Artist wants you to steal his work from streets of Brighton and Hove

An artist has found a new way to get his work out there – by asking the public to steal it.

Citizen Skwith will be displaying his work around Brighton and Hove over the next few days as part of the Fringe.

But instead of the usual viewing and buying technique favoured by fellow artists, he is urging the public to pinch them.

The 45-year-old, who describes himself as “old enough to know better”, said: “It’s nonsense really and purely for my own amusement. But it’s good fun and someone gets the chance to take a piece of art home.”

The artist has already pinned a dozen smaller pieces around central Brighton but has been stalled from putting up larger pieces by council health and safety officers.

However, following talks with officials, the artist hopes to put a further 30 pieces up around the city over the next few days.

While the pieces are not expected to be devilishly difficult to find, the artist warned that residents would have to keep their eyes peeled.

Among his more well known works which will be displayed around the city is a road sign which reads “Go on, no one’s looking. Be naughty.”

He has also urged the city’s park lovers to look out for his famous “Keep off the greener grass” sign.

There is also likely to be a limited edition version of his joke blue plaques which are usually used to mark the former home of a historic individual. His joke version marks the birthplace of Jacob Van Hogflume (1864–1909) the inventor of time travel who “lived here in 2063”.

He added: “I started doing it quite a few years ago now. There are just so many signs on the streets these days so it is kind of a nod to that.

“Most are stuck under or by the side of existing signs and they are very easy to take off.

“It’s a nice opportunity for someone to get hold of a piece of artwork.”