A series of baffling, official-looking signs bearing absurd warnings have appeared across Christchurch, New Zealand, leaving residents both confused and amused. The signs, which mimic the style of city council notices, feature instructions such as warning pedestrians to maintain a walking speed of 2.83km/h and declaring an abandoned building to be "slightly haunted but manageable".
The Art Behind the Confusion
Far from being a bizarre new council policy, the installations are a deliberate piece of guerrilla art. Created by local artist Cameron Hunt, the project titled "Christchurch city confusion" was designed to subvert public expectations. Hunt told The Guardian his aim was to "play with the way we take authority and signage so seriously".
"The idea was to make signs that look official, but with completely absurd messages, therefore creating moments of confusion, followed by little bursts of joy," Hunt explained. The six signs were erected around the city centre as part of the Little Street art festival earlier this month, with each one carefully conceived for a specific location.
Public Reaction: From Bewilderment to Delight
The public response has been a mix of puzzlement and pleasure. Hunt reported that watching people interact with his work has been "awesome", noting that some have even joked about writing to the council to complain about the "ridiculous signs".
Many passersby have taken photos and shared them online, effectively turning the signs into a city-wide treasure hunt. On social media platforms like Reddit, users have posted images seeking clarification, with one fast walker expressing genuine concern over the 2.83km/h speed limit. The online discussion has ranged from questioning the artistic merit to praising it as "one of the greatest pieces of guerrilla art I’ve ever seen".
Official Council Approval
Contrary to the concerns of some bemused citizens, the Christchurch City Council has warmly embraced the project. Kiri Jarden, the council’s principal adviser for community arts, stated: "Hunt’s signs are truly delightful. We totally support artists using humour to gently interrupt and engage passersby."
This official endorsement highlights a progressive approach to integrating art into the urban fabric. For the artist, the project's success lies in its ability to make people pause and reconsider their surroundings. "Each piece is a small, interactive moment for people," Hunt said, "sparking curiosity and conversation in a way that murals or graffiti cannot."
