This set focuses on snow used with intent rather than decoration. A full-scale Venus torso rises from a parking lot. A dancing couple is shaped with correct proportions and posture. An owl made of snow is placed next to a real owl, matching its size and stance.
Other works lean into physical placement: a figure seated on a park bench, a snowman balanced upside down, one built around a mailbox, another placed in a wheelchair, and a dog recreated beside the animal it copies. The pieces rely on positioning, scale, and reference to work before they melt away.
A tall snow sculpture shaped like a classical female torso, referencing the ancient marble statue Venus de Milo. The smooth surface and draped lower section imitate carved stone while standing alone in a snowy parking area.
2. Winter Waltz
Two snow figures posed as a dancing couple, facing each other with hands placed at shoulder and waist. Their clothing and posture suggest formal attire shaped entirely from packed snow.
3. Snow Cat Climbing Trees
A small snow figure wrapped around a tree trunk, using the bark and knot holes as part of the face and body. The snow is applied directly to the tree to form arms and legs.
4. Impostor Owl
A snow owl sculpture placed next to a real owl, copying its shape, size, and posture. Stones and small objects are used for eyes and markings to mirror the living bird.
5. Mailbox Monster
A snow creature built around an open mailbox, using it as a mouth. Sticks form arms, and small objects create eyes and eyebrows, turning a driveway into a staged scene.
6. Park Bench Companion
A seated snow figure placed on a wooden bench, with legs hanging over the edge. The simple facial features and posture suggest a quiet moment in a public park.
7. Headstand Snowman
An upside-down snowman balanced on its head, with boots used as feet and a scarf wrapped around the inverted body. The pose adds movement to an otherwise static form.
8. Snowman in a Wheelchair
A snow figure seated in a real wheelchair, using the chair’s structure as part of the sculpture. The piece blends snow with everyday mobility equipment.
9. Double Dog
A small snow dog positioned beside a real dog of similar size and color. The sculpture mimics the animal’s stance and proportions using minimal details.
10. After the Party
A collapsed snowman lying across wooden pallets, surrounded by empty bottles. The scene is staged to resemble exhaustion after a long night.
From a soaring leap in Philadelphia to a fence turned into a hammock in Istanbul, this collection captures moments of imagination, emotion, and escape. You’ll see a girl on a swing painted in Belsito, a boy playing guitar across the steps of a Houston underpass, and a child stitching cracks in the pavement with care. Scroll through 15 artworks where artists turned walls, streets, and even border fences into visual dreams.
1. A Swing in the Summer Light — Antonino Perrotta in Belsito, Italy
A large mural of a girl seen from behind, swinging out from a window frame toward the mountains. Her white dress flows mid-air as she soars past rooftops and a classic streetlamp.
What was once a barbed fence now serves as a hammock. A man lounges in the middle, supported by fence posts bent inward, as if the border yielded to rest.
3. Guitar Player — Alex Maksiov in Houston, Texas, USA
A teen boy plays a white electric guitar on a large staircase. His open guitar case below adds to the illusion, turning the steps into a stage.
4. I Have a Dream — Bane & Pest in Chur, Switzerland
A girl wearing a blue headscarf rides on the back of a giant sparrow emerging from the pages of an open book. Stacks of books line the bottom of the wall.
Two large wireframe sculptures of adults sit back to back, while inner glowing children reach through to touch hands. Installed in the desert at night.
7. Girl Mending a Crack
In a black-and-white photo, a young girl uses Band-Aids to patch a crack in the pavement. Her concentration and placement mimic the act of healing.
8. When Street Art Meets Nature — El Decertor in Imbabura, Ecuador
A boy sleeps against a wall, half-covered by ivy that becomes his blanket. His teddy bear lies beside him as if the plants are tucking him in.
A young woman dressed like a futuristic pilot cradles a glass terrarium filled with mushrooms, plants, and a glowing blue butterfly. She wears a green helmet sprouting a mushroom and a peace badge on her sleeve.
10. Fire Within — Bacon in Glasgow, UK for Yardworks Festival 2025
A monumental portrait of a child glows with inner light, the face and body painted with molten textures that resemble fire beneath marble. A white flower near the ear radiates soft warmth, contrasting the powerful energy flowing through the hair.
