Content warning: Hands rising from the Grand Canal in Venice, a stone-filled human figure crouching on a sidewalk, a split-open head in the green of Cancún, and a dancer balancing on falling chairs in Tbilisi. Paired with text-based walls about happiness and hidden sadnes
Hands rising from the Grand Canal in Venice, a stone-filled human figure crouching on a sidewalk, a split-open head in the green of Cancún, and a dancer balancing on falling chairs in Tbilisi. Paired with text-based walls about happiness and hidden sadness, this set looks at support, balance, and the loads we hold.
Two monumental white hands emerge from the water to brace the façade of Ca’ Sagredo Hotel. Fiberglass forms scale architectural details and reference rising sea levels. About and more photos: Support – Message About Climate Change
A crouching human figure built from a steel armature packed with rounded stones. The mesh outlines the body while the rocks supply mass and texture.
3. True Nature — By Daniel Popper in Cancún, Mexico
A large sculpted head and hands hold a face-mask form in a tropical garden. The open cranium and mask create a hollow space framed by vegetation and sea views.
4. People Don’t Pretend to Be Depressed — Dotmasters in (Location Unknown)
Stencil of a running child beneath bold black lettering that reads “People don’t pretend to be depressed, they pretend to be happy.” White highlight on “happy” punctuates the line.
5. Finding a good balance in life — Sasha Korban in Tbilisi, Georgia
A woman in a blue dress tiptoes across a stack of tilting chairs painted on a weathered wall. The figure’s outstretched arm and the angled furniture create a diagonal climb. More!: Murals by Sasha Korban (16 Photos)
Sasha Korban: This mural supports the idea of finding a good balance in life. The young fragile girl reflects the human’s internal harmony together with the joy of existence. A bunch of chairs is a metaphor for the world’s chaos and the diversity of different moments we all go through – positive, tragic, happy and sad. They make us balance and find the harmony. The project is organized by International Human Rights Organization Truth Hounds, Tbilisi, Georgia.
Stencil of a child correcting a slogan on a brick wall, crossing out words to read “Be someone that makes you happy.” Red underlines and strike-throughs mark the edit.
8. Bear Hug
A cyclist reclines across the arms of a standing bear statue while a smaller cub figure looks on. The staged pose turns the sculpture into a playful scene. More!: Playing With Statues (26 photos)
From towering city murals to hidden creatures carved into natural landscapes, artists worldwide are bringing animals into public spaces in striking ways.
In this collection, you’ll meet a tiger gazing over Spanish streets, a massive snake bursting from a French wall, and a gorilla towering over New York. You’ll also find a boar built from logs in a Swedish forest, a playful dog in London, and a platypus painted across an Australian silo. Smaller interventions appear too, like a squirrel peeking from a tree trunk and a fox face stretching across a Belgian wall.
1. Tiger Mural — Sweo & Nikita in El Berrón, Spain
A large-scale mural of a resting tiger framed by green leaves, painted across the side of a multi-story building. The animal’s realistic expression and posture give the illusion of it leaning out from the wall. On more mural!: Gold Fish mural by Sebastien Sweo and Nikita in Calais, France
2. Giant Snake — Braga Last One in Puteaux, France
A three-part mural of a snake appearing to burst through a building wall. The detailed scales and yellow-black pattern make the reptile look alive as it slithers out from broken concrete panels. More!: Absolutely Brilliant By Braga Last One (14 Photos)
3. King Kong — Carlos Alberto GH in New Rochelle, USA
A massive gorilla mural inspired by King Kong, painted to appear as if it holds a passerby in its hand while towering over a city skyline. The interactive scale allows viewers to step into the scene.
