Content warning: From Atlas Obscura: "SITTING WITH THE SERENE POSTURE of a zen master on the campus of Helsinki University’s Viikki campus is one of the more unique animals to ever grace a university quad: a massive gorilla figure made entirely of automobile tires known a
From Atlas Obscura: “SITTING WITH THE SERENE POSTURE of a zen master on the campus of Helsinki University’s Viikki campus is one of the more unique animals to ever grace a university quad: a massive gorilla figure made entirely of automobile tires known as, Everything is Possible.
The huge piece of art is the work of Finnish artist Villu Jaanisoo who won a national invitational contest. Made out of rubber tires that were bent and shaped to form the colossal beast, the ape’s pose is more calm than menacing, even with the similarities to King Kong. From top to bottom, the creature is almost 17 feet tall. Students and visitors often climb up into the gorilla’s arms, looking about the size of an infant in comparison.
Helsinki University’s Viikki campus is known as the life sciences center for the college, focusing on the school’s biology, agriculture, and veterinary programs. Nicknamed the “Green Campus,” the gorilla-shaped tire pile might seem like a strange fit for the space, but the statue represents not only the diversity of life, but also the a focus on environmentalism and reuse. While these connotations may be foremost in the minds of the students that wander past the work each day, for many Everything is Possible simply represents the strange wonder of a world where a giant gorilla made of tires can exist.”
Content warning: Public art can make boring places feel special and exciting. It surprises us, gets us thinking, and helps us see the world in a new way. Some sculptures are made to fit perfectly into their surroundings, mixing art and nature in creative ways. Here, you’l
Public art can make boring places feel special and exciting. It surprises us, gets us thinking, and helps us see the world in a new way. Some sculptures are made to fit perfectly into their surroundings, mixing art and nature in creative ways.
Here, you’ll see 8 amazing sculptures from around the world. These artworks turn simple ideas into something incredible. From a giant clothespin pinching the ground to a zipper opening a stream, these pieces show how art can be surprising and fun.
1. Miles Davis Sculpture by Vlado Kostov (Kotor, Montenegro)
A striking metal tribute to jazz legend Miles Davis, this sculpture in Montenegro captures the raw energy of his music. Made from recycled industrial parts, it gives a futuristic, almost robotic feel to the musician’s iconic presence.
2. ‘Looking Tyred’ by Villu Jaanisoo (Jyväskylä, Finland)
This massive elephant, sculpted entirely from old tires, is the work of Estonian sculptor Villu Jaanisoo. Located in Jyväskylä, Finland, the interwoven rubber creates a lifelike texture, making the elephant seem almost real. Beyond its artistic impact, the sculpture highlights the creative potential of discarded materials and the need for sustainability in art.
Crafted from old scrap metal, this breathtaking sculpture by Penny Hardy embodies motion and emotion. The figure appears to dissolve into the wind, symbolizing impermanence and transformation through recycled materials.
4. Driftwood Sculptures by Nagato Iwasaki (Japan)
These haunting human-like figures, created from collected driftwood, stand eerily in natural landscapes. Their weathered, organic appearance seamlessly blends with the surrounding forests and rivers, as if nature itself sculpted them.
A vibrant mosaic feline composed of shattered stained glass pieces, this sculpture transforms discarded glass into a dazzling work of art that glows under natural light.
6. “A Mother’s Love” and part of a project called Deconstruction in Torrelavega, Spain
The local culture group Asociación Cultural Octubre de Torrelavega did this sculpture named “A Mother’s Love” as part of a larger art installation in order to raise awareness about the importance of gender equality.
Portuguese artist Bordalo II is famous for his large-scale animals made from urban trash. This bear, constructed from scrap metal and painted with bold strokes, is both a stunning visual and an environmental statement.
Crafted from discarded scrap metal, this delicate kingfisher sculpture perfectly captures the grace of the bird. The artist’s ability to shape industrial waste into something so lifelike is remarkable.
9. Merino Ram Sculpture by Matt Sloane (Tasmania, Australia)
This sturdy and detailed ram sculpture, made from recycled metal, highlights Matt Sloane’s skill in assembling machine parts into a recognizable, organic form. The texture of the metal resembles the woolly coat of the animal.
10. Troll Hannes by Thomas Dambo (Boom, Belgium)
Part of Dambo’s famous troll series, ‘Hannes’ is a giant wooden troll resting on an old brick structure. Made from reclaimed wood, it embodies the artist’s love for sustainability and storytelling.
11. ‘Knife Angel’ by Alfie Bradley (UK)
A 27-foot-tall angel by Alfie Bradley. Constructed from over 100,000 confiscated knives and blades collected from police stations across the UK. Its sorrowful face and outstretched hands convey a deep message about the impact of knife crime.
12. Tom Murphy Portrait by Bernard Pras (Galway, Ireland)
A 3D portrait made entirely from discarded objects like furniture and car parts, this piece changes perspective when viewed from different angles. Bernard Pras masterfully assembles everyday junk into something deeply artistic.
13. Stainless Steel Nuts Sculptures by Jean Martin in Saint Barth
This collection of figures made from thousands of stainless steel nuts showcases the beauty of industrial materials. The polished metal reflects light, giving the sculptures an ethereal appearance.
14. Giant LEGO Brick Repair by Jan Vormann
Urban repair meets street art in this fun and colorful installation. Instead of fixing broken walls with cement, Jan Vormann fills the cracks with LEGO bricks, adding a playful yet thought-provoking touch to urban landscapes.
Standing 20 meters tall with a wingspan of 54 meters, Angel of the North by Antony Gormley rises from the hillside as if rooted in the earth itself. Constructed from weathering steel, its rust-red color blends into the landscape, making it appear as an ancient guardian or relic born from the soil.
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.” Imagine classic sculptures sporting sunglasses or historic figures wielding quirky accessories.
It’s not just about fun; these makeovers invite us to reimagine public spaces and remind us that art doesn’t have to be serious. Dive in, laugh, and let these clever creations inspire!
Man interacts with “Counterpoint” sculpture in Salt Lake City, Utah.
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Spider-Man posed with the Jorge Matute Remus statue in Guadalajara, Mexico.
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Woman leans in to “kiss” a statue at Love Land Sculpture Park in South Korea.
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A visitor interacts with a giant face sculpture in Davis, California.
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A person humorously “falls” at the foot of the Ronald Reagan statue in Budapest, Hungary.
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In Philadelphia, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson statues seem to take a modern “selfie.”
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Giant Pigeon in Bracknell, UK.
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This sculpture is titled “La Espera” (“The Wait”) and is located on the promenade in Torrevieja, Spain. The piece symbolizes the wives, mothers, and daughters of fishermen who would wait by the shore for their loved ones to return from the sea.
