The Dandelion Exhibition
While vandalism might be a shunned act, there are times when it is extremely creative that you can't help but appreciate the creativity. A good example is this street art of a dandelion, protected as though it's an artwork in a gallery, with a caution attached to it.
It would probably stay there for a while if left alone, considering dandelions are known to be able to live for up to ten to 13 years. They are also known to go through three life cycles that represent the sun, the stars, and the moon. All these are represented in the flowery petals, the spreading seeds, and the puffball phases.
Electricity Theft
While electric equipment thefts are relatively small, they cost about billions of dollars in the United States alone. That is why the action itself is deemed punishable in most cities in the world. But, capturing the concept in this form doesn't only send a message; it also draws attention to the creativity in the streets.
While others might be wondering what people do with absconded public electronics, this one sure looks like he is up to no good with those wires. Also, being that distribution boards are essential in the transmission of electricity, the victims of this theft would have suffered some blackouts with theirs empty.
"E.T. Flying Over The Night Sky"
If there was a perfect place to place this particular sticker, it would be right on that spot. It might not be appreciated since it's a vandalized act, but on second thought, it couldn't have been better placed.
This is a perfect representation of the science fiction film released in 1982, "E.T The Extra-Terrestrial." The movie featured a boy, played by Henry Thomas, and his friendly alien, E.T. The sticker directly captures a moment in the movie where Elliot was driving the fugitive alien on a bicycle over the night sky. A moment sensational enough to be used as a film still in its publicity.
Street Kung Fu
This image shows that vandalism doesn't necessarily have to be out of place or unaesthetic. What must have been a ruined part of a roadside rail was transformed into appreciable street art. It shows Bruce Lee in his one-piece tracksuit kicking the metal out of shape.
The yellow tracksuit is a costume associated with the star due to his appearance in the 1978 action film "Game of Death." While it later turned out to be a symbol of recognition, it was just a wardrobe decision made on set so that a footprint left on his chest would be more visible.
Leaking A Rainbow
Barrier pipes may be instrumental in preventing accidents or even reducing the level of damage created by these accidents, but who would have thought they could be used in roadside art? The U-shaped steel barrier was transformed from what it would normally look like into a splattering of paint on the floor.
While it probably changes nothing with regards to the fact that vandalism is not tolerated, it is still beautiful to behold. A notable fact about modern graffitis is that they date back to the '60s in Philadelphia and the '70s in New York. Most of them are known to be a result of tagging activity.
Game Console
This should receive an award as one of the best electrical box transformations ever. From a regular roadside electrical box, it was converted to a 1989 Children's Classic Black and White Screen Tetris Game Console. People born in the '90s who are quite familiar with this piece of technology will have a good laugh when they see this.
Not only is it huge, but the screen color and shapes of the buttons were perfectly captured. There are also over 215 variations of the gaming console. While maintenance for the box might have a frown on their face when they see this, it's a good piece of work.
A Beautiful Sewer Grate
While sewers were invented between 3500 and 6000 BC, it wasn't until the 19th century that sewer grates - otherwise known as manholes - were invented. This miniature equipment weighs hundreds of pounds for one purpose, to cover a drain. They are mostly used to prevent larger objects from going into sewers or drains.
Due to their use, they are mostly associated with dirt, but this image is more of an exception to the rule. The painting of a skinned fish where just the tail and head are painted to blend with the lines of the grate, although odd, is eye-catching. It’s a superb touch of creativity.
The Waste Bin Monster
In the United States alone, a single person disposes of about 1,200 pounds of organic waste a year, which makes the country the world's No. 1 waste producer. A critical factor that makes this possible is the trash can, which helps keep these disposed of collectibles together.
But the trash doesn't look like one in this image. It looks more like a cookie-eating monster or probably a well-constructed version of the waste-eating monster in "WALL-E," which is a 2008 action-comedy release. The creation is not only non-destructive of the waste bin, but it is also funny in some way.
The Screaming Cinder Block
This is easily one of the few graffiti that does not destroy the original property but still sends a message and easily holds one's attention. Cinderblocks are generally hollowed rectangular blocks made entirely of cement and coal cinders broken into smaller fractions. They could range between 13 to 16 inches and are quite light, which differentiates them from concrete blocks.
With just a splash of red paint, this cinder block was transformed into a screaming figure. Not only does the steel pipe add to the drama and graphic nature of it, but the center hole itself also makes the screaming face come to life.
Weird Way To Interpret A Notice
Agreeably, scribbling on bathroom walls is not only uncivilized, but it also gives the janitors extra work. This is an action most find very displeasing too as it consumes unnecessary time from their stipulated seven to eight work hour range. But this could be one of the funniest scribbles on a mirror.
