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Items tagged with: folkArt
Rolling Art: Cement Trucks Turned into Giant Matryoshka Dolls
Content warning: Imagine being stuck in traffic and suddenly spotting a giant Matryoshka doll rolling by! That's exactly what happened in Budapest, where this cement truck transformed into a moving piece of street art. With its soft expression and floral patterns, it turn
Imagine being stuck in traffic and suddenly spotting a giant Matryoshka doll rolling by! That’s exactly what happened in Budapest, where this cement truck transformed into a moving piece of street art.
With its soft expression and floral patterns, it turns an ordinary work vehicle into something straight out of a folk tale. Who knew construction sites could be so charming?
Meanwhile, another cement truck takes the Matryoshka concept to the next level with bold colors, intricate berry patterns, and a traditional folk art style. Instead of blending into the industrial landscape, it stands out.
And the creativity doesn’t stop there! In a rural construction site, yet another Matryoshka-themed cement truck is hard at work, pouring concrete.
More: Medieval humor: 9 Astonishing Gargoyle Statues
What is a Matryoshka Doll?
The Matryoshka doll, also known as a Russian nesting doll, is one of the most iconic symbols of Russian culture. Traditionally crafted from wood, these dolls are designed to fit inside one another, with each layer revealing a smaller version until reaching the final, tiny figure at the center. The designs often feature vibrant floral patterns, folk art elements, and depictions of Russian women dressed in traditional attire.
First created in 1890 by Russian artisan Vasily Zvyozdochkin and painted by Sergey Malyutin, Matryoshka dolls quickly became a beloved souvenir. They represent themes of family, continuity, and cultural, with modern variations expanding into diverse designs and themes. Their distinctive look makes them instantly recognizable, and they continue to inspire artists worldwide—including those who bring them to life on cement trucks!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZDSgdqyaNw
More: Street Art for Ukraine (14 Photos)
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9 Hilarious Gargoyle Statues: Medieval Humor!
Step into the world of Gothic architecture, where humor and functionality converge in stone!
Gargoyle statues, often seen perched on cathedrals and churches, are more than just whimsical stone creatures – they are masterpieces of medieval artistry designed with a practical purpose in mind. These incredible sculptures not only served as water spouts but also conveyed medieval humor and imaginative craftsmanship. Explore nine of the most astonishing gargoyles and their fascinating blend of art and function.
‘The Peeker of Conques’ at Abbey of Sainte Foy, Conques, France (c. 1107)
Guarding from Above – The Art and Purpose of Gargoyles
Art and Function Gargoyles are not just captivating artistic elements on buildings, particularly churches, but they also serve a practical purpose. While their gothic style is similar to grotesques, gargoyles have an open mouth to help drain away rainwater. A groove is cut along the top of the statue, channeling rainwater through the gargoyle’s open mouth and onto the roads below. This ingenious design helps protect the building’s stone walls from erosion.
A small grotesque is biting a bigger gargoyle, the roof of Salisbury Cathedral, UK.
Unraveling the Origin of the Word “Gargoyle”
The word “gargoyle” has its roots in the French word “gargouille,” which translates to “throat.” Gargouille is also associated with an old French legend featuring a dragon named La Gargouille. This fearsome creature had a long, twisted neck, a gaping mouth with powerful jaws, terrifying eyes, and massive wings. It lived in a cave near the River Seine and wreaked havoc on the nearby town of Rouen. Eventually, a Christian priest named Romanus defeated the dragon, and its head and neck were displayed at the village entrance as a warning. This legend inspired the carving of dragon heads on buildings and water spouts, leading to the creation of the gargoyles we see today.
The Rich History of Gargoyles
Gargoyles have a long and fascinating history, becoming particularly popular in European churches during the 1200s. The oldest known gargoyle on a building dates back to the 13th century and is located in Kayseri, Turkey. Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks also carved gargoyles to serve as drain spouts on their buildings.
Gargoyles vs. Grotesques: The Common Misconception
Many people mistakenly believe that gargoyles and grotesques are the same thing. However, while grotesques encompass all decorative architectural creatures, gargoyles always have functioning drainage conduits. Thus, not all grotesques are gargoyles, but all gargoyles are grotesques.
The Alien gargoyle at Paisley Abbey.
The Restoration of Paisley Abbey’s Gargoyles
In 1991, 12 of Paisley Abbey’s gargoyles were replaced due to severe deterioration. Among the new set of gargoyles, there are “see no evil,” “speak no evil,” “hear no evil,” and even an “alien.” The Alien gargoyle now sits above the arch doorway of the abbey, adding an intriguing modern touch to this historic site.
The Timeless Allure of Gargoyles
Gargoyles have captured the imagination of people for centuries, serving as both artistic masterpieces and functional elements in architecture. Their rich history and the legends surrounding their origins continue to fascinate us, making them an enduring symbol of the Gothic era.
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Beautiful Tributes to Grandparents (9 Photos)
Content warning: Which one is your favorite?
From the quiet strength of a baker’s hands to the vibrant yarn-bombing of a centenarian, these artworks spotlight the elders who hold our histories. Across walls in Mexico, Georgia, Taiwan, and beyond, street artists have honored grandparents with brushstrokes of admiration and detail. This curated collection brings together 9 powerful tributes—from lifelike murals to playful interventions—celebrating age, resilience, craft, and family.
More: Street Art Utopia: Why People Fall In Love With Outdoor Art (25 Photos)
The Smug Grandparents – SMUG in Melbourne, Australia
A large-scale photorealistic mural depicting the artist’s own grandparents. With lifelike wrinkles and a warm retro backdrop, this intimate portrait captures enduring love and aging with dignity.
More by SMUG!: 24 Times SMUG Made Walls Look More Real Than Life
The Baker Grandma – Sasha Korban in Kutaisi, Georgia
Painted for Tbilisi Mural Fest, this mural shows a grandmother in a green apron gently kneading dough. Her textured skin contrasts with the worn bricks, emphasizing life’s quiet rituals.
More!: Sasha Korban’s Iconic Kurt Cobain Mural and 15 More Beautiful Street Art Pieces
Holding Blossoms – JEKS in Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA
A monochrome mural of an elderly man holding vibrant pink flowers. The contrast highlights the beauty of simplicity and small joys.
More by JEKS!: 9 Hyperrealistic Murals by JEKS ONE That Blur the Line Between Paint and Reality
La Pilinca – Facte in Tecpan de Galeana, Guerrero, Mexico
This colorful portrait honors Petra Galeana, a beloved cook. Surrounded by beans, lilies, and a glowing horizon, she’s painted with a glowing, almost divine expression.
More photos: By Facte in honor of the cook Petra Galeana in Tecpán de Galeana, Mexico
Floral Walls – Anežka Kašpárková in Louka, Czech Republic
A 90-year-old artist beautifies her village by hand-painting blue flower patterns on whitewashed buildings. A delicate merge of tradition and public art.
About and more photos!: 90-Year-Old Artist Proves It’s Never Too Late to Pursue Your Passion
Rainbow Village – Huang Yung-Fu (a.k.a. Rainbow Grandpa) in Taichung, Taiwan
Huang transformed his village into a folk art paradise, covering every surface with vivid patterns and joyful characters.
+30 photos of Rainbow Village!: How a 96-Year-Old Artist’s Colorful Paintings Saved a Village in Taiwan
Three Gentlemen – Matthias Mross in Chanieti, Georgia
This hyper-realistic mural shows three old men deep in conversation, painted on a quiet concrete wall. A candid homage to friendship and daily routine.
More photos!: Three elderly gentlemen by Matthias Mross in Chanieti, Georgia
Grace the Yarn Bomber – Grace Brett in Selkirk, Scotland
At 104, Grace Brett was part of a guerrilla knitting group. She adorned benches, railings, and even phone booths in joyful patterns.
More about Grace and photos here: Grace Brett was 104 years old when she became famous for her colorful yarn creations in Scotland
Mr. Magoo Street Art – Pao in Milan, Italy
A cheerful mural of a walking Mr. Magoo integrated into street architecture. His white hair and cane turn a pipe into part of the scene.
More photos!: Mr Magoo in Milan, Italy (by Pao)
More: 8 Times Street Art Captured the Wonder and Weight of Being a Child
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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How a 96-Year-Old Artist’s Colorful Paintings Saved a Village in Taiwan
Content warning: Rainbow Family Village (彩虹眷村) - In Taichung, Taiwan In Taiwan, a 96-year-old artist transformed his village with colorful street art, attracting so many tourists that the mayor decided to preserve it. His vibrant paintings turned the village into a belove
Rainbow Family Village (彩虹眷村) – In Taichung, Taiwan
In Taiwan, a 96-year-old artist transformed his village with colorful street art, attracting so many tourists that the mayor decided to preserve it. His vibrant paintings turned the village into a beloved local attraction.
Photos by Steven R. Barringer.
Steven R. Barringer about Rainbow Family Village: “A beautiful and colorful small village in Taichung, Taiwan where almost everything in site is painted joyful colors. A sense of wonder and peacefulness is felt as you wander the tiny streets of this modest section of the big city. Bright lively colors call out to your inner child as you find what appears to be an endless seam of creative whimsical imagery. A must-see for any one in Taichung.”
What do you think about Rainbow Family Village?