4. Gamla Suggan — Hannelie Coetzee in Knislinge, Sweden
An installation built from stacked logs and branches arranged between trees, forming the face of a wild boar. The natural materials blend with the forest setting, creating a hidden animal figure within the landscape. More: Stubb Boar (5 photos)
A mural of a dog with oversized eyes and tongue sticking out, painted on a brick wall with a bright yellow circle as a backdrop. The playful expression makes the work stand out in the urban setting. More: 9 Times WOSKerski Made UK Walls Feel Like Glitches in Reality
6. Platypus Silo — Jimmy Dvate in Rochester, Australia
A hyper-detailed mural of a platypus painted across a large grain silo. The reflection of water and fine textures of the animal’s fur and bill create a photorealistic effect on an industrial structure. More: 7 pics: Platypus – Mural by Jimmy Dvate in Rochester, Australia
A small painting of a squirrel tucked into a hollow of a wooden pole. The detailed shading makes the animal appear naturally part of the surface, blending street art with urban nature. More: Happy Art by David Zinn (10 Photos)
A close-up mural of a fox’s face stretching across a large brick wall. The detailed fur and piercing eyes give the animal a strong presence while interacting with viewers passing below. See all of the mural here!: Fox by TUZQ in Testelt, Belgium (5 photos)
Content warning: From a quiet street in Glasgow to a sunlit wall in Madrid, these artworks remind us that empathy still lives in the small, shared moments between strangers. Each piece captures kindness — a helping hand, a warm glance, a soft connection to nature. Togethe
From a quiet street in Glasgow to a sunlit wall in Madrid, these artworks remind us that empathy still lives in the small, shared moments between strangers. Each piece captures kindness — a helping hand, a warm glance, a soft connection to nature. Together, they reflect the tenderness that holds our cities together.
A tiny chalk figure drawn into cracked pavement looks up at a sprouting weed as if in conversation. Zinn’s playful work blends drawing and environment, turning small imperfections into living stories of care and growth. More!: Street Art by Happiness Maker David Zinn (21 Photos)
Case Maclaim: I believe the actual beauty of fairy tales is that it is up to our imagination how the character looks and moves and that version is not really up to debate, as it is just like a fingerprint, very unique and personal. With this mural in the old, historical city center of Madrid I wanted to try a different approach. So I gave the viewer a new character of a yet unknown fairy tale. I have high hopes that it will encourage specially the young audience to come up with their very own story, in which the lead is a confident, black child in a golden wheelchair and in a self-made mermaid costume.
3. Flirting — WD (Wild Drawing) in Ura Vajgurore, Albania
Two figures lean toward each other across the façade of a building, bridging architecture and emotion. WD’s mural transforms an ordinary block into a scene of connection and curiosity. More!: Beautiful 3D Art by WD! (8 Photos)
A minimal black-and-white street drawing shows two small figures pulling each other up a step. Exitenter’s simple gesture on the wall becomes a quiet message about solidarity and compassion.
A hooded figure sits against a wall, surrounded by loyal dogs. Lalone’s mural captures companionship and empathy through warm tones and realistic texture.
A large-scale mural of a mother holding her child, watched by a robin. SMUG’s work reflects tenderness and peace through natural light and emotional realism. More!: 24 Times SMUG Made Walls Look More Real Than Life
7. The Invisibility of Poverty — Kevin Lee, Haohui Zhou and Bin Liu in China
A body-painted installation of a child sitting on the steps, blending seamlessly into the urban environment. The work by Kevin Lee, Haohui Zhou and Bin Liu highlights the overlooked realities of poverty and homelessness through stillness, realism, and empathy. More!: The Invisibility of Poverty
8. Stay Close
Black letters painted on a yellow wall read: “Stay close to people who feel like sunshine.” A simple reminder rendered in urban typography, glowing with emotional warmth.
From a playful chalk monster to a balcony illusion that tricks the eye, this collection captures eight lighthearted street artworks and public interventions that bring smiles to passersby. From Paris to local sidewalks, here are moments where humor and creativity meet the streets.
A trompe-l’œil artwork showing two women leaning from a balcony, one laughing and the other observing, blending seamlessly with the building façade. More!: Wrong but Right – Art By Oakoak (9 Photos)
2. Nadine and the Surprisingly Effective Joke — David Zinn in USA
Sidewalk chalk art where a rock forms the head of a wide-mouthed creature holding a tiny mouse-like character in blue, blending humor with natural surroundings. More!: 9 Cute Spring Drawings by David Zinn
A playful flyer featuring a friendly dog with the text “Now you have. Have a GOOD day,” complete with tear-off tabs reading “Have a great day.”