Employees are instructed to wash their hands as a sanitary procedure that helps them serve the clients better. This is a rule that is also in line with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. But whoever scribbled these was either trying to be funny or misunderstood the notice entirely as they expressed their dissatisfaction.
The Sumo Wrestler Stance
While sumo wrestling is an International Olympic Committee-recognized game, it is not every day you see graffiti of it. A simple piece of broken wood by the wall was transformed into a beautiful piece of art. It shows a sumo wrestler with his six to seven-inch ceremonial loin outfit trying to make a feet-pouncing stance. This stance is commonly recognized as a sportsmanship act.
A cool fact about Sumo wrestling is that it is of Japanese origin and is highly recognized in the country. The fighters weigh about 150 pounds and mostly consume about 20,000 calories a day. Their most recommended high-calorie dish is called Chanko Nabe.
Probably A Pained Customer
Among the juicy snacks and nuggets for which the American-based fast food corporation McDonald's is known, fries are one of the most popular. About 30 pounds of fries are consumed by an average American each year. With McDonald's being the most favored fries joint by a margin of 34 percent, their publicity campaigns invariably encourage this particular snack among others.
Someone might not have felt great about this particular campaign and decided to make a few changes to the sign. Previously tagged as "Keep your friends close and your fries closer," the sign was transformed into "Keep your fries, you loser."
Sausage Fragrance
John Christopher Depp II is not only a Hollywood star with various films to his name, but he has also represented a variety of companies throughout his career. One of those is "Dior." Deep has been the face of their "Sauvage" scent since 2015. He probably doesn't know he is representing a sausage in some parts of the world.
Whoever created this did put in the effort. It might be vandalism on a company's property, but it's worth a laugh. Considering the seven-figure contract with Depp to represent Dior was renewed in early August 2022, "art" like this might probably still surface.
The Shining, "Here's Johnny!"
For those familiar with Stanley Kubrick's 1980 horror film, "The Shining," understanding this picture would be no hassle. It's a replica of the image of Jack Nicholson's face in the film while playing the role of Jack Torrence.
In the scene, Nicholson, trying to get through to Shelley Duvall in the bathroom, broke a hole in the door and inserted his face. Then he screamed, "Here's Johnny!" The scene got quite popular. The last line in particular was adapted from announcer Ed McMahon. It's a famous introduction method he uses to welcome the host, Johnny Carson, during an NBC late-night show, "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson."
A Bad Financial Decision
In most cases, waiting for a bus at a bus stop at the station could range from 10 to 30 minutes, and more in some drastic situations. So it begs the question, what does one do while waiting? For some, listening to soothing music is a good bet; others read a few pages of a novel while they wait.
But this commuter figured out a better way, which involved messing with an "Apple" ad. Figuring an Apple iPad costs up to $559, this customer possibly felt the device’s function didn’t justify the hefty price. Talk about a creative way to express your grievances.
Stating The Obvious
Some things may seem more obvious than others, but we assure you they are not. It's more risky and unsafe to take the elevator during a fire than the stairs, but also, people needed to be reminded that they could use water to put out the fire.
In cases of fire, the electrical supply to the elevators can cause them to stop abruptly between floors, trapping anyone inside. Fire may also breach the elevator shaft, leading to the danger of severe heat and smoke exposure to anyone trapped. At least people can crack a smile while they keep the warning in mind when passing by every day.
Not So Lucky Charms
It’s interesting how only a few strokes can make a picture, or in this case, a cereal character, look so much different. By simply drawing on some eyebrows, the Lucky Charm leprechaun looked more villainous. The shopper who drew on some strokes must be very handy to randomly have a pen or sharpie while on a grocery run.
Leprechauns are said to be supernatural beings in Irish folklore as some type of fairy. They are said to have a pot of gold hidden at the end of a rainbow. This leprechaun, however, seems to be coming for all the goods and not giving any charms, as the name would suggest.
It's King Kong!
The exposed pullers in the building are not a very good sign, and someone wanted to draw people's attention to it. The person had a good idea and decided to depict King Kong climbing the building. Movie lovers may be familiar with the "King Kong" movie franchise. The giant gorilla character first appeared in 1933, then the movie was remade in 2005 and subsequently in 2021.
Luckily, there was no damsel in distress being carried up the building like in the movie, and hopefully, the appropriate authorities will take the necessary action swiftly. The ferocious, yet admired King Kong character was created by Edgar Wallace and Merian C. Cooper.
