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Stefan Thelen, also known as Super A, is a Dutch artist who uses traditional painting techniques to deconstruct our well-known cartoon, fairy tale and pop culture characters. He created the series "Trapped" in which he "peels away" the surface of iconic personages, revealing what's really hiding inside of them.

Scroll down to get to know the real Mickey Mouse, Garfield, Sonic, and many other iconic figures! We encourage you to upvote your favorite paintings! Let us know what you think about Stefan's work by leaving a comment!

More info: Instagram | super-a.nl

Bored Panda got in touch with Stefan to get to know more about him and his creative process. We got curious about how his journey as an artist started. The artist replied that he's been drawing since he was a kid. Then, at the age of thirteen/fourteen, his brother introduced him to painting graffiti. "Hooked from day one, it was a great way to express and develop myself as a kid. After I finished my education as a house/sign painter and study in graphic design, I ended up at a studio specializing in cinema painting and set design. During the eight years that I worked at that company, I learned a lot of different crafts like sculpting, decoration and painting technics that I later started using for my personal work."

#3

Kermit The Frog

Kermit The Frog

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Natasha Hessler
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sorry but this makes me think of the dish frog legs and salad in so many ways

Jennifer Potter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Apparently, it's not easy being green, by the looks of that poor froggie's frown!

the Return of Bruno
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Kermit the Frog isn't a frog; he's a lizard. Yeah, I know... It's just a name. Toad isn't a frog either.

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The idea of "Trapped" came to Stefan when he was working as a sculptor and painter for amusement parks like Warner and Disney, "helping them to create a beautiful fake world which in the end isn't that beautiful after all. After a while, I found out it was time to create my own world. The trapped series is a perfect way to show these two worlds together."

"Every work has a story or message. One of the returning subjects in my work is a contradiction. I love to play with the contrast and tension between two opposites and show them in one work."

The artist shared that the first reaction when people see his work for the first time is probably, Hey! That's Mickey! But after a few seconds, they notice something is wrong.

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#7

Hello Kitty

Hello Kitty

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olx
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

did you know hello kitty is actually a little girl. so is hello daniel (? whatever the boyfriend is meant to be called)

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According to Stefan, the time it takes to create one painting depends on the piece. "Small pieces can take a few days while big pieces can take a few weeks. I can't spend months on work. I'll lose my patience and interest after a while. Overall I'm a fast painter. I try to paint as confidently as possible, which results in leaving parts for what they are. It doesn't need to be perfect."

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"Talking about work, I'm a blessed guy. It's the only thing I want to do. I love the whole process of coming up with ideas and challenging myself to find a way to do them. One way or another.

Next to all the planned murals and shows, the most interesting project at the moment is that I'm challenging myself to slowly make a transition in my work. I have a lot of new ideas which I'm testing. So I'm doing a lot of research and figuring out ways to execute and present these concepts. So far it's a beautiful struggle."

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#11

Sonic The Hedgehog

Sonic The Hedgehog

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#18

Mickey Mouse

Mickey Mouse

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Epona
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm confused. Mickey is a mouse. This looks more like a rat. The tail is too thick, and the body is too large.

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#19

Mr. Krabs, Squidward, Sponge Bob Squarepants, Patrick Star, Gary

Mr. Krabs, Squidward, Sponge Bob Squarepants, Patrick Star, Gary

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#20

Tom And Jerry

Tom And Jerry

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Narwhal Blast
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think Jerry is supposed to be a brown mouse, not a grey one? If I'm seeing the colours right.

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#24

Woody Woodpecker

Woody Woodpecker

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#28

Goofy, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse And Donald Duck

 Goofy, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse And Donald Duck

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Anke Kügler
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm really bothered that Goofy got pointy ears. Dogs with floppy ears do exist, ya know...

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#31

Canary Tweety And Cat Sylvester

Canary Tweety And Cat Sylvester

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#33

Sheriff Woody And Horse Bullseye

Sheriff Woody And Horse Bullseye

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Golden Godess
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is this supposed to be that napoleon painting? Just a guess, sorry if I’m inaccurate.

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#34

Alice In Wonderland

Alice In Wonderland

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#35

Daffy Duck

Daffy Duck

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Epona
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have always been confused as to how Daffy is a Mallard, if he doesn't have the proper colouring (the green head and the brown chest and the whitish underbelly). Maybe this was easier/less expensive to animate and colour?

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