This street art might just be the best part of a rainy day
Artist Peregrine Church is doing something very cool for rainy days. In an attempt to brighten up his notoriously gloomy hometown of Seattle, Washington, he’s started creating waterproof street art — and it’s absolutely brilliant.
The project, called Rainworks, utilizes stencils and a biodegradable superhydrophobic spray to create works of art that only show up when wet (because science). When used in lieu of spray paint, the clear superhydrophobic spray appears invisible; until it starts to rain and the coated parts begin to repel water, thus “revealing” the art. The spray is non-toxic, making the art environmentally friendly, and it can last anywhere from four months to a year. It’s a pretty simple concept with an incredible effect — and we’re super impressed.
Church was first inspired by the viral video sensation, NeverWet (perhaps best known for that mesmerizing gif of chocolate syrup being poured onto a pair of white sneakers, ad infinitum), and wanted to apply the concept to something a little bigger than dumping bottles of red wine on his clothes. After he realized its potential as a new medium of art, the rest was history.
“What I really love to do is think of ways to make the world a more interesting place and inspire people to do the same,” Church told Buzzfeed News — and his project does just that.
Along with the help of Xack Fischer and Forest Tresside, Church has so far created over 25 works of art around the city, ranging from clever messages to adorable lily pads to everyone’s favorite childhood games (think hopscotch and “the floor is lava”). And he has plans to expand the project soon.
“It’s going to rain anyway,” Church’s website says. “Why not do something fun with it?”
We totally agree. Check out some of our favorites from the project below, and head to Rain.Works to see the rest!