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Inspiration is everywhere. And if you don’t believe us, then look no further than these manhole covers on the streets of Japan and France. These necessary contraptions have an obvious utilitarian function. However, Japan has taken this forgotten, everyday item and used the space to add visual interest to their streets.
The island nation boasts almost 6,000 sewer covers around the country, and have invested in turning a decidedly unglamorous necessity into museum-worthy art. Below are some of photographer Morita’s best shots to show you how they do things across the Pacific.
Meanwhile in France, Method Graphics takes the Parisian beauty ideals to the streets in his own way. Just outside of luxurious fashion houses, the street artist is living up to his profession in one of the most interesting ways you could imagine. With a decidedly illicit approach, the artist adorns the manhole covers with alligator patterns and gilded accents. The drab gray concrete background heightens the contrast of these embellished covers, and makes the average passer-by really take notice. I can imagine using this idea for a hip, street party mitzvah, or using the color schemes to inspire a table design. Check out how the streets of Paris have benefited from Method Graphic’s conversions in the pictures below.
