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Wall Illusions (11 Photos)
Content warning: Which one is your favorite?
From a milkmaid pouring real liquid to a giant frog staring down a visitor in a decaying warehouse—these 10 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.”
More photos and how it was painted!: This upside-down mural is upright in reflection
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.
More by Cosimo “Cheone” Caiffa!: 23 Amazing 3D Murals by CHEONE!
3. Giant Blue Frog — Odeith in Portugal
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.
More by Odeith!: Master of Illusion!: 19 Jaw-Dropping 3D Graffiti Pieces by Odeith
4. Gravity — Leon Keer in Wuppertal, Germany
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.
More photos!: 7 Photos and Video of “Gravity” by Leon Keer in Wuppertal, Germany
5. Grand Lobby — WALLART in Łódź, Poland
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.
More photos!: Impressive Three-dimensional Mural by WALLART in Lodz, Poland (4 photos and video)
6. The Milkmaid — Oakoak in Saint-Étienne, France
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.
More by Oakoak!: 9 Genius Street Artworks That Will Change How You See the City
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.
More by Rogue-One!: 5 Stunning Bobby Rogue-One Murals You Need to See in Glasgow
8. 3D Horse — Nikolaj Arndt in Neustadt, Germany
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.
🔗 Follow Nikolaj Arndt on Instagram
9. Lava Fountain — L’Aquila, Italy
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.
More photos!: Molten Magic – Italian Fountain Glows Like Flowing Lava
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.
More photos here!: You Won’t Believe This Incredible Sculpture in New Zealand Isn’t Photoshopped!
11. The Seeder — Morfai in Kaunas, Lithuania
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.
About The Seeder and more photos!: Reviving Culture Through Art: ‘The Seeder’ Marks Lithuania’s First Legal Street Art Masterpiece
Which one is your favorite?
This upside-down mural is upright in reflection
“Floating World” by 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.”
What do you think about the mural that reveals itself when you look at its reflection in the water?
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Sculptures With True Creativity (12 Photos)
Content warning: Which one is your favorite?
From a canoe climbing the side of a skyscraper in Japan to a building seemingly unzipping itself in Italy, these sculptures challenge how we see urban space. This collection features 8 imaginative public artworks from cities around the world, including Venice, Milan, Geneva, and Osaka. Whether they’re made from trash, cast in metal, or carved into surreal illusions, each piece turns ordinary architecture or furniture into something unexpectedly creative.
More: 30 Sculptures You (probably) Didn’t Know Existed
1. Canoe Climbing Skyscraper — By Unknown Artist in Osaka, Japan
This sculpture features a yellow canoe with life-sized figures scaling the wall of a high-rise building in Osaka. The façade has been reshaped with a rippling, wave-like contour beneath the boat, giving the illusion that the wall itself is water. The figures appear mid-paddle as if navigating a vertical river.
More photos: Sculpture of a canoe climbing a high-rise building in Osaka, Japan
2. Support — By Lorenzo Quinn in Venice, Italy
Two massive white hands rise from the Grand Canal, appearing to hold up the walls of the Ca’ Sagredo Hotel in Venice. Created by Italian sculptor Lorenzo Quinn, the artwork is both dramatic and symbolic—a call to address climate change before it’s too late.
About and more photos: Support – Message About Climate Change
3. The Seeder — By Morfai in Kaunas, Lithuania
By day, this bronze statue appears to sow seeds into a public park. By night, with the help of a well-placed spotlight, its shadow reveals a dramatic silhouette scattering glowing stars across the wall. The contrast between the statue’s physical form and its shadow turns a simple gesture into a celestial act.
About and more photos: ‘The Seeder’ Marks Lithuania’s First Legal Street Art Masterpiece
4. Unzipped Building — By Alex Chinneck in Milan, Italy
This architectural illusion by British artist Alex Chinneck makes it appear as if the corner of a building is being unzipped like a piece of clothing. The peeled façade curls outward, revealing windows and the interior beneath. It’s a play on permanence and perception.
🔗 Follow Alex Chinneck on Instagram
5. Half Baby Beaver — By Bordalo II in Bernex, Geneva, Switzerland
Street artist Bordalo II created this split-face beaver sculpture entirely from discarded plastic and scrap metal. The left side of the face is naturalistic in color and form, while the right bursts with colorful waste, contrasting nature with pollution.
