‘Slightly haunted but manageable’: new signs cause confusion – and delight – in Christchurch | New Zealand
In front of an abandoned building in New Zealand’s second largest city is a sign that reads “a little haunted but manageable.” In the middle of a busy shopping street, pedestrians are warned to adhere to a walking speed of 2.83 km/h. In another part of Christchurch, a sign simply said “don’t do”.
The surprising hoardings are not an overzealous new council initiative but a work of art designed to “play with the way we take authority and signage so seriously”.
Although similar to official Christchurch city council signs warning of “confusion in the city of Christchurch”, they are the work of artist Cameron Hunt.
“The aim was to make signs that looked official but contained completely nonsensical messages, thus creating confusion, followed by little bursts of joy,” Hunt told the Guardian.
Hunt erected six signs around the town center as part of the Little Street arts festival earlier this month. Each was designed with a specific location in mind.
“It was amazing to watch people interact with the signs,” Hunt said. “There were also a few grumpy people joking about writing to the council about these ‘ridiculous signs’.”
But the council is very excited.
“Hunt’s signs are really nice,” said Kiri Jarden, the council’s general counsel for community arts. “We fully support artists who use humor to gently disturb and engage passersby.”
Hunt said people were taking photos, sharing them online and turning the signs into a treasure hunt. In some cases, people shared their confusion on social media, but were quickly informed that the signs were sarcastic.
A Reddit user asked the site, “Is the walking speed limit sign real?” he posted a picture asking. “I’m a naturally fast walker so I’m a little worried,” they wrote, prompting a wave of responses.
“How does this count as art because it’s a confusing joke?” someone wrote.
Another said: “To whoever made and installed this sign: Well done, one of the most amazing pieces of guerilla art I’ve ever seen. The fact that someone even fell for it makes it that much better.”
Hunt hopes his work challenges people to stop and notice their surroundings.
“Each piece is a small, interactive moment for people, sparking curiosity and conversation in a way that murals or graffiti cannot.”