Even Statues Have to Shave
Throughout history, statues have made for great decorations on major roads. Usually, they represent something important to the city or area they are located. However, we can’t quite understand what this statue should be representing, because one hilarious prankster has changed the entire look of this statue with just one pink shaving stick.
It’s just as well though, as this statue looks like it’s quite old, and nothing helps to look younger more than a good shave. Although the oldest-known statue dates back to about 30,000 years ago, statues are still relevant to this day, so we can imagine why this one would want to maintain its youthfulness.
Fire Hydrant Minion
The beautiful thing about art is that it can be made out of anything. We’re not sure if this fire hydrant can be classified as art, but it certainly cleans up nicely. Whoever dressed it up is undoubtedly a fan of the animated media franchise "Despicable Me" because this hydrant is so similar to the infamous Minions in the movies.
They probably don’t know how important it is for firefighters to locate a fire hydrant in the case of a fire outbreak. Nor are they aware that fire hydrants in the United States are only colored yellow to aid rapid identification and not because they make for good Minion look-alikes.
A Round of Applause for the Jellyfish
Jellyfish are undoubtedly one of the most fascinating creatures on the planet. From the fact that they are possibly older than dinosaurs and are 98 percent water, there’s almost nothing about them that isn’t interesting. And if you aren’t convinced of this fact, you should know that some jellyfish have the ability to cheat death.
However, is that enough to give them a round of applause every time we visit the bathroom? This prankster thinks so. We guess if you really look closely, this image on the hand dryer looks like a jellyfish. It perfectly mimics their umbrella-shaped bells and trailing tentacles.
Sorry Not Sorry!
Countries all over the world have spelt out rules and regulations against vandalism. Some even have high penalties for it, including hefty fines, imprisonment in county jail, or in some cases, both. Yet, that doesn’t seem to deter people from vandalizing public property. Over time, some people have found ways of going about it creatively, and we have proof.
Here’s a photo of payphone booths with expressions. Although phone booths have enjoyed a lot of popularity since they were first started in 1888, they have suffered much vandalism, and this has led to the closure of some booths. In 2021, the last phone booth in Czechia was closed and dismantled.
Good Prophesies Only
Owning a billboard is one of the surest ways to make the big bucks, and when you’re after good money, it’s impossible to be picky about patronage. We imagine the person who rented this billboard to place this odd message on had little or no argument from the person they were renting it from.
However, it seems a passerby was having none of it, so they included their own message as well. They don’t seem to care that graffiti can be a type of crime. In fact, in the United States, local jurisdictions have set up graffiti prevention hotlines. Using these lines, citizens can call in and report vandalism.
Thanks?
Tom Hanks has spent over forty years of his life entertaining people. It's why he's one of the most famous Hollywood actors worldwide and the fourth-highest-grossing actor in North America. He is also regarded as an American cultural icon. In fact, he is so popular now that people make other people laugh through him.
Take a look at this pun, for example. It's even more hilarious when you find out this is a waste bin and it's just thanking people for properly disposing of their trash. We bet some more people wanted to throw their trash just to get a "T.hanks."
Pac-Crossing
There are so many ways street art can be designed. Sometimes, regular things on the road can be designed into art that’s both insightful and hilarious, like this zebra crossing that got a little splash of character with just yellow paint. We can tell whoever did this is a fan of the Japanese video game franchise “Pac-Man.”
Pac-Man has been releasing new versions on a regular basis for more than 40 years, making it one of the most successful, best-selling, and highest-grossing video game franchises ever. Its main character is one of the most famous video game characters in history.
Environmental Concern
Who doesn’t love plants? Not only are they beautiful to look at, they are beneficial to humans and the environment at large. They are regarded as an essential resource due to the numerous ways that plants manage the water cycle, release oxygen into the atmosphere, provide habitat and food for animals and humans, and, in general, maintain life on Earth.
However, that’s not all. Their ability to absorb carbon dioxide also helps in reducing the effects of global warming. That’s why it’s understandable that this person is inquiring about why the designer of the building hadn’t used plants to soften the starkness of the area.
Obedience Is Better Than Sacrifice
Roads have signs and that reason is to warn motorists and pedestrians alike about things that lie ahead. These signs have been in use since the late 1800s, but even today they are still very relevant. Despite this, sometimes people don’t heed the warnings, but what happens when it’s the sign, not the person that’s wrong?
Take a look at this picture, for example. This 'Do Not Enter' sign has a stick man figure on it. Another fascinating thing about this sign is that it could possibly have been made by one of the largest manufacturing plants for traffic signs, Franklin Correctional Center in North Carolina.
