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Just like Neo from The Matrix, we sometimes get a strange feeling deep in our guts that something is not quite right with the world. German artist Steffen Kraft, who also goes by the name Iconeo online, makes amazing social commentary pictures that highlight how ironic, weird and even hypocritical life can sometimes be.

Here are what we believe to be the most visually appealing pieces of Kraft’s unique artwork. So scroll down, upvote the ones you like, and share your thoughts in the comments. And make sure to read Bored Panda’s in-depth interview with the artist down below. After you’re done admiring these meaningful drawings, check out Kraft’s previous post on Bored Panda.

More info: Iconeo.de | Facebook | Instagram 

#1

Thoughtful Illustrations

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    MagicalUnicorn
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    this is sad but true in so many cases

    Monika Soffronow
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nope, it is actually the other way around. This is the exception to the rule. It is, of course, incredibly sad that in some cases this happens. My great grandfather had been to the market and bought a cod, a large one that was still alive. It was a rainy day, and, making his way home, with the cod wrapped in paper under his arm, he had a stroke and fell in a puddle. People passing by thought that he was dead drunk and so he laid there, not being able to articulate properly to ask for help until someone who knew him came by and saw him. He lived, paralyzed on one side, for well over a decade and I remember him from when I was little saying "The cod liked it a lot better than I did in that there puddle." with a smile in his eyes.

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    Falcon
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They forgot to add the person who is filming it with the phone

    JeffC
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Exactly my thoughts....sadly I've seen it too:/

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    sh
    Community Member
    6 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bystander effect. The more people there are around, the less likely any of them will help. This is why you should yell "Guy in the purple shirt, help!".

    miaow
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    there's actually a folktale I read years ago.. I read so many but this one stuck with me, idk why. I might as well narrate whatever i remember; so once upon a time there was a king who ruled the lands, he suddenly wanted to have a pond of milk. Told all villagers to have the pond/lake ready by the next morning. In the night every villager each went to the empty pond and one by one, they thought, "the next person will fill it with a bucket of milk" so everyone thought the other would fill it. Next morning the pond was emptyy. Moral of story: every person's effort makes big difference and fills up. If someone leaves it for others to chip in or give a bucketful, nothing will progress. Thanks to whoever read this, if you know the story correctly pls share :)

    DancingToMyself
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thx, it's completely understandable story. I've been reading something similar, a long time ago.

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    Kathy Baylis
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Unfortunately, what would make it even more accurate is if the guy was using his phone to take a video of the drowning instead of helping. This is the new low humans have sunk to.

    (づ´• ͜ʖ •)づ Ta Da
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It’s called the bystander effect. Also people(at least in the USA) are afraid to get sued, even though you are supposed to be protected by law.

    DancingToMyself
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To get sued? For what? For helping someone to not drown? I don't get it.

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    G13
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bystander Effect ):

    TheExtremeSmell
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It’s a zombie rising from the water they should Be running

    Sterrinatu
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's either this reaction or people flock to help so they can go post it on Instagram and go viral.

    Hard 2 Guess
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hey, if I am drowning and someone saves me for a post and goes viral on whatever forsaken social media they are on, I wouldn't mind at all. I will still thank them for saving my life. You know why? Because, I got saved and didn't die. Does it really matter what reason someone have to save a person who's in danger?

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    Christy Smith
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Being a Good Samaritan will probably end with you not receiving any helping by bystanders. The cops with just be shifted onto the good guy, esp if CPR is admitted & you inadvertently break a rib while saving them. They then proceed to sue you for bodily hard and the 'mental stress'. Good Samaritans aren't protected, I'll be assuming someone else will help you seeing as in the States ppl LOVE to sue even though without you they would have died. Ppl have criminalized doing the right thing which means you're on your own and I won't give you a 2nd thought, because society has taught the rest that you're a s**t, suing power hungry human being and not remotely worth my lawyer cost, jail time or probation.

    Monika Soffronow
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is fortunately NOT what usually happens. People will usually reach out and help strangers.Find the science behind it here: "Frequency of helping friends and helping strangers is explained by different neural signatures": https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6344399/ and here is an article on what is in it for you: http://mentalfloss.com/article/71964/7-scientific-benefits-helping-others

    Danjal Nyberg
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This has nothing to do with our society, it's a commonly known psychological reaction: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bystander_effect

    Mindy Keys
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Where are the other 97 people filming the drowning person?

    Bored Moogle
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They say that if you want someone to help, point to a specific person and tell them to call 911 or help.

    Ed Souza
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    100% true and sad. I was assaulted on Christmas during the day. Not a single person helped. 2 guys jumped me at a parking lot.

    DancingToMyself
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow, on Christmas?! And more people were there? Doing what, just chilling?

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    Sharon Ingram
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bystander effect diffusion of responsibility.

    Tacitus86
    Community Member
    6 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is very true and a result of 'group think'. But tbh, anymore the US is becoming so PC and radical feminist oriented, that it could actually get you in MORE trouble to help someone than not because they may falsely accuse you of something. And if you fail, you could become legally liable.

    Angie gibbs Gibbs
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wanted help everyone don't need a person dinin😭g

    Huey89
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I seriously doubt the majority of people would actively ignore a person in a life threatening situation...we're not that bad yet

    Leigh Ann Poston
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    See how not cute cowgirl boots are y’all

    Audrey Caits
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think this one is the most sad

    Theodor Šik
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is no't matter of ignorance. That is a legit socio-psychologcal effect, that causes our personal resposibility to fade, when we are in space where are more people. Do no't confuse it wit some apathy.

