Towering from forests, peeking out of lakes, or lounging beneath the stars — Thomas Dambo’s trolls have become some of the most beloved public sculptures on Earth. Built entirely from recycled wood and often hidden in remote landscapes, these sculptures invite both wonder and adventure. From Jutland’s woodland giants to a lakeside troll in Minnesota measuring 13 meters high, here are 10 of the most enchanting trolls you can find around the world.

🔗 Follow Thomas Dambo on Instagram

1. Troll Hannes — De Schorre, Boom, Belgium

Built into the corner of a crumbling brick structure, this giant troll appears mid-rest, its wooden limbs draped over the edge of the building. With a shaggy beard and deep-set eyes, it blends into the surrounding forest, as if emerging from the ruins.

2. Santi Ikto — Mandurah, Western Australia

Captured with the Milky Way blazing above, this wooden troll sits cross-legged in the sand, arms outstretched in awe. The moment merges sculpture with sky, turning the nocturnal landscape into a scene of cosmic wonder.

3. Helle Haltben — Jutland, Denmark

This wide-eyed troll crawls through a forest clearing, its playful grin and giant hands inviting visitors to come closer. With wooden braids and a necklace made from natural materials, it radiates childlike energy.

4. Jeppe Væktæppe — Jutland, Denmark

Hidden deep among trees, this troll grips a tree trunk with one hand, mid-lunge as if about to leap out from the undergrowth. Its spiky wooden hair and sharp expression give it a mischievous charm.

5. Little Nis — Bernheim Forest, Kentucky, USA

Leaning down to touch the water’s surface, this snowy scene captures a moment of peaceful stillness. The troll appears curious and gentle, with frost lightly dusting its wooden frame and the surrounding trees.

6. Lotte Lokkeklokke — Jutland, Denmark

Sitting comfortably with a massive bell at her side, this troll looks like a guardian of the forest. Shingled wood scales and long arms give her a sturdy, watchful presence.

7. Mama Mimi — Wilson, Wyoming, USA

Stretching out across a pond, this troll doubles as a bridge — with children walking across her wooden limbs. With a thoughtful expression, she rests her chin on one hand while gazing at the water.

8. Long Leif — Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, USA

Standing at 13 meters tall, Long Leif is the tallest troll ever made by Dambo. Towering above a child in red, this friendly giant smiles down with big ears and playful teeth, embodying both strength and joy.

9. Stifinder Stig — Jutland, Denmark

Crouched beneath a colorful patchwork tent held up by his outstretched arms, this troll looks like he’s inviting visitors into a secret hideaway. Bright fabrics and playful pose make it one of the most interactive trolls.

10. Mama Rosa — Wauwatosa, USA

Standing on a sandy hill at dusk, this troll gently holds a bundle of glowing streetlamps. Her soft expression and warm light give her a welcoming presence as she watches over the landscape near the woods.

🌍 Want to find a troll near you? Explore them all on the official Troll Map.

Which one is your favorite?

STREET ART UTOPIA

2025-07-26 22:01:00

When Street Art Meets Nature (40 Photos)

When street art meets nature, the results are stunning. Some artists blend their murals seamlessly with the landscape, while others use real plants to bring their work to life.

In Ecuador, El Decertor painted a mural that merges with the natural surroundings. In Martinique, Nuxuno Xän turned a tree trunk into part of a painted figure. In New York, OGMillie created a floral mural that brightens the urban space. In Brazil, Fábio Gomes Trindade’s portraits use real bougainvillea as hair, while in Poland, Natalia Rak painted a girl appearing to water a living tree.

These works show how street art and nature can come together in unexpected and beautiful ways.

More: 18 Stunning Land Art Creations by Jon Foreman: Nature’s Beauty in Stone Patterns

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By El Decertor – In Imbabura, Ecuador (2 photos)

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Flower Power by Fábio Gomes Trindade in Goiás, Brasil (3 artworks)

Raising Awareness: Street Art as a Conservation Tool

Nature-inspired street art can be a powerful means of drawing attention to endangered species and emphasizing the importance of preserving natural habitats. By using their talents, street artists can become advocates for environmental conservation and ignite conversations about our shared responsibility to protect the planet.