Marketing Genius
Marketing may be something people spend years studying and perfecting, but some people are naturally gifted at it. While we can’t tell if whoever did this is a car salesman, we can tell they know how to sell something. This Ford may look beaten down, but at least whoever is buying it gets to save a couple of bucks.
They’ll also be getting a Ford, which is a product of the second-largest automaker based in the United States, ABC, and the fifth-largest automaker in the world. Ford is also one of only three American constructors to win titles on the international scene at the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile World Championships.
Playing The Stairs
Pianos were invented in Italy by Bartolomeo Cristofori in 1700. Yet today, they are still relevant. In fact, some of the greatest songs started on the piano, so it makes sense that this powerful instrument inspires art too.
A street artist in France called OakOak, who is known for painting amusing faces, characters, and objects over structures and buildings around the city, painted these piano keys on a staircase. You may not know this, but not all pianos have the same number of keys. Some have 102 keys, others have 88 keys, and some have even fewer. However, it seems this piano staircase has the least of all.
Not Much Help There
Printing problems aren’t uncommon in offices, probably due to the large volume of work. But some people have found a way to make the most of this recurring situation and infuse some humor into what is probably already a boring day. The person decided to use one of Jay-Z’s lines from his song.
The line was pulled from the song "99 Problems." While Jay-Z may be a talented rapper with over two decades in the industry, there’s little he can do concerning their printing problem, which makes the quote more valid and interesting. The administration would, however, need to look into the printing issues to avoid delays in work turnover.
A Warning To Forrest
Signs are obviously put up to provide information, but when the words aren’t arranged properly, they may be misleading. In this case, it can serve as a good movie reference like this for a creative person. The reference was taken from the classic movie "Forrest Gump," released in 1994.
It depicted a man with a low IQ named Forrest who went through a series of challenges in his life. Even if one isn’t familiar with the phrase, it makes for a good laugh when seen. We guess the person just loves nature and was looking out for the forest while bringing a funny movie quote back.
Scared Kitty
For good reason, they say the eyes are a window to the soul, especially because they pass across a lot of information as well. This structure probably didn’t get much of a second glance from passersby, and it may have been hard to tell what was going on too.
However, a creative genius knew that adding some eyes would give it more character. Cats were greatly revered in ancient Egypt, causing them to be worshipped. Bronze cat statuettes were placed as votive offerings at temples. Now, this kitty cat appears to be running away from a predator or something. So this may not be one of those precious bronze statues.
Call The Ghostbusters!
This sign was meant to keep people out of the park, but someone found a more creative way to steer people away from entering. There’s just about a movie reference for almost anything one can think of. In this case, inspiration was gotten from the 1984 supernatural comedy movie "Ghostbusters."
One of the things that come to mind upon seeing this sign is the movie's catchy theme song. The new sign certainly jogs up fun memories while still serving its purpose. People can sing the theme song, written by Ray Parker Jr., as they pass by, while also adhering to the instructions provided by the sign.
Does The Switch Work?
We have to admit, some people are on another level of creativity. Who would have thought huge stones on the floor could also serve as an off-and-on switch? If only the switch could work for the world or the people in it. Can it really be called vandalism if there wasn’t any actual damage done?
The quick-break type of switch which served as the inspiration was first developed in 1884 by John Henry Holmes. It was a simple solution to the problem of electric arcing whenever the circuit was opened or closed. This switch system can be found in other things like vehicles, flashlights, and now a city center
There's a Hammerhead Shark in the Bathroom
Another sharpie-wielding individual decided to put it to good use in the bathroom. The person must have a really good imagination because drawing a hammerhead shark won’t be the first thing that comes to mind when we see this hook. It bears a lot of resemblance to the actual shark.
The hammerhead shark gets its name because of the unique shape of its head, called a cephalofoil. This gives the shark a few more superior abilities, like binocular vision. The cleaning lady may have some work on her hands removing this off the tiles if the marker wasn’t a non-permanent one.
The Matrix
Don’t we all wish we could make things freeze in midair? This great work of art was gotten yet again from another all-time classic movie, "The Matrix," which was released in 1999. Lovers of the franchise may remember the scene where this painting was drawn from all too well. It’s the part where Neo, the main character, stops bullets in midair.
The movie was quite good, but the artist must also be commended for taking the time to bring this awesome scene to life. If you’re yet to see the movie, this is your cue to watch an old favorite of many.
