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11 Banksy Murals That Expose What Britain Tries to Hide
Content warning: Which one is your favorite?
From maids sweeping secrets into walls to kids sewing Union Jacks, Banksy has never shied away from challenging Britain’s self-image. In this collection, his sharpest works confront class, empire, inequality, and state control—one mural at a time. Featured locations include London, Dover, Clacton-on-Sea, and more.
More Banksy!: 24 artworks by Banksy: Who Is The Visionary of Street Art?
1. Sweep It Under
A maid in Victorian uniform lifts the wall like a curtain and sweeps dirt behind it. The illusion suggests society hides its problems rather than solves them—poverty, exploitation, and injustice brushed neatly out of view.
2. Royal Duty
A stoic Queen’s Guard stands facing a brick wall, apparently urinating—his stream implied by a wet streak below. The piece mocks British ceremony and military formality with an act of childish rebellion.
3. Flag Factory
A young child sits on the pavement working a sewing machine, churning out Union Jack bunting. A bleak comment on child labor and the hidden cost of nationalism, first revealed around the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.
4. Monkey Parliament
The British House of Commons reimagined—filled entirely with chimpanzees. This full-room oil painting ridicules political theatrics, suggesting little difference between Parliament and a zoo.
5. Tourist and Rickshaw
Two tourists take a selfie from a rickshaw pulled by a struggling child. The social divide is blunt: privilege resting on the labor of those unseen, overworked, or ignored.
6. Dreams Cancelled
A public worker with a roller has painted a red “CANCELLED” stamp over the words “Follow Your Dreams.” Stark commentary on broken promises, systemic failure, and the collapse of working-class hope.
7. Luxury Rentals Only
Hermit crabs march toward a sign marked “Luxury Rentals Only.” One wears a larger shell, excluding the others. A biting metaphor for housing inequality and gentrification on the British coast.
8. Red Line
A businessman drives a red upward-trending graph while silhouettes of refugees, children, and elders flee. A stark visualization of how economic policy tramples human lives.
9. Lifestyle Out of Stock
On a massive billboard: “Sorry! The lifestyle you ordered is currently out of stock.” A dig at consumer dreams collapsing under reality, especially amid economic crisis.
10. Stop and Search
A young girl in a pink dress is frisked by a British policeman, with her teddy bear and suitcase nearby. The reversal—child as suspect, authority as aggressor—forces discomfort.
10. Broken Empire
A worker on a ladder chips away one star from the EU flag. Created during Brexit negotiations, the mural questions whether Britain’s exit is liberation—or self-destruction.
More Banksy!: 24 artworks by Banksy: Who Is The Visionary of Street Art?
Which one is your favorite?
Playing With Statues (26 photos)
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!
More: 9 Hilarious Gargoyle Statues: Medieval Humor!
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Classical statue holding a basket.
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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.
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More: When Statues Become Fathers: Creative Street Art on Equal Parenting
Which sculpture is your favorite?
Get Ordained for Free at the Religion of Dudeism
Get ordained for free at the world's most easygoing religion. Inspired by The Big Lebowski, Taoism, Zen and more.The Dudely Lama (Dudeism LLC)
Street Art Around the World: 5 Amazing Hotspots You Need to Visit
Content warning: Are you ready for a colorful adventure? Today, we're taking you on a vivid journey to explore the top 5 must-see street art hotspots around the world. Prepare to be amazed by the creativity and talent displayed in these urban masterpieces. And don't forge
Are you ready for a colorful adventure?
Today, we’re taking you on a vivid journey to explore the top 5 must-see street art hotspots around the world. Prepare to be amazed by the creativity and talent displayed in these urban masterpieces. And don’t forget to bookmark this article for your future travels!
1 Berlin, Germany: The Open-Air Gallery
First up, we have Berlin, a city that has transformed itself into an open-air gallery since the fall of the Berlin Wall. Stroll through the streets to discover a treasure trove of street art, from politically charged murals to whimsical creations.
Keep your eyes peeled for the East Side Gallery, a 1.3 km long section of the wall that boasts over 100 colorful paintings by artists from all around the globe.
Some example of street art from Berlin:
By SMUG in Kreuzberg, Berlin at Berlin Mural Fest
Street art cat by Tianooo The Cat in Haus der Statistik, Berlin, Germany
By Isakov at Samariterstraße / Rigaer Straße in Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany.
2 Melbourne, Australia: The Laneway Capital
Next, we’re jetting off to Melbourne, Australia’s vibrant laneway capital. Wander through the city’s narrow alleys to find an ever-changing canvas of graffiti and street art. Don’t miss the iconic Hosier Lane, a bustling hub of creativity where local and international artists leave their mark. And be sure to swing by AC/DC Lane, a tribute to the legendary rock band and a celebration of Melbourne’s music scene.