Bordalo II: 22 photos – A Collection of Street Art by Bordalo II
6. Bench Blanket & Hammock
In this dual installation, bronze arms grip a sculpted cloth frozen mid-motion. In one piece, the “cloth” is shaped like a bench with gentle folds. In the other, it swings like a suspended hammock. Both use fabric-like bronze to play with the idea of softness and gravity.
7. Lamp Lovers
Two flexible street lamps are bent into the shape of affectionate figures sitting on a park bench. One rests its head on the other’s shoulder, suggesting intimacy in an otherwise cold urban setting. The anthropomorphic design turns everyday objects into characters.
8. Tree Embrace
A large pair of sculpted white hands cradle the base of a tree in the center of a public square. The installation gives the impression that the tree is being protected or nurtured by human care, merging environmental themes with visual tenderness.
9. The Glass Slipper — Philip Jackson in the UK
A garden sculpture of a tall, elegant figure in a flowing dress with a wide sculptural hat. The work blends stone textures with the surrounding greenery. More!: 10 Haunting Sculptures by Philip Jackson
🔗 Follow Philip Jackson on Instagram
Each sculpture in this collection transforms the city into a canvas for imagination—inviting us to pause, reflect, or smile. These public artworks don’t just decorate urban space—they reshape it with emotion, illusion, and meaning.
More: 23 Photos Of Sculptures With Unique Creativity
Which one is your favorite?
Sculptures You (probably) Didn’t Know Existed (30 Photos)
I love stumbling upon art that feels like a hidden gem—those incredible sculptures that stop you in your tracks and make you wonder, “How did I not know this existed?”
From massive figures seemingly rising from the earth to intricate works that play with gravity, these sculptures redefine what’s possible. Join me on a journey through 30 of the most amazing sculptures around the world, each with its own story and artistry that you probably didn’t know was out there.More: Sculptures With True Creativity (12 Photos)
1. The Statue of King Arthur, located in Tintagel, England, is a striking bronze sculpture by artist Rubin Eynon.
Erected in 2016, this statue stands on the cliffs of Tintagel Castle, a site steeped in Arthurian legend. The sculpture, named “Gallos” (meaning “power” in Cornish), depicts a cloaked and crowned King Arthur holding his sword, with his body appearing to merge with the landscape.This artwork symbolizes the enduring power and mystery of the Arthurian legends that are deeply rooted in the area.
More like this: 9 Amazing sculptures by Bruno Catalano: Fragmented travelers
2. Albert György’s sculpture, Melancholy, captures the emptiness left by grief.
As John Maddox eloquently states, “We may look as if we carry on with our lives as before… but this emptiness is how we all feel… all the time.”
3. Christ of the Abyss is an extraordinary bronze statue created by Guido Galletti in 1954.
This unique piece rests on the seabed of the Mediterranean Sea, nestled between Camogli and Portofino on the Italian Riviera. Submerged beneath the azure waters, it continues to captivate divers and visitors with its serene and mystical presence.
4. This colossal sculpture was created nearly 450 years ago by Flemish sculptor Giambologna as a symbol of Italy’s Apennine mountains. Standing at nearly 14 meters (45 ft) tall, it was commissioned by Francesco de Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, in 1579.
Positioned above a pond, the statue features a chamber in its head where Francesco would sit and fish at night. When a fire was lit inside, the Colossus’s eyes glowed red, and smoke billowed from its nostrils, creating a striking visual effect.
5. The Christ the Redeemer statue, standing atop Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks.
This 30-meter (98 ft) tall statue, with arms stretching 28 meters (92 ft) wide, overlooks the city, symbolizing peace and welcoming all with open arms. Completed in 1931 and designed by French sculptor Paul Landowski and Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, it has become a symbol of Christianity around the globe and an enduring image of Brazil.More: Christ the Redeemer: An Icon of Faith and Artistry
6. Not the most amazing statue, but definitely an amazing story. In Istanbul, Turkey, they made a statue to honor the famous stray cat (Tombili) that used to sit in this position and watch the passers by.
One month after its installation the sculpture went missing. A comment from Turkey MP Tuncay Özkan: “They stole the Tombili statue. They are enemies of everything beautiful. All they know is hate, tears and war”. The statue was safely returned a short time later. More photos here.
7. This eagle sculpture is the world’s largest bird statue, created by Indian artist Rajiv Anchal.
Located at Jatayu Earth’s Center in Kerala, India, the sculpture took a decade to complete. Spanning 200 feet in length, 150 feet in width, and 70 feet in height, this colossal work of art depicts the mythical eagle Jatayu from the Indian epic, Ramayana.
