20 Photos Of Street Artist Clet Abraham Humorously Hijacking Road Signs
Street art is a unique form of creative expression that often reflects an artist’s opinion or reaction to current events. Unlike traditional art, it incorporates its surroundings, making it inseparable from its environment. French street artist Clet Abraham, based in Florence, Italy, has taken an unconventional approach to this art form by using road signs as his canvas. His distinctive work captures attention, turning everyday street symbols into thought-provoking art pieces.
In a recent interview, Clet shared insights into his journey as an artist and his evolution from traditional art forms to street art. “I have always done art, from painting to sculpture to restoration,” he explained. “For about 15 years, I have focused on working with road signs and urban sculptures.” His fascination with street life and public spaces inspired him to move his art into the open, transforming the streets into his gallery.
Though he initially worked in a more “classical” style, Clet was always drawn to the openness of the street, enjoying its energy and the movement of people. “I love the street; I’ve always enjoyed walking and observing it,” he said. After relocating to Florence, he noticed how modern road signs clashed with the historic architecture of the city’s Renaissance buildings. “They break the harmony and context,” he observed. This inspired his first experiment in turning a simple dead-end sign into something more meaningful, creating art that harmonized with Florence’s historic aesthetic. “It felt natural to transform it into art, to give continuity to the art that permeates and characterizes the city.”
Clet’s creative process is meticulous, taking years to develop some pieces. “My creative process, as simple as it may seem, is actually very long,” he noted. “Sometimes it can take me years to perfect and convince myself that a subject can be placed in the street.” He aims to keep his designs minimal, ensuring they retain the original message of the sign while introducing a new layer of meaning. His goal is to make art that’s accessible and easily understood by the public—a key characteristic of street art. “After many years, I devoted myself to the synthesis and simplification of subjects, to ensure they can be read and understood by as many people as possible.”
The artist’s work has reshaped how people view the everyday symbols that guide us through urban landscapes. By blending art with public infrastructure, he adds a touch of creativity to the city’s rhythm, encouraging viewers to see the world around them with fresh eyes.
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#1
Image source: cletabraham
We are looking for someone to control the controllers who control those who control the controllers who control the ….
#2
Image source: cletabraham
It’s curious, but since the bars reopened the street signs are different …….
#3
Image source: cletabraham
Migration in Miami.
Migration is the story of humanity.
#4
Image source: cletabraham
EVOLUTION / INVOLUTION
It is strange, but looking at the three people of this image, the one that seems to me the least human of all it’s the one in the middle.
#5
Image source: cletabraham
Only who takes himself too seriously may end up looking like a clown.
#6
Image source: cletabraham
Musician counter current, by night.
#7
Image source: cletabraham
Love has no limits. No borders
#8
Image source: cletabraham
I CAN’T BREATHE
Once again, a human being has died under the weight of authority. “non mi uccise la morte ma due guardie bigotte, mi cercarono l’anima a forza di botte” (De André)
#9
Image source: cletabraham
As expected, the “strange animals” passed at the roundabout at La Carrière (Cap-Sizun, Brittany) and destroyed my character 2 days after it was edited.
I call it, “CAREER SYNDROME”:
If to a directional arrow I add two arms that point in the same direction, objectively I reinforce its safety message.
So when a public service employee destroys this work, there is no longer any consideration of public safety but only respect for orders.
So there is no longer a real public service but above all a service to one’s own quarry.
And this with the taxpayer’s money.
I would like to work for a better world and demonstrate through my work that claiming absolute respect for standards is the first obstacle to improving them ….. and therefore the first obstacle against a better world.
Democracy is not going to vote, it is on the other hand the freedom to criticize and to express this criticism, at all levels of society.
Particularly for civil servants, the duty of reserve and obedience to orders is a formidable obstacle to the improvement of society.
And I am amazed at the acceptance of this fact by society itself.
#10
Image source: cletabraham
Today is the end of the lockdown in France, I don’t know about you but personally I have the feeling of coming out of a very very deep hole.
#11
Image source: cletabraham
I believe the cat because it is the living proof that hierarchy is not indispensable to a happy coexistence.
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Image source: cletabraham
Squali (Sharks)
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Image source: cletabraham
DAVID
After 10 years in Florence, I thought it’s time to pay homage to the Florentines who support me.
#14
Image source: cletabraham
Is mister vaccine opening the door?
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Image source: cletabraham
I love bicycle…..
#16
Image source: cletabraham
Sunrise or Sunset?
Behind the cold rigidity of the authoritarian and conservative spirit, warm humanity, in its tolerance shines for all of us.
#17
Image source: cletabraham
ARRÊT à Montréal, Québec. L’ART est une affaire d’équipe, comme l’amour. STOP in Montreal, Québec. ART is a crew story, like love.
#18
Image source: cletabraham
Mai 68 Mai 2018. LIBERTÉ, OU ES TU ? Bordeaux (May 68 May 2018. FREEDOM, WHERE ARE YOU? Bordeaux. ).
#19
Image source: cletabraham
Peaceful sign In the sky.
#20
Image source: cletabraham
Today, working on the street in Oslo, someone asked me:
-Is it legal what you’re doing?
-This is not the good question I said, but rather: is it good or bad what you are doing?
Then he told me: -okay, but what does this design mean?
– it means that it should be forbidden to die in the Mediterranean sea just because you try to escape poverty or war.
I agree he says, but as long as there is misery and oppression somewhere in the world there will be those who try to escape, and we are all responsible even if this poverty seems far away.
Welcome to Oslo!
Got wisdom to pour?