11. Childhood Dreams — Andy J. Céspedes Fernández in Moyobamba, Peru
A girl rests her head gently on her arms surrounded by flowers, a sparrow, and a kite. On her right, a miniature version of herself flies the kite amid giant petals.
A stenciled mural of a girl in a red dress with heart patterns, sitting with her chin in her hands. She looks up thoughtfully, framed in black and white against a beige wall.
On two towering silos, a girl holds a baby wrapped in white fabric. Behind them, a glowing orange-and-purple sunset fills the horizon with harvest fields below.
14. Dread Dream — WD (Wild Drawing) in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
A boy painted in rainbow tones sleeps curled against an old building wall, blending into the architecture. The word “DREAM” is painted faintly beside him.
15. Le Hérisson” by Wen2 in Coudekerque-Branche, France
A comic-inspired mural showing a corner building named Au Hérisson, glowing with warm light. In front, a red Citroën 2CV stands beside two figures, while the cobblestone street corner appears to float in mid-air, adding a surreal effect.
From illusions that make you fall down rabbit holes to majestic scenes from another century, this collection dives into a world where walls become windows into entirely different realities. In this photo journey, you’ll find Eduardo Relero’s fantastical chalk worlds, historic balconies painted by Carles Arola in Spain, Kurt Wenner’sLondon underground surprise, and a hotel facade in Poland that doesn’t actually exist. These aren’t just murals—they’re portals, stories, and tricks of the eye scattered across public spaces in Europe and the U.S.
This trompe-l’oeil mural creates the illusion of a lavish hotel interior, complete with a gold-trimmed ceiling, chandelier, elegant staircase, and sharply dressed guests. The play with architectural depth and lighting tricks viewers into believing the wall has been peeled open to reveal another world inside. More photos here!
Painted directly on the pavement, this 3D chalk artwork brings a warped version of London’s Underground to life. Alice descends into a distorted Piccadilly Circus, encountering the White Rabbit and a dreamlike crowd. The illusion bends space as if the sidewalk drops into an alternate universe.
This large-scale mural turns a flat facade into a detailed village scene with balconies, townspeople, a white horse, and even wine barrels in an open cellar. Every element is rendered to match the stone wall texture, blending history and realism into the environment. More photos here!
Artist: Patrick Commecy | Location: Montpellier, France
This before-and-after transformation shows a blank wall turned into a lifelike apartment block complete with balconies, dogs, and residents interacting. Commecy’s signature style uses vivid colors and careful perspective to mimic real-life structures. More photos here! This mural, visible on Google Maps.
Eduardo Relero’s 3D illusion on a public square turns the sidewalk into a rumpled bed occupied by eccentric characters. A man even lies on it, perfectly aligned with the painted figures. Relero’s theatrical use of foreshortening and humor is on full display here.
Artist: John Pugh | Location: Hermosa Beach, California, USA
This mural creates the illusion of a massive chunk of building peeled away to reveal a sunny beach scene. People sunbathe on towels while a historic hotel rises behind them. Painted shadows and curved edges give it a sculptural effect. More photos here!
This small but powerful mural shows a man sipping coffee from a window, so lifelike that a passerby holds up his own cup in greeting. With painterly texture and perspective, the piece bridges reality and illusion in an intimate alley setting.
Artist Collective: CitéCréation | Location: Lyon, France
An iconic example of urban transformation, this enormous facade was painted to replicate surrounding architecture and urban life. The stairs, balconies, windows, and climbing greenery blend perfectly with reality, making the original blank wall disappear entirely. More photos here!
This dramatic before-and-after mural makeover transformed a plain white wall into a vivid streetscape filled with colorful facades and playful architectural illusions. The piece features false windows, fake depth, and characters painted into daily life scenes—including one man “climbing” a wall. Commissioned for Café La Ruina, the mural enlivens the historic district and honors local heritage.
Artist: Carl Leck | Location: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
This 3D-mural shows a suspended glass soda bottle hanging from a beam, complete with realistic lighting and a cast shadow of a bottle cap. The illusion tricks the eye by blending painted shadows and reflections with the building’s architecture. Created for NINE dot ARTS!
