From sarcastic chalkboards outside pubs to googly-eyed “earthquake detectors” taped to walls, these signs aren’t here to inform — they’re here to amuse. Spotted everywhere from Canadian alleys to Californian trails, each one brings a small dose of absurdity to public spaces. In this collection: a petty painter’s revenge in Bolsover, warning signs for wheat field sharks, a lakeside pun you need to see to believe — and more.
More: 12 Times I Found Street Art Cleverly Using Its Surroundings
1. Earthquake Detection Kit
This hand-made “Earthquake Detection Kit” features two plastic googly eyes on paper, ready to wobble in case the earth moves. More like this!: Googly-Eyed Art (17 Photos)
2. If Not Now — In Toronto, Canada
Painted boldly on a black wall between two buildings: “IF NOT NOW THEN WHEN?” — a motivational reminder masquerading as street art.
3. Countries
Outside a pub, this chalkboard reads: “A LONG TIME AGO WE HAD EMPIRES RUN BY EMPERORS… NOW WE HAVE COUNTRIES,” hinting at the irony of modern leadership.
4. Mirror Lake
Two signs nailed to a post say “ƎƆΛꟼ ИOЯЯIM”, which is revealed in the lake reflection below to read “MIRROR LAKE.”
🔗 Follow David Zinn on Instagram
5. Congrajlashins — In North Vancouver, Canada
This sign says: “PEOPLE WRITE CONGRATS BECAUSE THEY CAN’T SPELL CONGRAJLASHINS” — an intentional butchering of “congratulations” to make a point.
6. Private Sign
A blue sign in the woods reads: “PRIVATE SIGN. DO NOT READ.” Too late.
7. Don’t Be Like Terry — Bolsover, England
On a house: “WANT YOUR HOUSE PAINTING? DON’T BE LIKE TERRY. PAY THE BILL!” A painter’s very public message about unpaid work. Read the story here!: Revenge on the Wall: Painter’s Message Goes Viral in Bolsover
8. Do Not Feed the Sharks — Anne Melady in Ontario, Canada
In a wheat field, fake shark fins poke through golden stalks beside a sign: “PLEASE DO NOT FEED THE SHARKS.” About this silly sign here!: Please do not feed the Great Wheat Sharks
9. Rock Snake — Lake Elsinore, California, USA
A colorful line of painted stones slithers along a dirt path. A nearby sign reads, “This is a ROCK SNAKE! Please add painted rocks…”
10. “Luke, I Am Your Father”
A speech bubble sticker next to a ventilation pipe transforms the pipe into a character from Star Wars, completing the famous “Luke, I am your father” quote.
11. Love in Full Bloom — TABBY in Osaka, Japan
A girl with an umbrella stands under a branch dropping heart-shaped petals, painted directly on a street sign.
🔗 Follow TABBY on Instagram
12. Doggie Stick Library
A small yellow outdoor structure filled with branches arranged like a lending library for dogs.
