Photo by Igor Mityakov

“Dromeas,” also known as “The Runner,” is a famous statue located in Athens, Greece. It was created by Greek artist Costas Varotsos and is considered one of the most iconic sculptures in the city.

The statue stands tall, towering over its surroundings, and is made entirely of jagged pieces of glass that are stacked on top of one another. These pieces of glass give the statue a unique, blurred appearance, making it look as though the runner is in motion. This effect is enhanced by the use of transparent glass, which allows light to pass through, giving the statue a sense of fluidity.

Recently, the statue was covered in snow, adding another layer of beauty to its already stunning appearance. The snow highlights the jagged edges of the glass pieces, creating a striking contrast against the white blanket. This natural occurrence adds to the overall beauty of the statue and makes it an even more remarkable sight for those visiting Athens.

Mosaic in old town of Hvar, Croatia

Roman mosaic re-discovered last year (2021) in Stari Grad, Hvar island, Croatia. Photos from Muzej Staroga Grada / Stari Grad Museum.

Muzej Staroga Grada / Stari Grad Museum: The mosaics are decorated with multicolor geometric and floral motifs and are of superior workmanship. By analogy with similar mosaics and known workshop styles, thy can be dated to the 2nd century AD. We will have a better insight into the purpose of this luxurious building of the Roman Faria after the analysis and interpretation of archaeological finds and after merging all the plans of rooms with mosaic floors under surrounding houses, which were excavated in previous decades.

More mosaic: Ememem – Repairing Streets with Artful Mosaics

More: Mosaic of a fish pond by Gary Drostle in London, UK (and some more artworks by the mosaic master)

What do you think about ancient mosaic? See more of that on the blog?

STREET ART UTOPIA

2025-10-09 09:21:38

Amazing Mosaic Repairs (15 Photos)

In the world of street art, where walls, buildings, and other vertical surfaces often steal the show, Ememem brings something refreshingly different to the table — or rather, to the pavement.

Known as the “pavement surgeon,” this French street artist transforms cracks, potholes, and other urban blemishes into stunning mosaic artworks. With a trowel in hand and tiles at the ready, Ememem has made a name by bringing beauty to what most people overlook.

More like this: Repairing the World with LEGO: Jan Vormann’s Dispatchwork Project

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The Art of Flacking

Ememem’s unique practice is known as “flacking,” a term the artist coined to describe the act of filling urban cracks with intricate designs. The colorful patterns often stand out against the dull grays of asphalt and concrete. Each piece transforming damage into art.

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The first flacking by Ememem

From Lyon to the World

Based in Lyon, France, Ememem started flacking in 2016. The artist’s works have since spread to streets across Europe, making appearances in cities like Paris, Madrid, and Milan. Every piece is site-specific, tailored to the unique shape and character of each crack or hole. Whether it’s a geometric explosion of color or a more subdued design that blends with the environment, Ememem’s mosaics are unmistakable.

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Democratizing Public Space

Ememem’s art does more than beautify streets; it also reclaims public spaces for everyone. By addressing overlooked areas and elevating them through art, the artist highlights the power of creativity in transforming everyday environments. The work is accessible to all, reinforcing the idea that art doesn’t need to be confined to galleries or museums.

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Themes and Inspiration

The mosaics often reflect themes of repair, resilience, and humor. Some designs include playful patterns that mimic flowers, mandalas, or traditional tilework, while others incorporate messages or hidden symbols. This blend of craft and commentary invites viewers to look closer and engage with the art on a personal level. Each piece tells a story of renewal, where broken streets are given new life.

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Viral Appeal

With the rise of social media, Ememem’s works have gained global recognition. The striking visuals are a favorite for Instagram, where hashtags like #flacking and #urbanart help spread the artist’s creations to audiences far beyond the streets where they’re found. The visually compelling mosaics often go viral. Follow Ememem Instagram here.

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Whether you stumble upon one of Ememem’s pieces while walking to work or see them shared online, their impact is undeniable.

They challenge us to see the cracks in our world not as flaws but as opportunities for creativity and connection.

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No future for the potholes!

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Flacking against the gray void

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J.O PARIS 2024.Village Olympique

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Angled Balkan Flacking and four feet

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In Ankara, Türkiye

Ememem: In Ankara, I met a great artist, a great poet, Onur Bolat. It was a pleasure to walk through the night in the Ankara I would never have discovered on my own. A big thank you to you and to Dobby

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Would you like to see Ememem’s mosaic art (Flacking!) in your city?

Ememem on Instagram: "In Ankara, I met a great artist, a great poet, @hikmeti_tabiyeci. It was a pleasure to walk through the night in the Ankara I would never have discovered on my own. A big thank you to you and to Dobby @iftankara @cankayabelediye #e

24K likes, 114 comments - ememem.flacking on July 1, 2025: "In Ankara, I met a great artist, a great poet, @hikmeti_tabiyeci. It was a pleasure to walk through the night in the Ankara I would never have discovered on my own.