Some example of street art from Melbourne:
By Kitt Benett in Melbourne, Australia
Hosier Lane
Street Art by Loretta Lizzio – In Brunswick, Australia. Photo by Andrew.
3 São Paulo, Brazil: The Birthplace of Pixação
Our next stop is São Paulo, Brazil, where you’ll encounter a unique form of graffiti known as “pixação.” This bold, angular style of lettering originated in the 1980s and has since become a symbol of the city’s vibrant street art culture. Head to the neighborhood of Vila Madalena to find the famous Batman Alley, a kaleidoscope of colorful murals that attract visitors from all over the world.
Some example of street art from São Paulo:
Batman Alley
By Clara Leff at R. Cipriano Juca, 61 – Vila Madalena in São Paulo, Brazil
Oscar Niemeyer tribute By Kobra in São Paulo, Brazil.
4 London, England: The Home of Banksy
No street art tour would be complete without a visit to London, the “home” of the elusive artist Banksy (born in Bristol). His provocative stenciled artworks can be found scattered throughout the city, often accompanied by thought-provoking messages.
While in town, also make sure to explore the Shoreditch district, a creative hub filled with quirky galleries, vibrant murals, and captivating graffiti.
Some example of street art from London:
Banksy did this 2012 (London) to celebrate the Queen’s diamond jubilee
The Psychos – By Loretto from 2018 in Shoreditch, London, UK.
Free Range Eggxaggeration – By WOSKerski in Shoreditch
5 New York City, USA: The Birthplace of Modern Graffiti
Last but not least, we arrive in New York City, the birthplace of modern graffiti. From the iconic 5Pointz (R.I.P) in Queens to the ever-evolving walls of the Bushwick Collective in Brooklyn, there’s no shortage of stunning street art to admire. Don’t forget to pay homage to the legendary Keith Haring, whose iconic Pop Shop once stood in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood.
Some example of street art from New York City:
By Suitswon in Brooklyn, New York, USA
By OG Millie in New York, USA
Tom Bob in New York, USA
Which one is your favorite?
24 Times SMUG Made Walls Look More Real Than Life
In Glasgow, Scotland.
I’ve always been drawn to SMUG’s art—there’s just something amazing about how he brings everyday faces to life on such a massive scale.
Known worldwide for his super-realistic portraits, SMUG’s murals are incredibly detailed and often tower up to 14 stories high! His work isn’t just impressive; it’s a mix of creativity and skill, with each piece telling its own story through light, shadow, and careful detail.When SMUG starts a mural, he’s not just copying a photo; he’s adapting to the wall in front of him. Every wall, with its own texture and quirks, becomes part of the artwork. Seeing him turn these challenges into part of the art is what makes his work so incredible.
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In Frankston, Victoria, Australia at The Big Picture Fest.
Be sure to keep up with SMUG’s latest creations by following him on Instagram. For more of SMUG’s remarkable works, check out our previous collection: See some of his older murals in this collection from 2011.
Don’t forget to share your photos of SMUG’s street art in our Facebook group, Your Street Art Utopia.
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Tribute to SMUGs grandparents in Melbourne, Australia.
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Photo by @thedreadedcatstudios
In Wirrabara, South Australia.
SMUG: Wirrabara, South Australia. One of my most challenging murals to date. I can’t imagine anyone actually enjoys painting 30m tall murals on a curved surface but, contrary to just about everything I said when I finally finished this, I’m kind of keen to do another one! Haha! I love rural Australia and really regret that I didn’t have more time to spend there to fully appreciate it.5
In Leicester, UK at Bring The Paint Street Art Festival.
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In Karlstad, Sweden for Artscape.
SMUG: One of the most absorbant walls I’ve ever worked on so I killed A LOT of cans on this one and spent a couple of days longer than I wanted to on it.7
In Kreuzberg, Berlin at Berlin Mural Fest.
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This two Squirrels are from Street Art Festival in Belgium.
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For Project SAATO in Paris, France.
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In Västervik, Sweden at BANK! Västervik Street Art.
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At Upeart in Kotka, Finland.
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At Waterford Walls Street Art Festival in Ireland.13
Mural in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
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At Yardworks in Glasgow, Scotland.
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In Melbourne, Australia.
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For Artscape in Årjäng, Sweden.
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At Wonderwalls Festival in Wollongong, Australia.
