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Seller Frank Willems
Year: 2025
Size: 50 x 56 x 6 cm
Materials: Acrylic, marker, spraypaint on re-used wood
TRANQUIL MONKEY presents a sharp and playful response to the spirit of our times, where opinions are shouted loudly, from left to right and from right to left. Everyone seems determined to push their views forward, often leaving no space for silence, nuance, or personal peace.
Each artwork depicts a monkey in a different meditation pose, surrounded by the text: PLEASE DO NOT DISTURB THE TRANQUIL MONKEY. The monkey sits in serene stillness, unaffected by the storm of opinions and protests that rage around it.
Beneath each framed piece protrudes a cheeky but cleverly designed mechanism: a movable monkey penis. When the viewer moves it back and forth (from left to right and right to left 😉), the monkey’s eyes roll. This playful interaction ironically highlights how even in moments of deep calm, a minimal external trigger can provoke an inner reaction. Yet the monkey remains seated: undisturbed, meditative, steadfast.
TRANQUIL MONKEY is not only a commentary on the hysteria of public opinion and endless activism, but also a plea for the right to inner peace. A simple message that says:
Leave me alone.
Hashtags:
#tranquil #monkey #meditation #zen #urbanart #streetart #popart #neoexpressionism #frankwillems
Frank is a contemporary Dutch artist whose work blends urban art, pop art, and neo-expressionism. He focuses on creating art using used and discarded materials, primarily wood. With a playful and humorous approach, Frank explores themes such as sex, the current zeitgeist, and contemporary events. His subjects range from serious issues to absurd improbabilities, including personal experiences from his life.
Though he describes himself as not the best speaker, preferring to maintain a low profile in discussions, Frank is an astute observer of the world around him. He uses these observations as inspiration for his art, prioritizing thought-provoking themes over expressing his own opinions. Central themes in his work include life, freedom, and equality.
Frank's artworks have been exhibited at various shows across the Netherlands, , and the USA. His pieces have been auctioned by Christie’s, and he has participated in notable events such as KunstRai in Amsterdam. Additionally, he held a residency at Sofitel Legend The Grand in Amsterdam. Collectors from around the globe proudly own his art, reflecting his impact on the contemporary art scene.
- Nationality: NETHERLANDS
- Date of birth : 1987
- Artistic domains: Works by professional artists,
- Groups: Contemporary Dutch Artists
Frank Willems: In my work I try to bring different themes to light 