Tony Hawk is No Match
People continuously invent new ways to make old and boring things seem fresh and new. While this may not be the actual statue of skateboarding legend Tony Hawk, we wouldn’t mind seeing some people from the past pull some moves on a skateboard too. The whole scene is set as if there’s even a ramp underneath.
Skateboarding originated in the '50s and became quite popular in the early '60s. It was reportedly created by surfers when they were on land. That was a long while after the time of the man in the coat we see. The sport declined by 1965 but debuted at the Olympics in 2021.
More Like It
Now this X- Box 360 game looks more like it with the eyes. The lady looks more surprised and terrified with these eyes than in the original image. The lively eyes might be a good way to attract more people to buy it. "Alien: Isolation" was developed by Creative Assembly and published by Sega in 2014 for various game sets including PlayStation 3, 4, Windows, Xbox 360, and One.
It was adapted from the 1979 horror sci-fi movie "Alien," based on the story of a spaceship invaded by the endoparasitoid. The game follows the story of Amanda, who must navigate her way through the space station searching for answers.
Rock On, Man!
Do Not Enter signs have a lot of potential for becoming the epitome of creative genius. Why have a boring old sign when you can have a revamped one with lots of character that conveys the message really well? This rockstar rage of a man smashing his guitar into the ground has been an age-old tradition for musicians.
The image provides a sight for sore eyes and people can’t say they hadn’t been warned. Musicians are known to smash their instruments for various reasons, including expressing emotions. Anger is one of the many emotions, as popular artists like Charles Mingus expressed rage at hecklers during shows.
You Know What Time It Is
One button that is sure to get a lot of attention is the stop button on a bus or train. It would even get more attention courtesy of the fellow who put the line "Hammer time" underneath it. The line is from the hit 1990 song “U Can’t Touch This” by rapper MC Hammer.
The time and effort put into typing, printing, and even laminating is commendable. For those not familiar with the song, it was the third single from the rappers' album "Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em." When people look at the button or are about to stop, they can dance off to the song.
Monsieur Road Bump
Yes, another sign that has a lot of potential is the speed bump sign. A lot of people have been creative, and this here is by far one of the most creative spots for bump signs. The sign depicts a French monsieur looking at the people zooming by in their cars. Because of their high usage in the 1920s, berets were mostly associated with the French.
The inspiration was gotten from the pantomime character Pierrot, also referred to as the Comédie-Italienne. He was said to symbolize the struggle of post-revolution France. The characteristic white face and beret are a popular attraction for tourists in France.
Trash Talk
Waste bins are hardly the most attractive thing you’d find. But you’d be surprised by how incredible they can look when someone adds a little color to them. That’s exactly what Aiden Glynn did. The street artist who draws cartoon and video-game-related art all over Toronto drew faces on these bins. The touch of bottles around the bins makes it look like these trash cans have had a wild night.
While these bins aren’t exactly what you’d call an ideal canvas, they look good. We bet when Charles Harrison invented the plastic waste bin, he didn’t imagine that one day they’d be used to add character to a street.
Danger Ahead
"Speed Bump Ahead" signs serve to warn motorists of a narrow, elevated ridge that spans a road in order to control traffic speed. However, it seems someone wanted me to add something extra to the sign to drive home the point that disregarding the sign could result in danger.
They turned the sign to Heisenberg from the series “Breaking Bad” instead. Heisenberg is the secret moniker of Walter White Sr., who was a high school chemistry teacher and co-founder of the multimillion-dollar company Gray Matter Technologies. Critics have praised the character, and White has been cited as one of the most iconic television characters of all time.
Goats Butter? Don't You Mean Ghostbusters?
Ghostbusters stole many hearts when it was first released in 1984, so much so that there have been many other installations since that initial release, with the most recent one being “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” which was released in November 2021. The American supernatural comedy follows three eccentric parapsychologists who start a ghost-catching business in New York City.
Ghostbusters is so famous that many memorabilia have been designed after it, including writing materials, bags, and many more. Now, it’s being used to sell butter. What can this film not do? Some might not categorize this as vandalism, but this picture certainly deserves a spot on this list.
Welcome To Hakuna Matata
If you're a fan of the 1994 Disney classic, "The Lion King," you've no doubt heard the phrase "Hakuna Matata." It's a Swahili phrase that means "no worries." It was popularized by the eponymous song, written by Elton John and lyricized by Tim Rice.
Fans worldwide fell in love with this song as much as they loved the movie, so much so that it's impossible to see one part of the phrase without thinking of the other. Instead of just thinking about it, someone decided to spray paint 'Hakuna' on this sign, giving the north island town in New Zealand, Matata, another meaning.