Bulgarian street artist Vanyu Krastev adds a touch of humor to urban spaces by attaching googly eyes to everyday objects.
From cracked concrete spheres resembling cartoon characters to tree trunks that appear to “smile,” his work transforms mundane surroundings into delightful scenes.
In collaboration with students from Dimitar Petrov Primary School in Sliven, Krastev brought his funny approach to the International Youth Center in Primorsko. Armed with googly eyes, the children explored their environment, turning ordinary shapes into imaginative faces. This unique form of street art is simple but also creative. It invites everyone to see the world with a fresh perspective.
Follow the project on Instagram to discover more playful transformations and inspiring street art.
“The idea is people to have fun, to look for forms, developing their associative thinking. When one has that strive for creativity and the need to do it, my piece of advice is: follow your heart, grow that need, take good care of it… Then it will develop and bring inner satisfaction. And another piece of advice: don’t stick eyes wherever there are ones already.”
Step into the magical world of David Zinn, where cracks in the sidewalk become portals to a playful universe and everyday concrete transforms into enchanting stories.
Known for his charming chalk art, David Zinn brings smiles to urban streets with his delightful characters and imaginative creations. For this special feature, we’re diving into a festive mood with Zinn’s Christmas-themed artworks and showcasing his latest pieces that capture the joy, wonder, and humor of the season.
But it doesn’t stop there! Alongside his holiday magic, you’ll find a selection of Zinn’s other imaginative street art, each piece crafted with his signature mix of humor and heart. From adorable creatures peeking out of pavement cracks to scenes that make you rethink the mundane, Zinn’s art is a testament to how creativity can brighten any corner of the world.
Read on to explore the chalk art that’s spreading cheer and wonder one street at a time! Want to bring a piece of Zinn’s magic into your home? Visit David Zinn’s web shop to explore and purchase his books.
From a wall crack turned into a bird to a “dog library” for sticks, this collection brings together eight playful street artworks that twist everyday objects into clever surprises. Expect invisible men, rock dinosaurs, sewer covers turned into record players, and more creative illusions that prove the streets are full of imagination.
A simple crack in the wall turned into the body of a bird with two legs drawn underneath. A minimal intervention that turns damage into creativity.
2. Dog Library
A humorous installation with a sign reading “Dog Library: Take a stick, leave a stick.” A witty nod to how dogs collect sticks, presented like a public service.
3. Invisible Man
A small setup on the street with flip-flops on a stool and a sign announcing an “Invisible Naked Man.” A funny take on busking with nothing to see but imagination.
4. Rock Dinosaur — David Zinn in USA
A rock on the sidewalk becomes the head of a dinosaur, complete with an open mouth and tiny arms, thanks to clever chalk art. More!: Cute Art By David Zinn (14 Photos)
A manhole cover is outlined with white paint to resemble a turntable, turning a functional object into a playful nod to music culture.
6. Miles Davis Sculpture — Vlado Kostov in Kotor, Montenegro
A sculpture of Miles Davis made from scrap metal, created by Vlado Kostov. The piece merges music and machinery in the old town of Kotor.
7. The Cracks — Oakoak in France
A small painted figure with a pickaxe appears to be working on a real crack in the stone, blending painting with physical damage. More!: Street Art By Oakoak (9 Photos)
From a milkmaid pouring real liquid to a giant frog staring down a visitor in a decaying warehouse—these 11 pieces of street art reshape how we see the urban world. You’ll find gravity-defying illusions in Germany, surreal reflections in Lithuania, and playful architectural deception in Poland. Scroll down for a tour of murals, sculptures, and street interventions that blur the line between art and reality.
1. Floating World — Ray Bartkus in Marijampolė, Lithuania
This remarkable mural by Ray Bartkus was intentionally painted upside-down to create a magical effect. The swimmers, rowers, and swans appear right-side-up only when reflected in the waters of the Šešupė River, which flows through the heart of the city. Visitors to the old dam are invited to rediscover the mural’s beauty time and time again.
As Bartkus explains: “The drawing itself is created in reverse, and its true form is revealed only in the water’s reflection. I hope that every time people pass by, they will discover something new, because this artwork, like our days in life, is never the same as it was yesterday.”