4. Little People Museum — Slinkachu in UK
A miniature installation where tiny figurines examine a cigarette butt displayed as if it were a museum artifact, highlighting humor and commentary in scale. More!: 7 Tiny Street Dramas by Slinkachu
7. Please Do Not Touch — Michael Pederson in Sydney, Australia
A dandelion framed with miniature museum-style posts and a sign reading “Please Do Not Touch,” turning an everyday weed into a delicate exhibit. More!: Clever Art By Michael Pederson (17 Photos)
A playful crosswalk intervention by Oakoak in Auchel, created during the festival Les Petits Bonheurs. The artist turned a simple crossing into a scene of animated white stripes reacting to a ghostly visitor. More by Oakoak: Lovely by Oakoak (10 Photos)
Case Maclaim: I believe the actual beauty of fairy tales is that it is up to our imagination how the character looks and moves and that version is not really up to debate, as it is just like a fingerprint, very unique and personal. With this mural in the old, historical city center of Madrid I wanted to try a different approach. So I gave the viewer a new character of a yet unknown fairy tale. I have high hopes that it will encourage specially the young audience to come up with their very own story, in which the lead is a confident, black child in a golden wheelchair and in a self-made mermaid costume.
Content warning: In cities and parks around the world, artists keep returning to the same universal symbol — the hand. In these works, hands lift, hold, plant, and protect. They rise from tree trunks, cradle saplings, and reach from brick walls to offer help. Together the
In cities and parks around the world, artists keep returning to the same universal symbol — the hand. In these works, hands lift, hold, plant, and protect. They rise from tree trunks, cradle saplings, and reach from brick walls to offer help. Together they form a quiet language of care — one that speaks of balance between people and nature, strength in connection, and the simple act of reaching out.
Quinn’s white marble hands rise from the grass, gently holding a sapling. The sculpture represents renewal and the balance between giving and protecting the planet’s fragile life.
4. Keep Your Shine — Denis Dendy in Istanbul, Turkey
Two luminous hands, painted with fine detail, hold a glowing red sphere between their palms. The piece glows with quiet energy, expressing the power of light, creativity, and care contained within human touch.
5. Take My Hand — Michael Rosato’s mural in Cambridge, Maryland, USA
This mural of Harriet Tubman is painted on the side of the Tubman Museum and Education Center. Tubman is shown stepping out of a broken brick wall, arm extended as if reaching for the viewer’s hand. Behind her, a calm riverside landscape glows under a setting sun. The artwork is titled Take My Hand and has become an iconic tribute to her legacy.
6. The Remnants of the UK’s Tallest Tree — Simon O’Rourke in Wales, UK
Carved directly from the trunk of a fallen tree, this towering sculpture transforms what remains of a natural giant into a symbol of endurance — a hand still reaching upward even after loss. More about it!: From Tallest Tree to Towering Sculpture: The Giant Hand of the UK
Exitenter’s minimalist street piece turns a wall corner into a story of mutual aid, where two stick figures collaborate to climb upward. Simple yet striking, it captures the essence of empathy in one small gesture.
8. Tribute to the Women of Ondarroa — Muraleslian in Ondarroa, Spain
Large-scale mural of two hands mending a fishing net, painted in grayscale with colored threads crossing through the lower half. Created as a tribute to the women of Ondarroa who sustained community life through their craft and labor. More photos and about it!: Tribute to the womens of Ondarroa (Spain) – Mural by Muraleslian
From a playful chalk monster to a balcony illusion that tricks the eye, this collection captures eight lighthearted street artworks and public interventions that bring smiles to passersby. From Paris to local sidewalks, here are moments where humor and creativity meet the streets.
A trompe-l’œil artwork showing two women leaning from a balcony, one laughing and the other observing, blending seamlessly with the building façade. More!: Wrong but Right – Art By Oakoak (9 Photos)
2. Nadine and the Surprisingly Effective Joke — David Zinn in USA
Sidewalk chalk art where a rock forms the head of a wide-mouthed creature holding a tiny mouse-like character in blue, blending humor with natural surroundings. More!: 9 Cute Spring Drawings by David Zinn
A playful flyer featuring a friendly dog with the text “Now you have. Have a GOOD day,” complete with tear-off tabs reading “Have a great day.”