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By Nuxuno Xän – In Fort De France, Martinique

Inspiring Sustainability: Environmental Messages in Street Art

Street art that incorporates natural elements can also raise public awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainable living. These awe-inspiring creations can encourage people to reflect on their impact on the environment and take action to reduce their carbon footprint, recycle, and preserve nature.

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In Nicaragua

Creating a Sense of Place: Street Art Trails and Tourism

Street art can be used to design nature trails, where visitors can explore the environment while admiring artistic masterpieces. These trails promote tourism, allowing visitors to learn about the local ecosystem, culture, and history while appreciating the art. The fusion of street art and nature can foster a deep connection with the location and enhance the overall experience.

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Flower mural by OGMillie and Floratorium in New York (5 photos)

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In Pondicherry, India 2 photos

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By Robson Melancia in Dois Córregos, Brazil

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By Xanoy – Green Smile

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By SFHIR in Málaga, Spain

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By Fauxreel in Toronto, Canada

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Street Art by David Zinn (3 photos)

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“UMI” Sculpture by Daniel Popper in Lisle, Illinois 4 photos

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Cuteness overload! Chalk Art by David Zinn (6 photos)

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Legend about Giants by Natalia Rak in Białystok, Poland

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16 Photos – Street Art by Michael Pederson in Sydney, Australia

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Street Art by Pejac – A Collection

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By Jonna Pohjalainen – In Turku, Finland

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By Wild Drawing in Athens, Greece

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Banksy Bush

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By Oakoak in Avignon, France

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By Sandrine Boulet

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Street Art by Oakoak – Calvin and Hobbes

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87 Perler Bead by Pappas Pärlor -Collection 1

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By Dr Love at Upfest – In Bristol, England

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Moss Graffiti by Carly Schmitt

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The Green Carpet – In Jaujac, France 6 photos to see it all

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Small Girl and small apple – By Oakoak

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By Sandrine Boulet

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By Sandrine Boulet

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Street Art by JPS – A Collection (+40 photos)

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Garden Hot Air Balloon – By Oakoak

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Street Art by Vinie – A Collection (24 photos)

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The sleeping beauty – In Picardie, France

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“Beautiful Love” by Alter OS in Mexico City

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Come in to Light – Wooden Sculpture By Daniel Popper In Tulum, Mexico

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Clothespin Sculpture by Mehmet Ali Uysal in Belgium.

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The Caring Hand by Eva Oertli and Beat Huber in Glarus, Switzerland.

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Kindergarten children dropped seeds in the crack of the sidewalk to see what would happen.

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More: 8 Inspiring Sculptures Seamlessly Integrated with Nature

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Which one is your favorite?

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^{Street Art Utopia}

From cookie-loving bins to clever cyclist designs, these creative trash cans show how small details can bring humor, style, and smart function to public spaces. In this collection, you’ll see a dapper gentleman bin, a giant bottle recycling cage, cartoon faces painted on dumpsters, and more unusual ideas found around the world.

More: The City Has Eyes (8 Photos)

1. Bottle Bin

A yellow wire frame designed in the shape of a huge plastic bottle, serving as a recycling container for smaller bottles. Its oversized form makes recycling more engaging and visible in the park.

2. Cookie Monster Bin

A playful purple bin fitted with large googly eyes and a cookie at the opening, mimicking the Cookie Monster. A humorous design encouraging passersby to interact with the bin.

8. Gentleman Bin

A metal mesh bin transformed into a standing figure with shoes, gloves, and a top hat, giving the appearance of a saluting gentleman. A whimsical character in public space.

4. Cyclist’s Bin — Copenhagen, Denmark

A black tilted bin installed at an angle along a bike lane, making it easy for cyclists to dispose of trash while riding. A functional design tailored to the city’s cycling culture.

5. Cat Dumpsters

Two dumpsters painted with large, detailed cat faces, complete with whiskers and expressive eyes. The artwork humorously blends with a real cat passing by on the street.

6. Cartoon Bins

Two wheelie bins customized with airbrushed cartoon faces. One has a shocked expression, the other is blue and cheeky, sticking its tongue out. A playful twist on ordinary bins.

7. Cigarette Bin

A trash container shaped like an oversized cigarette butt, positioned by a bench to encourage smokers to dispose of their waste properly.