8. This stunning marble sculpture, Ajax and Cassandra, was crafted in 2022 by renowned Italian contemporary artist Jago.
The piece beautifully captures the dramatic moment between the Greek hero Ajax and the Trojan priestess Cassandra.
9. Sendai Daikannon in Japan, the eighth-tallest statue in the world at 100 meters (330 ft).
Its serene, watchful presence overlooks the quiet urban landscape, creating a striking contrast between its massive spiritual form and the everyday city life below.
10. The great challenge by Nicolas Lavarenne. Antibes, French Riviera.
This striking bronze sculpture depicts a dynamic, elongated figure balancing on the edge of a cliff, arms outstretched as if preparing to leap into the vast blue sea below.
11. This is how the Statue of Unity in India looks like. It’s the tallest statue in the world: standing at 182 meters (597 ft) tall, it’s nearly three times the height of the Statue of Liberty.
This monumental statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a key leader in India’s independence, stands on a massive platform with an observation deck, emphasizing its grandeur and scale.
12. This sculpture by Bruno Catalano
Portrays the profound emptiness experienced by migrants as they depart from their homeland—leaving their loved ones and their community behind—in pursuit of a better life:More: 9 Fragmented travelers – Amazing sculptures by Bruno Catalano
13. The incredible statue of Neptune (Poseidon) in Gran Canaria, Spain
Statue of Neptune (Poseidon) in Gran Canaria, Spain, standing powerfully against the waves with a trident in hand. This impressive sculpture captures the mythical god of the sea in a commanding pose, evoking themes of strength and the majesty of the ocean.More: The incredible ocean statue of Neptune (Poseidon) in Gran Canaria, Spain
14. Leshan Giant Buddha in China (800 AD) At 71 meters (233 ft) tall, this is the tallest pre-modern statue on Earth.
The Leshan Giant Buddha is carved into the cliffside in Leshan, Sichuan, China, overlooking the convergence of three rivers.
15. Close-up views of Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s marble statue of David, housed in the Galleria Borghese in Rome, Italy.
The dynamic sculpture captures the biblical hero mid-action, winding up to sling a stone. Bernini’s David is depicted with intense focus, furrowed brows, and clenched lips, conveying determination. The statue’s muscular arms and detailed hands grip the twisted ropes of the sling, showcasing Bernini’s skill in portraying tension and movement in marble. This statue contrasts Michelangelo’s famous David by capturing the hero in the midst of battle rather than in a calm, contemplative stance.
16. The Kiss of Death is a marble sculpture made in 1930 and found in Poblenou Cemetery, Barcelona.
This emotionally intense sculpture is renowned for its depiction of the delicate boundary between life and death, symbolized by Death’s kiss.
17. The Weight of Thought, bronze sculptures by Thomas Lerooy.
18. Victor Noir’s grave in Père-Lachaise cemetery, created by Patrick Magaud in 1984, has gained fame not for Noir’s journalistic work but for the legend surrounding his death and burial site.
Noir was a journalist shot dead, and his grave features a full-sized bronze statue of him lying down, as if recently shot. Over time, the statue became a fertility symbol.Legend has it that kissing the statue on the lips, leaving a flower in Victor’s hat, and rubbing the genital area enhances fertility, improves one’s sex life, or helps find a husband within a year. This has led to the lips and trousers’ bulge on the statue becoming noticeably shiny from repeated contact.
In 2004, a fence was erected around the grave to prevent this practice, but public protest led to its removal. Victor Noir’s grave remains one of the most visited and talked-about monuments in Père-Lachaise.
19. The amazing handkerchief detail in this marble statue made by French sculptor Louis Philippe Mouchy in 1781.
Featuring a highly realistic handkerchief carved to appear as delicate lace, draped around the neck of the figure. The sculpture captures the fine details of the lacework, folds, and textures, showcasing Mouchy’s skill in replicating soft fabrics in hard marble, a testament to his mastery of the medium. The statue also displays the figure’s elaborate curls and formal attire, highlighting the elegance and refinement typical of 18th-century French sculpture.
20. The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa, a renowned Baroque sculpture by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, located in the Cornaro Chapel of Santa Maria della Vittoria in Rome.