4. Little People Museum — Slinkachu in UK
A miniature installation where tiny figurines examine a cigarette butt displayed as if it were a museum artifact, highlighting humor and commentary in scale. More!: 7 Tiny Street Dramas by Slinkachu
7. Please Do Not Touch — Michael Pederson in Sydney, Australia
A dandelion framed with miniature museum-style posts and a sign reading “Please Do Not Touch,” turning an everyday weed into a delicate exhibit. More!: Clever Art By Michael Pederson (17 Photos)
A playful crosswalk intervention by Oakoak in Auchel, created during the festival Les Petits Bonheurs. The artist turned a simple crossing into a scene of animated white stripes reacting to a ghostly visitor. More by Oakoak: Lovely by Oakoak (10 Photos)
Case Maclaim: I believe the actual beauty of fairy tales is that it is up to our imagination how the character looks and moves and that version is not really up to debate, as it is just like a fingerprint, very unique and personal. With this mural in the old, historical city center of Madrid I wanted to try a different approach. So I gave the viewer a new character of a yet unknown fairy tale. I have high hopes that it will encourage specially the young audience to come up with their very own story, in which the lead is a confident, black child in a golden wheelchair and in a self-made mermaid costume.
When someone can't imagine another viewpoint well, they won't empathize with it. We don't have to agree with other views. But pretending to be other people, reading about the world as seen by other people, acting on stage and other tools of empathy are vital. The world needs empathy.
3/ Designers love talking about #empathy , but it can be hard to walk the walk. What do you do when literally 97% of your users are saying "I don't like trying to curate a good timeline, and I don't like having to scroll to keep up with everything, and I feel like I'm missing out on the good stuff, and I'm confused?"
Bad designers say "Deal with it."
Good designers say "Hm. This is a problem to solve."
And that's where algorithmic timelines, guide, moments, editorial content, etc came from.
I think cognitive dissonance is one of the great culprits of today's polarization and underlying violence in the world. I just had a very sad exchange here in Diaspora with someone who had so far behaved very politely in all our previous interactions, but resorted to name-calling and dismissive comments when faced with an idea that conflicts with his own practices.
This is just another example of a phenomenon I see very often, both out there in the world, as well as in the Internet. People are generally nice and decent to each other until they are confronted with an idea that puts them in a state of contradiction between what they do and what they believe. In other words, ideas with which they deep down agree with, but that stand in contrast to what their habits.
I think it's a shame, because the response is quite automatic, and therefore outside of most people's control. Yet, it has the very negative effect of distancing people away from each other, and of moving those affected by cognitive dissonance to extremes they would normally not be drawn into. However, such peo... show more
I think cognitive dissonance is one of the great culprits of today's polarization and underlying violence in the world. I just had a very sad exchange here in Diaspora with someone who had so far behaved very politely in all our previous interactions, but resorted to name-calling and dismissive comments when faced with an idea that conflicts with his own practices.
This is just another example of a phenomenon I see very often, both out there in the world, as well as in the Internet. People are generally nice and decent to each other until they are confronted with an idea that puts them in a state of contradiction between what they do and what they believe. In other words, ideas with which they deep down agree with, but that stand in contrast to what their habits.
I think it's a shame, because the response is quite automatic, and therefore outside of most people's control. Yet, it has the very negative effect of distancing people away from each other, and of moving those affected by cognitive dissonance to extremes they would normally not be drawn into. However, such people often prefer to inhabit these extremes rather than confront the ideas that challenge their deeply ingrained habits. And what is worse, in these extremes they meet with other people who, for whatever reason, have also found themselves moved to such extremes. Once people find each other in these extremes, they comfort each other and tell each other it is OK to be in such extremes, further reinforcing a behavior that results in alienation from others with different world-views, and results in the creation of bubbles of thought, where the exchange of different ideas no longer becomes possible.
I wonder what is the solution for this. Perhaps practices like Mindfulness help, so that individuals can notice how they are alienating themselves. Unfortunately, Mindfulness practices are not for everyone, and often are incompatible with the modern way of life we have nowadays.
I'm interested in what you think are possible solutions to this conundrum
