They lurk on posts, on fences and on walls.  Waiting patiently to catch the eyes of passers-by… they are Junky Projects and they have an important message to share.    

For several years now, an enterprising young architect has been on a street art crusade in South-Eastern Australia.   He strategically installs sentinels created out of junk to help remind people that if they continue to generate so much waste in their lives, it may one day come back to haunt them.

These engaging critters never fail to bring a smile to the faces of those who spot them.    In several areas, a conversation has begun as other creations emerge to join the Junky Projects in their streetside vigil.  This reciprocal bloom has been particularly gratifying for the artist - 

“…of course that is exciting for me, the dialogue which takes place between street artists is one of the factors that has made it the strongest, most influential and innovative art movement of our time.”

See the full archive, as well as selected stories behind creations and the mysterious new lives they have taken on at Junky Projects.

Train commuters in Melbourne may notice Crateman’s appearances from time to time.   He pops up in various places, sometimes for merely a few hours and sometimes his presence lasts weeks or even months.

Occasionally, Crateman has friends who come and play.  He has also been seen amusing himself in silent solo contemplation.  Fishing by a creek in Newport, lurking under bridges, riding a bicycle… Crateman is a creative character indeed.

Although the question of who is behind the cratemen remains a mystery, you can find a map pinpointing current locations, a photo archive and more at this fansite.

In the busy world of New York City commuter hustle and bustle, Joshua Allen Harris has been bringing smiles to many faces with his growing menagerie of inflatable creatures.

Appearing like discarded refuse on the pavement, these seemingly innocuous plastic bags begin to quiver and pulse before springing in to life at the passing of subway trains.   The forms are created, tested and refined in his workshop, and then installed above exhaust grills from the subway system.

Follow the link to see more, including a gorgeous Public Service announcement featuring his polar bears…

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