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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

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

streetartfrankey Report

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."

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    #2

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

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    Lois Matelan
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The lordly crouching lion statues at Carrollton Ave. and Pritchard Place in New Orleans spent days "smoking cigarettes" courtesy of my cousin George and a wad of bubble gum.

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    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."

    #4

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

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    David
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    EDIT: Seriously? Why I am I being downvoted for finding it amusing that some person (not the artist) tried to stabilze the wall by nailing a board across the crack? We've seen similar in that thread about things contractors and building inspectors found at some job sites. == LOL at the board holding the wall together. "No problem, this will fix it!"

    Danish Susanne
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This must be terrifying to see as a passerby.

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    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."

    #6

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

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    Darian Starfrog
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Accurate..apple is toxic ..anyone buying iphones is really stupid

    WindySwede
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Or Adam and Eva if you believe in that.

    #7

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

    streetartfrankey Report

    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.'"

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    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."

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

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    #9

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

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    Alex Ruddies
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Seems like something I'd do, except with Data and Picard.

    Lisa Juliff
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    *Kirk* So...UN...civilized! What... Isyour...assessment Mr. Spock!? *Spock* Highly illogical Captain. Yet, somewhat logical. It appears as though they have lived long. And prospered. Then un-prospered.

    Lisa Juliff
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment has been deleted.

    #10

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

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    Karen Philpott
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Go back! You really don't want to be out here!

    Judith Thompson
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Barney and Betty before they became famous

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    #12

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    《¤Pookie¤》
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not to be rude but his name is Remi. Also, have an upvote for mentioning Ratatouille!

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

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    #15

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

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    Psycho Princess
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This makes me think of that one episode of murder she wrote where she fires a prop gun in a classroom and this happens. Lol

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

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

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    Toe Jam
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They/them…. Lmao! Fukin hell.

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

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    Janice Sanz
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wait, what's the point ....for?

    David
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's done in the style of 50s sci-fi rocket ships which often had a point at the tip

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    WindySwede
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    planets of the apes, or something else?

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

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

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    Psycho Princess
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This one is not street art it's structure.

    #26

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

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    ZovThePhoenix
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love to make the tiny Christmas towns every year. I have even made 15 tiny letters to Santa for the mail man.

    #27

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

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    John Kamau
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Jean Claude Van Damme... Reminds me of the Street Fighter movie

    J9
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Jean Claude Van Danme as Frank Dux, a US soldier, participating in Kumite. Blood Sport!

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

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

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    Birb
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Waar brengt u ons naar toe? Naar Fabeltjes land, en leest u dan voor uit de Fabeltjes krant? Ja ja, uit de Fabeltjes krant

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

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    A C
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Duck Tales awooooohooo

    Josh McJunkin
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wonder if the word he's on is BANK.

    #31

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

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    Maryland
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Coming in on driveway 9R

    #32

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

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    John Kamau
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would have put "RED" from Angry Birds holding his "chiplets" with one eye half closed

    #34

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

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    John Kamau
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why does this sign remind me of that song "God Loves People More than Anything" I think by Darlene Czech or Hillsong.

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    flower petals
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It’s dangerous doing parkour here..

    eMp Tee
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A banana in this condition is perfect for measuring scale around corners.

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    AtMostAFabulist
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There's a little guy on top looking through a spyglass

    Janice Sanz
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    The dog has little respect

    kelsischloe1986
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Dogs are not capable of knowing what respect is. Let alone disrespect. Animals brains do not work like humans brains do. This pup is doing what it does and what it's meant to do. Besides, peeing on things and marking their territory is a natural thing that a lot of animals do. Some humans to I'm sure to keep animals away from them in the wild long time ago.

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    Stephan Berger
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Fun fact, Pat and Mat only speak in the Dutch version.

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    John Kamau
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We are only Missing Simon Cowel and the Golden Buzzer

    #49

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    Van Hoa Trinh Thai
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Everyday and everywhere in the world, government employees raise their respective national flag. So, it might not be an attribution to 9/11. It is always nice to remember though. The artist himself from Amsterdam, perhaps it is a normal scene from there. It is an honor when one took an oath to become a citizen of a country or immigrate to a country, the country must respect their contributions also. It is a shame a country singled out LBGT+ or black, API for discrimination. The USA had a chronic Alzheimer's so they are just keep repeating mistakes over, over and over again.

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    #51

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    BoredPossum
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Cause he's holding a thermal detonator!

    #52

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    Rod
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Kalverstraat, what a pain on Saturdays!

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