8. Donald Dump — Paris, France

A standard green bin topped with a folded cardboard box arranged to look like a head, complete with cut-out eyes and yellow hair. A temporary but striking urban character.

More: Made You Smile (8 Photos)

Which one is your favorite?

STREET ART UTOPIA

2025-11-07 16:15:05

The City Has Eyes (8 Photos)

From an earthquake detection “kit” in a school hallway to a trash bin channeling Cookie Monster, googly eyes have quietly become one of the most playful forms of street-level intervention. This collection brings together eight clever, charming, and unexpected urban artworks from around the world — where a pair of eyes is all it takes to give life to objects, trees, and everyday structures. Featuring moments from sidewalks, forests, parks, and roundabouts, this is public art at its most fun.

More: 16 Googly-Eyed Street Art Gems That I Love

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Cookie Monster Bin

A blue trash bin with white googly eyes becomes a comical likeness of Cookie Monster, especially with a real cookie placed just inside the opening like a mouth. The transformation invites smiles from passersby and encourages playful interaction with public infrastructure.

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Earthquake Detection Kit

A neon yellow sign taped to a beige brick wall reads “Earthquake Detection Kit,” with a pair of wobbling googly eyes stuck below the text. A tongue-in-cheek joke, it turns an otherwise dull wall into a moment of humor.

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Tree Stump Creature

A weathered tree stump near a lake is brought to life with two oversized googly eyes. Its gnarled roots resemble crawling limbs, making the stump appear like a wide-eyed forest creature peeking out from the shoreline.

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Staring Sculpture

A perforated spherical sculpture at a roadside location in Bend, Oregon has had a pair of googly eyes added. The eyes give the metal orb an expressive, animated look that humorously contrasts its abstract, static design.

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Pac-Man Bollards – By Vanyu Krastev

A cracked concrete traffic bollard shaped like a ball is transformed into a character resembling Pac-Man with the simple addition of two googly eyes. The mouth-like crack and playful gaze give personality to the damaged structure.

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Tree Hug – By Vanyu Krastev

A tree growing through a metal fence is given a whimsical face using googly eyes placed on the bars. The tree’s growth forms a natural mouth-like shape that, combined with a stub resembling a nose, creates a surprisingly expressive character.

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Giant Tree Monster

A tall evergreen tree is turned into a towering creature using two oversized inflatable eyeballs. The result is a hilarious and surreal visual that transforms an ordinary tree into a cartoonish park guardian.

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Deer Sculpture Surprise

A bronze sculpture of a mother deer and her fawn is playfully transformed with large googly eyes. The addition gives the pair a startled, cartoon-like expression, making this realistic public artwork suddenly feel animated and silly.

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With just two plastic eyes, artists and pranksters around the world are giving personality to the inanimate. These small interventions highlight the joy of noticing the overlooked and reshaping the mundane. Whether it’s a trash bin, tree, or bollard, nothing is safe from being googly-eyed — and we’re all better for it.

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More: Playing with statues (25 photos)

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Which one is your favorite?

Trash Artist BORDALO II

By BORDALO II in Bernex, Geneve, Switzerland.

More by BORDALO II on Street Art Utopia: 22 photos – A Collection of Street Art by Bordalo II

ABOUT BORDALO II: Artur Bordalo (Lisbon, 1987) uses the artist name Bordalo II, which he chose as a tribute to his grandfather, the painter Real Bordalo, in order to promote a continuity and reinvention of his artistic legacy.

His youth took place between the hours spent in the studio of his grandfather Real Bordalo, who had an incessant passion for watercolors and oils and portrayed landscapes and typical scenes of the city, and the adventures around illegal graffiti in the underworld of the city of Lisbon.

He attended the Painting course at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Lisbon for eight years, without ever having completed it, but says that these years allowed him to discover sculpture, ceramics, and to experiment with a variety of materials that have distanced him from painting, which had taken him there in the first place.

The public space would become the chosen stage for his explorations of color and scale and the platform where he gradually transformed his habits and channeled his experiences in the construction and development of his artistic work, which is currently focused on questioning the materialistic and greedy society of which he is (also) part.