^Instagram

Located in the charming Śródka district of Poznań, Poland, an eye-catching mural by artist Radosław Barek has become a beloved attraction.

Found east of Ostrów Tumski on ul. Śródka 3, the mural transports viewers to Śródka in the 1920s, featuring a vibrant cast of characters that include a rotund butcher, a trumpeter, a cat, and Władysław Odonic, the Duke of all Greater Poland during that era.

What makes this mural particularly impressive is its clever use of three-dimensional illusions, making the artwork appear to rise up as a colorful mirage amidst the quaint village atmosphere of Śródka when approached from the east (tram stop Rondo Śródka).

More in Poland: Before And After (10 Photos)

The idea for the mural was conceived by Gerard Cofta, a long-time Śródka resident.

Artist Radosław Barek then utilized preserved photographs of the old Śródka as inspiration for the concept of painting several houses on the wall using spatial illusions. The mural, titled “The Story of Śródka with a Trumpeter on the Roof and a Cat in the Background,” brings to life the red roofs, colorful facades, and lively atmosphere of the past.

Śródka has always been a unique and historically rich district, with its origins dating back to the 13th century. After a period of decline in the 1960s due to urban development, the area underwent a major revitalization in 2007, transforming it into a hip and bustling neighborhood that attracts crowds every weekend.

The mural, which was painted by a team of four to eight people over a month, has drawn attention not only from Poland but also from around the world. Its images have been featured on prominent websites dedicated to architecture and beyond. This stunning piece of street art has breathed new life into the Śródka district and may inspire similar projects for other buildings in the area.

Have you come across any incredible street art in your city or while traveling? We would love to see your photos and hear your stories! Join our Facebook group, Your Street Art Utopia, and share your favorite street art moments with our community. We can’t wait to see the amazing art you’ve discoverer.

More huge murals: 24 Murals By SMUG!

What do you think about huge mural?

STREET ART UTOPIA

2025-07-18 09:27:27

Before And After (10 Photos)

From illusions that make you fall down rabbit holes to majestic scenes from another century, this collection dives into a world where walls become windows into entirely different realities. In this photo journey, you’ll find Eduardo Relero’s fantastical chalk worlds, historic balconies painted by Carles Arola in Spain, Kurt Wenner’s London underground surprise, and a hotel facade in Poland that doesn’t actually exist. These aren’t just murals—they’re portals, stories, and tricks of the eye scattered across public spaces in Europe and the U.S.

More 3D: 14 Street Art 3D Masterpieces You Won’t Believe Are Real

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1. Mural by WALLART in Łódź, Poland

Artist: WALLART | Location: Łódź, Poland

This trompe-l’oeil mural creates the illusion of a lavish hotel interior, complete with a gold-trimmed ceiling, chandelier, elegant staircase, and sharply dressed guests. The play with architectural depth and lighting tricks viewers into believing the wall has been peeled open to reveal another world inside. More photos here!

🔗 Follow WALLART on Instagram

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2. “The Belgian Underground” by Kurt Wenner

Artist: Kurt Wenner | Location: Brussels, Belgium

Painted directly on the pavement, this 3D chalk artwork brings a warped version of London’s Underground to life. Alice descends into a distorted Piccadilly Circus, encountering the White Rabbit and a dreamlike crowd. The illusion bends space as if the sidewalk drops into an alternate universe.

🔗 Visit Kurt Wenner’s Website

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3. Mural by Carles Arola

Artist: Carles Arola | Location: Calonge, Spain

This large-scale mural turns a flat facade into a detailed village scene with balconies, townspeople, a white horse, and even wine barrels in an open cellar. Every element is rendered to match the stone wall texture, blending history and realism into the environment. More photos here!

🔗 Follow Carles Arola on Facebook

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4. Mural by Patrick Commecy

Artist: Patrick Commecy | Location: Montpellier, France

This before-and-after transformation shows a blank wall turned into a lifelike apartment block complete with balconies, dogs, and residents interacting. Commecy’s signature style uses vivid colors and careful perspective to mimic real-life structures. More photos here! This mural, visible on Google Maps.

🔗 Visit Patrick Commecy’s Website

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5. “Space and Time” by Eduardo Relero

Artist: Eduardo Relero | Location: Bochum, Germany

Eduardo Relero’s 3D illusion on a public square turns the sidewalk into a rumpled bed occupied by eccentric characters. A man even lies on it, perfectly aligned with the painted figures. Relero’s theatrical use of foreshortening and humor is on full display here.

🔗 Follow Eduardo Relero on Instagram

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6. Mural by John Pugh

Artist: John Pugh | Location: Hermosa Beach, California, USA

This mural creates the illusion of a massive chunk of building peeled away to reveal a sunny beach scene. People sunbathe on towels while a historic hotel rises behind them. Painted shadows and curved edges give it a sculptural effect. More photos here!

🔗 Follow John Pugh on Instagram

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7. Mural by Eduardo Relero

Artist: Eduardo Relero | Location: Fiuggi, Italia

This small but powerful mural shows a man sipping coffee from a window, so lifelike that a passerby holds up his own cup in greeting. With painterly texture and perspective, the piece bridges reality and illusion in an intimate alley setting.

🔗 Follow Eduardo Relero on Instagram

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8. Mural in Lyon, France (Before & After)

Artist Collective: CitéCréation | Location: Lyon, France

An iconic example of urban transformation, this enormous facade was painted to replicate surrounding architecture and urban life. The stairs, balconies, windows, and climbing greenery blend perfectly with reality, making the original blank wall disappear entirely. More photos here!

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9. Mural by Arleta Kolasińska in Śródka, Poznań

Artist: Arleta Kolasińska | Location: Śródka, Poznań, Poland

This dramatic before-and-after mural makeover transformed a plain white wall into a vivid streetscape filled with colorful facades and playful architectural illusions. The piece features false windows, fake depth, and characters painted into daily life scenes—including one man “climbing” a wall. Commissioned for Café La Ruina, the mural enlivens the historic district and honors local heritage.

More photos and about!: Poland’s Stunning Mural: A Masterpiece in Poznań’s Historic Środka District

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10. Mural by Carl Leck in Indianapolis, Indiana

Artist: Carl Leck | Location: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

This 3D-mural shows a suspended glass soda bottle hanging from a beam, complete with realistic lighting and a cast shadow of a bottle cap. The illusion tricks the eye by blending painted shadows and reflections with the building’s architecture. Created for NINE dot ARTS!

🔗 Follow Carl Leck on Instagram

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More: Master of Illusion!: 19 Jaw-Dropping 3D Graffiti Pieces by Odeith

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Which one is your favorite?

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In the heart of Lyon, France, adorning the façade of a building, stands the magnificent Wall of the Silk Weavers (La Fresque des Canuts)

This enormous mural, painted in the trompe-l’oeil style, mesmerizes viewers with its hyperrealistic imagery and intricate details, offering a captivating glimpse into the everyday life of the La Croix-Rousse neighborhood.

Created by the talented group of mural painters known as CitéCréation, the mural first came to life in 1987 as a tribute to the neighborhood’s rich history. La Croix-Rousse once served as the bustling center of Lyon’s silk industry during the 19th century, earning it the nickname “the hill that works.” The mural, known as “Le Mur des Canuts,” pays homage to the silk weavers who resided and toiled in this vibrant community.

The mural captures the essence of the neighborhood’s past, featuring colorful buildings, pastel-hued high windows, a stone stairway, a charming Guignol theater, and, of course, a silk shop. Every detail is meticulously crafted to create a three-dimensional effect, seamlessly blending art with the architectural heritage of Lyon.

La Croix-Rousse’s silk industry may have diminished over time, but the mural stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of the silk workers who once rebelled against their oppressive working conditions in 1831. Their courageous spirit continues to echo through the vibrant streets of La Croix-Rousse.

Throughout the years, the mural has undergone two updates, in 1997 and 2013, reflecting the evolving landscape and spirit of the neighborhood. Today, it remains one of Europe’s largest displays of public art, drawing visitors from far and wide to admire its grandeur and immerse themselves in Lyon’s rich cultural heritage.

As you wander the streets of Lyon, be sure to seek out this awe-inspiring mural, marvel at its trompe-l’oeil mastery, and become enthralled by the story it tells. The Wall of the Silk Weavers is not just a painting; it is a living testament to the history, artistry, and indomitable spirit of La Croix-Rousse.

Join our Facebook group “Your Street Art Utopia” to discover more captivating street art like the Wall of the Silk Weavers in Lyon, France. Engage with fellow art enthusiasts, share your own street art photos, and be a part of a vibrant community that celebrates the beauty and creativity of street art from around the world. Connect with like-minded individuals who appreciate the transformative power of art in public spaces. Join us today and let’s explore the colorful world of street art together!

What do you think about Wall of the Silk Weavers?

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.

What do you think about Gargoyle statues?

STREET ART UTOPIA

2024-01-16 14:34:13

Medieval humor – At Abbey of Sainte Foy, Conques, France (c. 1107)

The peeker of Conques

Discover the playful side of medieval architecture at the Abbey of Sainte-Foy in Conques, France, which dates back to circa 1107. Among the various intricate carvings on its façade, one quirky sculpture stands out: a figure peeking from the architectural lines, a rare example of medieval humor captured in stone. This image captures the delightful and unexpected ways medieval artisans incorporated whimsy into their religious art, providing a glimpse into their world.

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