In what may be an effort to prevent graffiti, metal utility boxes around the city are now painted with bright scenes and images. Flowers. Birds. Butterflies. Cityscapes.
And then there's the one in my neighbourhood that I recently stumbled upon. Three sides of the box are painted and they tell a story, through what seems to be a ship's porthole, that unfolds as you circle the box. First, an empty room. Next, a young woman gazing out at the viewer, seemingly oblivious to a vampire behind her. And finally this image: the same woman slaying said vampire.
Not a butterfly or a flower in sight. Just a beautiful tale of heroism to inspire passers-by.