This intricate marble sculpture depicts Saint Teresa of Ávila in a moment of religious ecstasy, her face expressing both pain and bliss as an angel holds a golden spear poised above her. Radiant golden rays crafted from gilded bronze descend from above, symbolizing divine light and adding dramatic intensity to the scene.
21. Luo Li Rong is a contemporary artist renowned for crafting hyper-realistic clay and bronze sculptures.
22. The Dignity statue in South Dakota, a stunning 50-foot-tall sculpture of a Native American woman draped in a star quilt.
The statue features a blend of metal and vibrant blue diamond shapes that catch the light, symbolizing the cultural heritage and spirit of the Lakota and Dakota people. The woman’s expression is serene, with her arms outstretched as if embracing the landscape around her.
24. Freedom Sculpture, Philadelphia
“I wanted to create a sculpture almost anyone, regardless of their background, could look at and instantly recognize that it is about the idea of struggling to break free. This sculpture is about the struggle for achievement of freedom through the creative process” — Zenos Frudakis:
25. The vision of Constantine by Bernini is arguably one of the most underrated sculpture in art history.
Gian Lorenzo revolutionized the art form by infusing unprecedented movement into stone.
26. The Mud Maid by Sue Hill, located in the Lost Garden of Heligan, Cornwall, UK.
Depending on the time of the year, the mud maid’s hair and clothes change when the seasonal plants and moss grow over the sculpture.More: Mud Maid – Living sculpture by Sue and Pete Hill (5 photos and video).
27. Departure, a stunning bronze sculpture by artist George Lundeen, highlighted by the frost.
The sculpture is subtly highlighted by a layer of frost, enhancing the scene with a sense of cold and quiet intimacy, as if capturing a moment of departure or waiting.
28. The Resting Boxer, crafted more than 2,000 years ago, is one of the most realistic sculptures ever made and one of the finest examples of bronze sculptures to have survived from the ancient world.
It was excavated in Rome in 1885. Its incredible features, such as its pose, gaze, broken nose, cauliflower ears, scarred face, and bruised eyes, have been enchanting the world ever since.
30. The mesmerizing details of The West Wind, a surreal marble sculpture by American artist Thomas Ridgeway Gould.
Gould’s masterpiece likely drew inspiration from Percy Shelley’s “Ode to the West Wind,” in which the west wind serves as an allegory for the cyclical nature of change and revolution:More: Sculptures That Blend With Nature (10 Photos)
Which sculpture is your favorite?
Fragmented travelers by Bruno Catalano (10 Photos) - STREET ART UTOPIA
Embracing the Journey: Bruno Catalano’s Vision In the vast and versatile world of sculpture, few artists can make a claim to a style so unique that it becomes instantly recognizable. Bruno Catalano is one such artist.Vidar (Street Art Utopia)
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Reviving Culture Through Art: ‘The Seeder’ Marks Lithuania’s First Legal Street Art Masterpiece
Content warning: The first legalized piece of street art in Lithuania In 2008, Lithuanian artist Morfai initiated an unauthorized stencil project titled "The Seeder" on the wall of the Vytautas the Great War Museum in Kaunas. The artwork, sadly, was painted over and its a
The first legalized piece of street art in Lithuania
In 2008, Lithuanian artist Morfai initiated an unauthorized stencil project titled “The Seeder” on the wall of the Vytautas the Great War Museum in Kaunas. The artwork, sadly, was painted over and its accompanying spotlight redirected, likely due to the traditional views of a local architect.
Despite its initial obscurity, the image gained international recognition, notably appearing on a Russian TV game show, which sparked widespread interest. Years later, the tide of local governance shifted, leading to the project “Kaunas Highlights.”
Morfai re-engaged with the community, and after a competitive process, he was granted permission to restore “The Seeder” with durable stone stars and appropriate lighting, establishing it as the first officially recognized piece of street art in Lithuania and the Baltic states.
Historical Context: The Russian Occupation
“The Seeder” statue symbolizes the courage and resilience of those who defied the Russian Occupation of Lithuania from 1795 to 1918. During this period, the Russian empire imposed a ban on the Lithuanian language in an attempt to assimilate the Lithuanian people culturally.
To preserve their language and cultural identity, many Lithuanians engaged in the brave activity of smuggling books and printed materials in Lithuanian from neighboring countries where the language remained free. These smugglers risked severe punishments, including death and deportation to Siberia, underscoring their heroic commitment to sustaining Lithuanian heritage and knowledge.