2. The Grab — Cosimo “Cheone” Caiffa & Mor Pavone in Nerviano, Italy
A tattooed man emerges from the underpass, his massive arms reaching out past the tunnel walls. One hand grips the corner as if he’s pulling himself out, while the other stretches forward—toward the artist, who appears to flee in mid-crawl.
Painted with shadow and depth, this frog appears to leap out from the peeling wall of an abandoned room. A viewer sits directly across from it, locked in a surreal stare-down.
An enormous box of colorful marbles seems to sit inside the side of a building, with one marble rolling out onto the pavement. The perspective and shading create a powerful illusion of depth.
This mural transforms a flat wall into the lobby of a luxury hotel, complete with chandeliers, guests in formalwear, and gold-framed paintings. Every detail mimics the real architecture of an upscale interior.
A playful twist on Vermeer’s painting, this urban piece places the milkmaid against a building wall and aligns her jug perfectly with a metal container on the street, creating a seamless real-world interaction.
7. Caught in a Glass — Bobby “Rogue-One” in Glasgow, UK
A woman painted in sharp detail holds a drinking glass—trapping a real man inside its transparent cylinder. The artist plays with perspective to stage an optical illusion in full scale.
A photorealistic chalk drawing on a pedestrian path shows a horse half-submerged in a puddle. A seated viewer strokes its nose, completing the illusion of presence.
At sunset, the water from this statue aligns perfectly with sunlight to look like a jet of molten lava. The timing and angle make a real-world illusion that feels digitally edited—but isn’t.
10. Horizon — Sculpture by Neil Dawson at Gibbs Farm, New Zealand
This massive steel sculpture outlines curves of a floating sheet across a hillside. Depending on your position, it can appear as a 2D drawing suspended in the sky.
This clever piece combines sculpture, carving, and light. A statue of a man with a satchel stands before a wall where dozens of black star-shaped elements are embedded into etched recesses. During the day, it’s subtle. But at night, the man’s shadow aligns perfectly with the stars, making it appear as if he’s sowing them into the wall.
From accidental comedy to carefully staged illusions, these playful interactions between people and public sculptures deliver unexpected laughs. Featured locations range from parks to city squares, with statues from classical elegance to comic book culture. Here’s a curated collection of perfectly timed moments where art and life collide.
1. Bunny Line
A young child appears to join a line of sculpted rabbits, creating a seamless and charming illusion of waiting their turn.
2. Stone Slap
Caught mid-action, this classical statue seems to lash out at a woman reacting in mock pain, her hair and body frozen in dramatic motion.
3. Spider-Man Grabbed
A cosplayer dressed as Spider-Man stages a mock confrontation with a bronze statue, appearing to be caught mid-swing.
4. Railway Workers
A man places himself along a track sculpture in a way that makes it seem like he’s about to be hammered by a team of bronze workers.
5. Forged by the Smith
A visitor lies across a blacksmith statue’s anvil, humorously posing as if being hammered into shape.
6. Bear Hug
A mountain biker climbs into the arms of a bear statue, appearing to be dramatically cradled like a scene from a wilderness tale.
7. Whispered Secrets
In a tender illusion, a man leans in as if sharing a secret with a serene marble sculpture of a woman cupping her ear.
8. Razor Ready
A pink razor has been placed under the raised arm of a stone figure, making the statue appear to be mid-shave.
9. Synchronized Stride
A toddler unintentionally mimics the pose of a bronze statue child reaching forward, matching the group’s walking motion in perfect sync.
10. A person humorously “falls” at the foot of the Ronald Reagan statue in Budapest, Hungary.
11. In Philadelphia, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson statues seem to take a modern “selfie.”
Art shouldn’t be just for galleries. It should decorate our cities! From Brussels to Birmingham! This collection takes us from portraits of chimpanzees and cats to surreal pirate worlds, origami foxes, and neon-lit cityscapes. Each mural tells a different story, capturing human emotion, urban energy, and nature!
A mural of two chimpanzees, one adult and one young, painted with lifelike detail and surrounded by abstract colorful strokes. The work highlights expressive faces and close interaction between the figures.