The excessive production and consumption of stuff, which results in the continuous production of “garbage” and consequently in the destruction of the Planet, are the central themes of his production. This “garbage” assumes itself as the unusual and unique raw material that Bordalo uses in the construction of small and large scale pieces that he has spread around the world and that, above all, intend to be the vehicle of a universal manifesto.

STREET ART UTOPIA

2015-09-03 19:11:04

22 photos – A Collection of Street Art by Bordalo II

On Facebook.

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This is a collection of Street Art by Bordalo II.

ABOUT: Artur Bordalo (Lisbon, 1987) uses the artist name Bordalo II, which he chose as a tribute to his grandfather, the painter Real Bordalo, in order to promote a continuity and reinvention of his artistic legacy.

His youth took place between the hours spent in the studio of his grandfather Real Bordalo, who had an incessant passion for watercolors and oils and portrayed landscapes and typical scenes of the city, and the adventures around illegal graffiti in the underworld of the city of Lisbon.

He attended the Painting course at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Lisbon for eight years, without ever having completed it, but says that these years allowed him to discover sculpture, ceramics, and to experiment with a variety of materials that have distanced him from painting, which had taken him there in the first place.

The public space would become the chosen stage for his explorations of color and scale and the platform where he gradually transformed his habits and channeled his experiences in the construction and development of his artistic work, which is currently focused on questioning the materialistic and greedy society of which he is (also) part.

The excessive production and consumption of stuff, which results in the continuous production of “garbage” and consequently in the destruction of the Planet, are the central themes of his production. This “garbage” assumes itself as the unusual and unique raw material that Bordalo uses in the construction of small and large scale pieces that he has spread around the world and that, above all, intend to be the vehicle of a universal manifesto.

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On Facebook.


On Facebook.


On Facebook.


On Facebook.

Belépés a Facebookra

Ha belépsz a Facebookra, elkezdhetsz tartalmakat megosztani és megkeresni a barátaidat, a családtagjaidat, az ismerőseidet.

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Iberian Lynx Cat by BORDALO II. Made of plastic waste in Lisboa, Portugal.

With attention to detail, BORDALO II creates inspiring and imaginative pieces made of waste, “Trash Animals”, that beautify public spaces and raise awareness about the impact of human activity on nature. His art merges creativity with a powerful ecological message, making him a standout figure in the street art world.

Like what you see? Follow BORDALO II here!

Do you like cats? More here!: 43 Purrfect Street Art Pieces: A Tribute to Our Cats

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GusUTRG9nwY&ab_channel=IftikharAhmadUsmani

More from recent years by BORDALO II:

“Bear” in Turin, Italy.

“The Dublin Red Squirrel” in Dublin, Ireland.

“Barbary Baby and Mom Monkey” in Viseu, Portugal.

Need more?: 22 photos – A Collection of Street Art by Bordalo II

This is a collection from 2015 of some of BORDALO II most beloved trash art sculptures.

Do you like trash art?

STREET ART UTOPIA

2015-09-03 19:11:04

22 photos – A Collection of Street Art by Bordalo II

On Facebook.

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This is a collection of Street Art by Bordalo II.

ABOUT: Artur Bordalo (Lisbon, 1987) uses the artist name Bordalo II, which he chose as a tribute to his grandfather, the painter Real Bordalo, in order to promote a continuity and reinvention of his artistic legacy.

His youth took place between the hours spent in the studio of his grandfather Real Bordalo, who had an incessant passion for watercolors and oils and portrayed landscapes and typical scenes of the city, and the adventures around illegal graffiti in the underworld of the city of Lisbon.

He attended the Painting course at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Lisbon for eight years, without ever having completed it, but says that these years allowed him to discover sculpture, ceramics, and to experiment with a variety of materials that have distanced him from painting, which had taken him there in the first place.

The public space would become the chosen stage for his explorations of color and scale and the platform where he gradually transformed his habits and channeled his experiences in the construction and development of his artistic work, which is currently focused on questioning the materialistic and greedy society of which he is (also) part.

The excessive production and consumption of stuff, which results in the continuous production of “garbage” and consequently in the destruction of the Planet, are the central themes of his production. This “garbage” assumes itself as the unusual and unique raw material that Bordalo uses in the construction of small and large scale pieces that he has spread around the world and that, above all, intend to be the vehicle of a universal manifesto.

