Dutch Artist Brings Life Into Animated Characters By "Unwrapping" Them

We all grew up with the charming characters from Disney and Studio Ghibli films, but have you ever wondered what lies beneath their perfect, cartoonish façades? Dutch artist Stefan Thelen, better known as Super A, delves into the dark side of these iconic figures in his latest ongoing series, "Trapped."
Through acrylic renderings of familiar scenes from classic animated films, Thelen peels back the layers of fantasy to reveal a more realistic portrayal of these beloved characters. Ariel from The Little Mermaid and San from Princess Mononoke are just a couple of the popular characters that Thelen strips down, juxtaposing their cute appearance with a more lifelike interpretation. Don't miss the chance to see your favorite cartoons in a whole new light with Stefan Thelen's "Trapped" series.
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#1. Kermit the Frog

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But Thelen's art is more than just a visual feast for the eyes. Each painting features a tight spiral ribbon, symbolizing the masks we wear in our daily lives. By "unwrapping" these characters, Thelen encourages us to examine our own masks and reveal a small part of ourselves.

#2. Donald the Duck

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Thelen's background as a sculptor and painter for amusement parks like Warner and Disney inspired him to create his own world, and "Trapped" is the perfect way to showcase his unique perspective. You can own a piece of Thelen's stunning art by purchasing prints from his online store, or stay updated on his latest projects by following him on Instagram.

#3. Bart Simpson

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#4. Itchy & Scratchy

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#5. Sonic the Hedgehog

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#6. Garfield

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#7. Sylvester and Tweety Bird

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#8. The Little Mermaid

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#9. “My Neighbor Totoro”

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#10. Spirited Away

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#11. Princess Mononoke

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#12. Buzz Lightyear

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#13. Mighty Mouse

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#14. Jose Carioca

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#15. Woody

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#16. The Adventures of Tintin

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#17. Mr. Peanut

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Which one of these animated characters left an impression on you? Make sure to visit our website for more art-related articles!