    Joran Quinten
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd steer clear from the zombie apocalypse

    Lilli
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    this one really got to me...

    Mia Cardenas
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Apathy. Everything that is wrong in this world today

    JD Higginson
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I agree especially with my kids generation. They are 20&25 and are so much more self centered then I ever was. I was always trying to help people. These kids seem to care more about animals then their fellow human beings

    Tina Hugh
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Who raised them? I’m assuming you weren’t the custodial parent or you wouldn’t have written this. In any case, it’s unfair to slam an entire generation based on two people. How sad that their parent would write this comment. You should delete it.

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    kathryn stretton
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sometimes happened with their own children.

    Tina Hugh
    Community Member
    6 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Give me a break. People almost always help. That’s why it’s newsworthy when they don’t. Writing needlessly cynical comments doesn’t make the world a better place.

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    Bored Panda reached out to Iconeo to learn more about him, the way he creates his meaningful art, and the philosophy that hides behind each thought-provoking picture. When asked about the main inspiration for his art, Kraft replied that he find creative ideas in both small and large things.

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    “On the one hand, I'm inspired by little things, like my pencil, a cup of coffee or toilet paper. These little objects are icons. Everybody knows them. We don't have to think about their function when we see them. It's good brain training trying to place these things in a different situation. Sometimes, the results are meaningful, sometimes not.”

    #4

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    varwenea
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Dumber meets dumber. Add Boris and there'll be a battle for the tweedle-dumbest title.

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    #5

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    Kaisu
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is essentially how soldiers are manipulated to give their lives for their country

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    “On the other hand, I'm inspired by bigger things, like climate change, plastic pollution or social behavior. I try to make these complex themes simple and surprising,” the artist revealed to Bored Panda.

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    varwenea
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Luckily, Nelson Mandela, Malala Yousafzai, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Rosa Park, and many others didn't think so. Just need many more to think differently and take action.

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    anonymous person
    Community Member
    6 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Climate change is happening, people!!!!!! If we don’t act now to at least greatly reduce the rate at which it’s happening, our future children won’t have a hospitable planet to call home!!

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    Kraft believes that in our daily routine, we are “overwhelmed with images and impressions”, which is why we lose the ability to “self-reflect and to see the world from a different point of view.”

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    #10

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    varwenea
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Plastic bags, choking the sea life to death, forever changing our ecosystem as we know it, is far scarier than a mere shark.

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    “Of course, I also produce images, but it's the kind of communication most people understand quickly,” he admitted. “My goal is to surprise the viewer with simple drawing ideas that they may not have thought about and which make them think, and make them discuss them with others.”

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    Sherri Steinert-Brown
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is so on track with what you see . I live in a small town in Montana but travel to Seattle WA every EASTER for cosplay convention . while I was there people and I am talking about the majority of people were walking around just like this illustration they didn't even look up when they were crossing the crosswalk in front of traffic. I guess they assume all drivers follow the rules.plus I am originally from the south and so I say hi to everyone not one person looked up or said hi back wait one person did but they looked at me like I was speaking a foreign language . This is who we now are in this world and it worries me when I think of my grandkids being taught or just shown that this is correct it is not. Our first language is talking to one another lets keep this new generation on the right path .

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    #14

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    Kaisu
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wish there was an easy way for lonely people in the same area to meet up! However, a lot of people are too ashamed to admit that they're lonely

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    #15

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    queen...<3
    Community Member
    6 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just because you aren't vegan doesn't mean that you hate animals.

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    Iconeo got a degree in Communication Design in Germany and founded an advertising agency. He admitted to Bored Panda that at that point he was “far away from being an artist” and also didn’t want to be one.

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    Kaisu
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's really sad how some people base their self worth on how many likes they receive

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    RacconLifeGirlie
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    me trying to find the right angle to watch netflix in the middle of the night

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    “I liked to work for clients and create ideas to sell products. It was an important time for me, but after 8 years, I left the agency. Since then, I explored the art part inside of me. And it's a funny journey, not a straight path. I still do graphic design, logo design, poster design for clients, but more the artsy way with my style, not the advertising way with trendy images.”

    #20

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    anonymous person
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So sad but accurate. Humans are such destructive creatures.

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    Kraft had some advice for all the new, veteran, successful and struggling artists out there: “Being an artist means having good times and having bad times, especially in the beginning. Be patient when you are uninspired or when you feel misunderstood. You are on the right path, as long as you are engaged in doing what you find interesting. And don't forget to relax. I get the best ideas when I'm relaxed and out of my office.”

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    Kaisu
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don't assume you know how someone else feels until you ask. However, also don't kiss someone unless you have their consent

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    #24

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    Layla Cecil
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The vast majority of plastic comes from just a few rivers in China and India. They don't have trash pickup there, so people just toss all of their garbage into these rivers, which then feed into the ocean. Short of helping those countries with their waste disposal, the oceans will continue to fill with plastic.

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    Finally, Kraft told Bored Panda about his future plans. “I want to do a book for children, but as with every new thing, this is hard in the beginning. And I'm trying to learn AR-stuff to explore new ways of showing my art.”

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    Shika Louis
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Even the turtles can't keep all the waste we leave... It's sad that turtles have to clean another species' mess

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    M Dream
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    WARNING: Do not use plastic straws! Feel free to use plastic plates, pens, plastic anything else.. and of course products in plastic package. It's also ok to use products (of any material) that small children make in places outside your country. But please, do not use plastic straws or bags. Plastic life. One use only. Only for you.

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    Fish Boden
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I mean, just horrible. But beautifully done!

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    Night Owl
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    another meaning for "coffee shots" or for "espresso shots"

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