SMUG: It was a real push to finish this one. Ended up only having 3 days after the local authorities threw their weight around trying to stop us. Plus for a Sunday sunset haired dude like me it was freaking hot as all hell!18
In North Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
SMUG: Painting the local legend Cam, who drops knowledge on everyone and carves these beautiful heart brooches for the women of Hobart to help them fall in love with him. Not my usual color palette but had a lot of fun painting this one.19
For Colour Tumby Street Art Festival in Tumby Bay, Australia.20
In Glasgow, Scotland.
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In Melbourne, Australia.
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Photo by @fredrikakerberg
Photo by @fredrikakerberg
Photo by @fredrikakerberg
Mural in Partille, Göteborg for Artscape.
SMUG: My wall for this years Artscape project in Partille, Göteborg. This year we were given a folk tale to base our murals on and I was given the tale of Revontulet. In the Finnish origin story of the Aurora Borealis a firefox wins favor of the villagers by igniting the sky with the Northern Lights to help a lost hiker find his way in the icy woods. This is now the tallest mural in Sweden and whispers are saying the tallest in Scandinavia.23
Mural paying tribute to farmers by Smug in Lameroo, Australia for Lameroo Silo Art. Curated by Juddy Roller.
Lameroo Silo Art: The incredible Lameroo Silo Art Project is officially completed on the Eastern Viterra Silo, in Lameroo, South Australia. The mural was completed in just 3 weeks, by the extraordinarily talented Sam ‘SMUG’ Bates, at the heels of art curators Juddy Roller! This artwork beautifully reflects Lameroo’s rich farming routes, paying tribute to the resilience of our pioneering farmers, in establishing life and livelihood. The picture aims to capture the essence of the Mallee farmer—a symbolic representation of unwavering spirit and hope, which is still alive in our community today.24
Photo by Gordon Terris.
By SMUG in Glasgow, Scotland.
In collaboration with the Govan Housing Association in honour of its 50th anniversary, inspired by the Govan-born ‘Daffodil King’, Peter Barr. Barr is credited with bringing the daffodil back into fashion in the late 1800s, and the Memorial Cup is given out each year to those who follow in his footsteps and advance the standing of daffodils.What do you think of SMUG’s street art? Do you have a favorite?
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Loretta Lizzio 2019-05-29 (5D_32A0095-101)
Loretta Lizzio’s silo art in Brunswick depicts NZ Prime Minister hugging a Muslim woman following the massacre of 51 people at two Christchurch mosques in March.Flickr
More Than Paint (8 Photos)
Content warning: From a glowing anglerfish that feeds on urban structure in Norway to a child’s fading figure painted into stone steps in Beijing — these works don’t just decorate walls. They reveal truths, tell stories, and pull you into their world. This collection span
From a glowing anglerfish that feeds on urban structure in Norway to a child’s fading figure painted into stone steps in Beijing — these works don’t just decorate walls. They reveal truths, tell stories, and pull you into their world. This collection spans powerful visual narratives across Bergen, Plzeň, London, and more — each one crafted to leave a mark beyond the surface.
More: 12 Times I Found Street Art Cleverly Using Its Surroundings
1. Anglerfish Trap — SKURK in Bergen, Norway
A black-and-white mural of a deep-sea anglerfish interacts with the building’s actual stairway and lights. The fish appears to lure its prey with a functioning lamp on its forehead, turning the staircase into a dramatic, architectural jaw. More photos!: Anglerfish Trap: Amazing Street Art By SKURK!
🔗 Follow SKURK on Instagram
2. Dreamscape — Chemis in Plzeň, Czech Republic
A child sleeps wrapped in a peeling blanket that appears to rip the surface of the wall itself. Holding a teddy bear with “LOVE PLZEN” stitched on it, the mural blends emotional storytelling with clever illusion. More photos and about the mural here!
🔗 Follow Chemis on Instagram
3. Fading Memories — Iman in Ufa, Russia
A multicolored cubist portrait of an older man, painted across a five-story wall, features houses, birds, and symbolic objects embedded in his head — visual metaphors for memory, loss, and the passage of time. About the mural and more photos here!
🔗 Follow Iman on Instagram
4. Fat Tourist and Rickshaw — Banksy in Bristol, UK
From Banksy’s Bristol Museum exhibition, this mural shows two large tourists joyfully taking a selfie in a rickshaw pulled by a child. Stark color contrast underlines the exploitative message.
🔗 Visit Banksy’s official website
5. “Legend about Giants” — Natalia Rak in Białystok, Poland
A massive mural of a girl in traditional dress pouring water from a tin can directly onto a real tree below. The interaction between mural and environment makes it feel like the wall is alive. More!: 10 Breathtaking Murals by Natalia Rak That Turn City Walls Into Dreams
🔗 Follow Natalia Rak on Instagram
6. The Invisibility of Poverty — Kevin Lee & Bin Liu in Beijing, China
A photo-art collaboration using camouflage body painting. A boy in tattered clothes sits on steps, painted to blend perfectly into the stone — a literal portrayal of social invisibility. See the rest here!: The Invisibility of Poverty
7. When We Go — Louis Masai in London, UK
Painted in Shoreditch, this piece features bees next to the warning: “When we go, we’re taking you all with us.” The bold message is a direct statement on environmental collapse. More!: Bee Warning (8 Photos)
8. Knowledge Speaks – Wisdom Listens — WD in Athens, Greece
A powerful transformation of an abandoned building in Athens. WD (Wild Drawing) painted a owl, using the corner of the structure to split the eyes, turning a forgotten ruin into a wise guardian of the street. The title nods to the contrast between speaking and listening — between knowledge and wisdom. More by WD!: 3D Street Art by WD (7 Murals)
🔗 Follow WD on Instagram
More: 30 Sculptures You (probably) Didn’t Know Existed
Which one is your favorite?
11 Beautiful Artworks That Seem to Grow From Nature
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. These 11 pieces don’t fight against nature; they grow with it.
From giant figures emerging from forests to street art that transforms urban greenery into playful illusions, these eight stunning creations prove that art and nature can exist in perfect harmony.More: 8 Inspiring Sculptures Seamlessly Integrated with Nature
1. “Sleeping Child” by El Decertor (Imbabura, Ecuador)
A mural by El Decertor in Imbabura, Ecuador, depicting a young child sleeping against a concrete wall, with creeping ivy blending into the painting as a natural blanket.
2. “UMI” by Daniel Popper (Illinois, USA)
“UMI” by Daniel Popper at the outdoor tree museum The Morton Arboretum in Illinois, USA—an intricate wooden sculpture of a woman with tree roots weaving through her body, set in a green landscape.About and more photos: “UMI” Sculpture by Daniel Popper in Lisle, Illinois
3. Street Art by David Zinn (Ann Arbor, USA)
A street art piece by David Zinn in Ann Arbor, USA, featuring a small green character with a real grass mustache blending into the pavement.More!: Street Art by Happiness Maker David Zinn (21 Photos)
4. Flower Street Art by Fabio Gomes Trindade (Goiás, Brazil)
A mural by Fabio Gomes Trindade in Goiás, Brazil, featuring a girl’s face with a real tree forming her vibrant pink afro hairstyle.More by Fabio Gomes: How Fábio Gomes Turns Trees into Hair: Stunning Murals in Trindade
5. Sidewalk Flower Experiment
A beautiful example of accidental nature-inspired art—kindergarten children dropped seeds into sidewalk cracks, leading to a spontaneous floral pathway.More photos and about: Kindergarten children dropped seeds in the crack of the sidewalk to see what would happen
6. “Nature Rings” by Spencer Byles (Deep Forest, France)
A series of woven circular sculptures by Spencer Byles made from natural branches, blending seamlessly with the surrounding forest.
7. Willow Archer by Anna & The Willow (UK)
A woven willow sculpture of a female archer by Anna & The Willow, set against a wooded path.
8. Wire Mermaid by Martin Debenham (UK)
A wire sculpture by Martin Debenham of a mermaid sitting on a rock, with the intricate metalwork mimicking flowing water.
9. Snake in the Green — Hyères, France
A plain gray cinderblock wall in a hidden grove was completely transformed into a lifelike snake by street artist Rest4. The viper, rendered in vibrant greens, blues, and yellows, emerges from the shadows of the forest floor. The before-and-after framing reveals the power of imagination to awaken forgotten spaces.
10. Fluentem Colos — Little Milford, Wales
Land artist Jon Foreman created this delicate, wave-like gradient in a woodland clearing using carefully arranged leaves. Starting in green and fading to deep orange, the sculpture blends with the forest floor in color, shape, and motion—appearing to ripple like wind through grass. More by Jon Foreman: 9 Leaf Sculptures That Stir the Soul in the Forest (Art by Jon Foreman)
11. Florinda Camila — “WA” Marko Franco Domenak in Lima, Peru
This creative mural cleverly incorporates a real bougainvillea bush as the hair of a painted woman. A monarch butterfly completes the peaceful scene, adding movement to this blend of paint and nature.🔗 Follow WA on Instagram
More: When Street Art Meets Nature (40 Photos)
Which one is your favorite?
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