This Artist Turns Ordinary Objects And Places Into Extraordinary Street Art

"If a piece stops someone in their tracks and causes them to think or smile for a moment, I'm happy enough with that."

For the past four years artist Michael Pederson has been leaving miniature street "interruptions" across Sydney, Australia as part of his project, Miguel Marquez Outside.

Michael Pederson / Via miguelmarquezoutside.com

The installations are small and often hidden in places someone in a hurry would easily miss.

Michael Pederson

"I like the idea that a lot of the work is hidden in plain sight and has to be discovered by a passerby," Pederson told BuzzFeed.

Michael Pederson

Pederson said his pieces can sometimes even act as a "strange public service announcement."

Michael Pederson

The pieces are comical in nature, but they can also serve as a more serious reminder to be aware of your surroundings.

Michael Pederson

Though Pederson stumbled into this particular art style almost unintentionally, he's taken inspiration from artists such as Jenny Holzer and Slinkachu.

@slinkachu_official / Via instagram.com

"Because my works are generally small and somewhat removable, I haven't had any trouble (with law enforcement) so far," Pederson said. "I remember a security guard giving me a 'thumbs up' when he saw me installing a piece a couple of years ago, which was nice."

Michael Pederson

While sometimes Pederson will hunt for the perfect location to put a completed work, other times it's a place or object that inspires his art.

Michael Pederson

"I like underscoring forgotten or neglected aspects of the urban environment and exploring the idea of the private self in public space," Pederson said.

Michael Pederson

Though some of his instillations may seem a tad sardonic, Pederson hopes the art will give by-passers a moment to think.

Michael Pederson

"Ultimately, if a piece stops someone in their tracks and causes them to think or smile for a moment, I'm happy enough with that."

Michael Pederson