Art students from Guizhou Normal University paint a 3-D mural of an elephant on a tree trunk in the college’s campus. [Photo/gog.cn]

A group of 70 undergraduates from Guizhou Normal University have turned their college campus in Guiyang, Guizhou province, into a giant surrealist mural after covering every available surface with colorful graffiti.

A knot sticking out from a gnarled tree trunk is transformed into the head of a curious ring-tailed lemur, while circular manhole covers have turned into huge yellow emojis.

Usually doodling over school property could get a student a hefty fine or an even more severe punishment. But luckily for this group of young artists, the graffiti blitz was the university’s own idea.

“The street art activity offers the perfect chance to show art undergraduates’ talent and spruce up the campus at the same time. Also, I hope to raise awareness among college students of devotion and environmental protection,” said Shi Aihua, a teacher from Guizhou Normal University’s art department.

Most of the students had never painted on anything except canvas before, so working on dented trash cans and rough tree bark took some adjustment. But many of the budding graffiti artists said the experience had inspired their creativity.

“I painted a recycling bin green to remind people of environmental protection and reduce littering,” said Luo Haiping, a sophomore who took part in the activity.

“When teachers and students pass by our works, I feel proud of their appreciation,” said Ding Qian, another of the art students.

A painting of an idyllic country scene on a trash can in Guizhou Normal University’s campus reminds students to help protect the environment. [Photo/gog.cn]