—

On Facebook.


On Facebook.


On Facebook.


On Facebook.

Belépés a Facebookra

Ha belépsz a Facebookra, elkezdhetsz tartalmakat megosztani és megkeresni a barátaidat, a családtagjaidat, az ismerőseidet.

^Facebook

On Facebook.

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This is a collection of Street Art by Bordalo II.

ABOUT: Artur Bordalo (Lisbon, 1987) uses the artist name Bordalo II, which he chose as a tribute to his grandfather, the painter Real Bordalo, in order to promote a continuity and reinvention of his artistic legacy.

His youth took place between the hours spent in the studio of his grandfather Real Bordalo, who had an incessant passion for watercolors and oils and portrayed landscapes and typical scenes of the city, and the adventures around illegal graffiti in the underworld of the city of Lisbon.

He attended the Painting course at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Lisbon for eight years, without ever having completed it, but says that these years allowed him to discover sculpture, ceramics, and to experiment with a variety of materials that have distanced him from painting, which had taken him there in the first place.

The public space would become the chosen stage for his explorations of color and scale and the platform where he gradually transformed his habits and channeled his experiences in the construction and development of his artistic work, which is currently focused on questioning the materialistic and greedy society of which he is (also) part.

The excessive production and consumption of stuff, which results in the continuous production of “garbage” and consequently in the destruction of the Planet, are the central themes of his production. This “garbage” assumes itself as the unusual and unique raw material that Bordalo uses in the construction of small and large scale pieces that he has spread around the world and that, above all, intend to be the vehicle of a universal manifesto.

—

On Facebook.


On Facebook.


On Facebook.


On Facebook.

Ariel by Herr Nilsson at Mälaren in Stockholm, Sweden

First artwork from Herr Nilssons ‘Clean Street Art’ Series

By Herr Nilsson cooperation with Rena Mälaren in Stockholm, Sweden.

Herr Nilsson: “After many years of provocative street art around the world, I was looking for something new and meaningful closer to home. When a friend presented the idea of creating something unique from scrap found on the bed of lakes and waterways, therefore highlighting a very important environmental issue, it immediately sounded just right. With the help of Rena Mälaren and an enormous number of hours later, the sculpture is finally ready to see the light of day!”
Herr Nilsson building Ariel in Stockholm, Sweden

Constructed from rubbish

Today Herr Nilsson revealed Ariel, entirely constructed from rubbish from Lake Mälaren in front of the Royal Palace in Stockholm. The rubbish is retrieved by Rena Mälaren, the non-profit organisation that specialises in retrieving garbage from the bottom of the lake. Ariel is the first sculpture in a ‘Clean Street Art’ series in Stockholm, an inspiring new initiative to protect our seas. More sculptures in this series will be installed in various public locations around Stockholm during summer.

• Fredrik Johansson, Rena Mälaren cleaning in Västerås 2021 © Oskar Kihlborg
• Fredrik Johansson, Rena Mälaren cleaning in Västerås 2021 © Oskar Kihlborg

Ariel consists of mobile phones, cord phones, a vacuum cleaner, a sink, an oil barrel, a car tyre, a computer mouse, a watch, screws, and circuit boards. Key features such as Ariel’s hair are made from hoses, while her eyes are discarded CPU fans. Most notably, one of her raised middle fingers are represented by a knife, while the rocks situated at the front of the sculpture are old lead boat batteries, which are incredibly damaging to the environment.

Ariel and her soon-to-be companions are not only works of art, but symbols of the importance of
protecting our waters. For as long as she remains in position, Ariel can be seen with her two middle fingers up, saying F*** OFF to those who pollute the seas, oceans and waterways, day after day.

About Herr Nilsson

Herr Nilsson broke onto the international street art scene in 2012 when he painted a series of paintings titled ‘Dark Princesses’, including Snow White, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty armed with knives and pistols. The Disney princesses lurked around street corners in Stockholm where they appeared to wait for passers-by. As a result, Herr Nilsson was invited to a number of exhibitions in New York, Miami, London and Tel Aviv. The collectors of his work are found all over the world, among them being famous financiers and royalty.
Ariel and Herr Nilsson at Mälaren in Stockholm, Sweden
https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ1N6AzNwwc/