ADVERTISEMENT

Meet Frank de Ruwe, better known as "Frankey" on social media. He is an Amsterdam-based street artist whose playful and unexpected creations bring a little fun to the city's vibrant streets.

Whether it's a dinosaur head emerging from a canal, beloved cartoon characters holding street signs, or whimsical figures interacting with lampposts, Frankey's art always manages to surprise the passersby of the European city. His work, which can be found in various nooks and crannies of Amsterdam, transforms ordinary urban places into fun little scenes if you look closely enough.

More info: Instagram | frankey.com

Given the chance, just like last time, Bored Panda reached out to Frank. When asked to share an example of a time when a piece of his street art received an unexpected or particularly memorable reaction from the public, Frankey recounted, "I always find it very special when a work of mine that has been damaged by the ravages of time is repaired. For example, a few years ago, I installed one in a brick wall where one brick was missing. This brick hung with two Mickey Mouse arms with the recognizable white 4-finger hands on the hole in the brick wall as if it was escaping. After a few years, one arm was lost. A few weeks later, it was replaced by someone but by an arm with a white hand with 5 fingers."

ADVERTISEMENT

Discussing his sources of inspiration, particularly while cycling through Amsterdam, Frankey shared, "What I find most inspiring is a street that I have never known before. If I have to cycle far, I often choose a route that takes me through a new street even if it takes a bit of a detour."

ADVERTISEMENT

Balancing the need to create non-damaging installations with the desire to make impactful and engaging street art is an important aspect of Frankey's work. He explained, "I am very fortunate that my work is published weekly in the newspaper (Het Parool). This way, I can make an impact with a work that has never caused any damage."

#7

Meet Frankey: The Master Of Surprise In Amsterdam's Streets (New Pics)

streetartfrankey Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT

With the rise of digital art and social media, the artist sees new opportunities for street art. He noted, "I think every new technology offers an opportunity to fit into art. For example, for my new show that starts this week, I made a work partly with AI. The title of this work is 'AI caramba.'"

Looking towards the future, Frank hinted at his biggest and most special work set to be revealed in Amsterdam after the summer. He teased, "This summer in Zandvoort (Amsterdam beach), a speedboat that appears to have crashed from the sea into a lamppost on the boulevard. PS: My Canal Skybridge in the center of Amsterdam is a must-see visit."

#8

Meet Frankey: The Master Of Surprise In Amsterdam's Streets (New Pics)

streetartfrankey Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
#18

Meet Frankey: The Master Of Surprise In Amsterdam's Streets (New Pics)

streetartfrankey Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
#24

Meet Frankey: The Master Of Surprise In Amsterdam's Streets (New Pics)

streetartfrankey Report

Add photo comments
POST
#26

Meet Frankey: The Master Of Surprise In Amsterdam's Streets (New Pics)

streetartfrankey Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#31

Meet Frankey: The Master Of Surprise In Amsterdam's Streets (New Pics)

streetartfrankey Report

Add photo comments
POST
#32

Meet Frankey: The Master Of Surprise In Amsterdam's Streets (New Pics)

streetartfrankey Report

Add photo comments
POST
#33

Meet Frankey: The Master Of Surprise In Amsterdam's Streets (New Pics)

streetartfrankey Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#37

Meet Frankey: The Master Of Surprise In Amsterdam's Streets (New Pics)

streetartfrankey Report

Add photo comments
POST
#40

Meet Frankey: The Master Of Surprise In Amsterdam's Streets (New Pics)

streetartfrankey Report

Add photo comments
POST
#43

Meet Frankey: The Master Of Surprise In Amsterdam's Streets (New Pics)

streetartfrankey Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#44

Meet Frankey: The Master Of Surprise In Amsterdam's Streets (New Pics)

streetartfrankey Report

Add photo comments
POST
#46

Meet Frankey: The Master Of Surprise In Amsterdam's Streets (New Pics)

streetartfrankey Report

Add photo comments
POST
#47

Meet Frankey: The Master Of Surprise In Amsterdam's Streets (New Pics)

streetartfrankey Report

Add photo comments
POST
#50

Meet Frankey: The Master Of Surprise In Amsterdam's Streets (New Pics)

streetartfrankey Report

Add photo comments
POST

Note: this post originally had 56 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda