Clever Street Artist Transforms Ordinary Public Places Into Funny Installations

Humorous Street Art by Michael Pederson

Four years ago, Australian artist Michael Pederson began placing his lighthearted, humorous street art installations in unexpected places. Playing with the public space we often forget to look at, Pederson's project Miguel Marquez Outside is a clever escape into the urban landscape.

“I can't remember exactly what originally inspired me to do these outdoor projects, but it had been in the back of my mind for quite some time before I started,” Pederson tells My Modern Met. “I had a small drawing show a few years ago which featured images and text. One of the pieces was also placed in a more public context and seemed to work better that way. Placing something unexpected out on the street can have a powerful element of surprise. It really got me hooked, and I've wanted to explore street interventions ever since.”

Whether inspired by a particular space or object, or location scouting for a particular idea, Pederson's installations are a perfect demonstration of how the best street art is tied to its context. His work takes passersby out of their familiar scenery and gives them a jolt, forcing them to look closer in order to have a chuckle.

From musing about the reasons people seem to throw their shoes on electrical wires to embracing themes of solitude, Pederson's ironic art touches on universal concepts and questions. The artist hopes his work will provoke deeper thought about public space and how we can reconnect with our surroundings. “Humor is a great way of engaging people, even if there is something a little sad underneath some of the pieces. Hopefully, people will find something there to think about as well.”

Michael Pederson, also known as Miguel Marquez, has been creating clever street art installations across Sydney for over four years.

Humorous Street Art by Michael Pederson

Clever Street Art by Michael Pederson

Clever Street Art by Michael Pederson

'Miguel Marquez Outside' by Michael Pederson

Funny Street Art by Michael Pederson

Funny Street Art by Michael Pederson

Funny Street Art by Michael Pederson

Clever Street Art by Michael Pederson

Humorous Street Art by Michael Pederson

Funny Street Art by Michael Pederson

Funny Street Art by Michael Pederson

Clever Street Art by Michael Pederson

Michael Pederson: Website | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Michael Pederson.

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Jessica Stewart

Jessica Stewart is a Contributing Writer and Digital Media Specialist for My Modern Met, as well as a curator and art historian. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She earned her MA in Renaissance Studies from University College London and now lives in Rome, Italy. She cultivated expertise in street art which led to the purchase of her photographic archive by the Treccani Italian Encyclopedia in 2014. When she’s not spending time with her three dogs, she also manages the studio of a successful street artist. In 2013, she authored the book 'Street Art Stories Roma' and most recently contributed to 'Crossroads: A Glimpse Into the Life of Alice Pasquini'. You can follow her adventures online at @romephotoblog.
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