SMOK: In the midst of these dark times, my mural reflects the enduring power of love and humanity. The sorrow in the eyes of the mother chimpanzee mirrors the pain and turmoil that surrounds us, while her joyful child embodies the innocence and hope that can be found even in the bleakest of circumstances. This artwork serves as a reminder that love and resilience are the cornerstones of our humanity, lighting the way through the darkest of days. Spread kindness like confetti. I believe those small acts of warmth can change the world!
2. Echoes of Harmony — Studio Giftig in Eindhoven, Netherlands
A towering mural showing a woman playing violin while sitting on the shoulders of a man with a beanie. Flowing hair and scattered autumn leaves surround the figures, adding motion to the composition.
A trompe-l’œil mural depicting a ginger cat peeking through a painted cardboard box hole. The illusion makes it appear as if the cat is breaking through the wall.
4. In the Clouds — Tom, Wild Sketch & TETAL in La Seyne-sur-Mer, France
A fantasy mural filled with flying ships, castles, and air balloons. A pirate figure with sunglasses and a skull-adorned hat anchors the scene at the bottom, merging fantasy with reality. More photos here!
6. Night Taxi — Dan Kitchener in Belfast, Northern Ireland
A vivid city scene painted in neon colors, showing pedestrians with umbrellas, a taxi, and reflections of Japanese signage. The mural contrasts with its grayscale surroundings.
A mural of a girl with large eyes and hair composed of multicolored graffiti tags. The character kneels beneath dripping paint lines, blending street writing with figurative art. More!: Vinie’s Stunning Murals (25 Photos)
9. The Drunken Ship — Claire Daliers in Brussels, Belgium
A trompe-l’œil mural covering a building facade with an image of a ship sailing across stormy seas. The vessel appears to emerge from the corner of the structure. More: The drunken ship (6 photos)
The Drunken Ship: “This 400 m2 fresco which covers the three facades of the building is not strictly speaking a mural comic. It is the realization of a man’s dream. Guy François, owner of the Chien Vert stores and madly in love with the sea, decides to fit out a building he has just bought next to his stores. His passion for the sea had already decided for him: the decoration of the facade would consist of a magnificent fresco representing the image of a sailboat. “.
10. Old Woman and Boy with Candles — Julien de Casabianca in The Hague, Netherlands
Homage to the painting “Two Women with a Candle” or “Old Woman and Young Woman with a Candle”. A 1616-1617 painting by Peter Paul Rubens.
11. Reading in the Forest — Bogdan Scutaru in Vamdrup, Denmark
A large mural showing a young child resting on stacked books, painted directly across a gabled house wall. A fox sits alert beside the books, while tall pine trees form a forest backdrop. Windows are integrated into the scene, becoming part of the composition.
A grayscale portrait painted on brick, depicting a lowered face emerging from darkness. The mural relies on soft gradients and controlled highlights to define facial features, with tree branches partially framing the wall.
13. Sea Mind — Naomi Rozalina King in Rotterdam, Netherlands
A large portrait of a woman painted in purple tones, with fish swimming through her hair and ocean waves forming her lower body. Jewelry and color contrasts connect marine life with human form on a residential building.
A tall mural showing a woodpecker clinging to a tree trunk, set against a background of geometric, pixel-like blocks in muted orange and gray. The bird is rendered with clear lines and strong contrast.
15. Street Library — Jan Is De Man in The Hague, Netherlands
An illusion mural transforming the corner of a building into a giant bookshelf. Oversized book spines, layered stacks, and painted shadows create a three-dimensional effect integrated with the street below. More: 8 Happy 3D Artworks by Jan Is De Man That Will Make You Smile
A monumental mural of a seated black-and-white cat painted across an entire building facade. The simplified shapes and flat color planes are set against a blue background with radiating lines.
History isn’t just written in books—it’s etched into the very foundations beneath our feet.
Across Europe and beyond, archaeologists are uncovering breathtaking ancient mosaics, revealing intricate artwork that has survived centuries beneath layers of earth and time. Each discovery provides a window into the past, showcasing the artistic and cultural achievements of civilizations long gone. Here are some of the most stunning recent discoveries.
