in reply to Street Art Utopia • • •Snippety Snap (she/her)
in reply to Street Art Utopia • • •I love this! I live on a busy street corner and will try it with any seeds I have on hand.
All the kids and parents walk to an elementary school a block away, and I think they'd enjoy it!
Sjaak K. 🇳🇱🇪🇺
in reply to Street Art Utopia • • •