In the hills of Negrar di Valpolicella, just outside Verona, archaeologists uncovered an intricately detailed Roman mosaic, likely dating back to the 3rd century AD. This remarkable find, featuring geometric patterns and elegant designs, was part of an ancient Roman villa, indicating a high-status residence. Buried beneath layers of soil for centuries, it has now been brought to light by dedicated excavation efforts. Ongoing work aims to preserve the mosaic, with potential plans to display it in the future.
2. The Largest Roman Mosaic Found in London in 50 Years
In the heart of London, archaeologists working on Southwark Street uncovered the largest Roman mosaic found in the city in half a century. Discovered in 2022 by the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA), this mosaic dates back to the late 2nd or early 3rd century AD and was likely part of a grand Roman dining room known as a triclinium.
The mosaic features intricate geometric patterns, interwoven designs, and floral motifs, indicating a luxurious setting. It is believed to have belonged to a wealthy individual’s residence or a mansio, an upscale lodging house for elite travelers in Roman London. A smaller mosaic was found beneath it, suggesting that the site had been redecorated over time.
3. Hidden Treasures Beneath the Soil
In Turkey, near the ancient city of Antioch, archaeologists uncovered a black-and-white mosaic featuring mythological scenes, including a depiction of a Minotaur. This mosaic, dating back to the Roman period, is believed to have been part of a grand public or private building, possibly a bathhouse or villa. It was discovered by accident during agricultural work, emphasizing how much history remains buried beneath modern landscapes. Conservation efforts are now underway to preserve the mosaic and study its connection to nearby ancient settlements.
4. The Grand Mosaic of Aigai, Macedonia
The Grand Mosaic of Aigai, Macedonia, is one of the most significant archaeological finds from the ancient kingdom. Aigai was the first capital of the Kingdom of Macedonia and the seat of its royal palace. The mosaic, located within the ruins of the palace, dates back to the 4th century BCE. It is composed of pebbles arranged in detailed geometric and figurative patterns, depicting scenes of mythological and historical importance.
The palace of Aigai, where the mosaic is located, was built under King Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great. Archaeologists believe the mosaic was part of a grand reception hall, symbolizing the power and prestige of the Macedonian dynasty. The site has been undergoing conservation efforts to ensure the preservation of its intricate details.
5. The Largest Ancient Mosaic in the World—Antakya, Turkey
In Antakya, Turkey, archaeologists uncovered a massive 9,000-square-foot (836 square meters) mosaic from the late Roman period (4th century AD), making it the largest ancient mosaic ever found. The stunning floor piece features intricate geometric patterns and wave-like designs, suggesting it was part of a public gathering space or grand structure.
Discovered in 2010 during excavations for a hotel, the mosaic remains remarkably well-preserved. Unlike many other ancient mosaics, it was built on naturally shifting terrain, causing parts of it to appear uneven but still intact. Today, it is part of The Museum Hotel Antakya, where guests can view this historical marvel integrated into the hotel’s design.
6. A Roman Relic in Hvar, Croatia
In the old town of Hvar, Croatia, archaeologists uncovered a Roman mosaic dating back to the 2nd or 3rd century AD. It was part of a luxurious Roman villa or a public building, indicating the presence of a wealthy and influential Roman settlement on the island. The mosaic features intricate geometric patterns and floral motifs, similar to other high-status Roman sites in the region.
Excavations revealed that the structure had undergone multiple renovations over centuries, demonstrating continuous habitation and adaptation. The discovery was made beneath modern structures, where it had been hidden for centuries. Archaeologists are currently working to preserve and protect the mosaic while investigating its historical context within Roman Dalmatia.
Discovered during excavations in the ancient Greek city of Zeugma, this floor mosaic presents eight portraits encircling a central figure, believed to represent personifications of the seasons or mythological muses. The piece is notable for its color retention and preserved context within a sunken room.
Preserving the Past for the Future
Each of these mosaics, once lost to time, has reemerged to tell the stories of ancient civilizations. Their rediscovery not only deepens our understanding of history but also underscores the importance of preserving cultural heritage. Whether hidden beneath city streets or countryside fields, these mosaics remind us that the past is never truly gone—it’s just waiting to be found. As archaeologists continue their work, who knows what other masterpieces still lie beneath our feet, waiting for their moment in the light?
