Life is a Dream

On the side of a residential block in Amsterdam Nieuw-West, a playful dreamscape unfolds across the façade. Bright blue fish with Pez’s trademark grinning faces float through a pale yellow sky, while children sail boats, gaze into the distance, and soar on the backs of these fantastical creatures. With paper stars and clouds scattered across the scene, the mural blurs the line between reality and imagination.

This collaboration between Spanish artist Pez and Colombian artist Chicadania brings together two distinct voices. Pez’s iconic smiling fish—symbols of joy and positivity—swim through Chicadania’s surreal, childlike universe of wonder and possibility. The result is a mural that celebrates innocence, freedom, and the limitless nature of dreams.

Placed above a playground, Life is a Dream resonates deeply with its setting. It invites children and adults alike to see the world through a lens of creativity, encouraging play not just on the ground but also in the imagination. The work transforms the wall into a reminder that joy, fantasy, and hope are essential parts of urban life.

Pez (1976, Barcelona) started graffiti painting in the outskirts of his hometown, back in 1999. He helped transform tagging into the bold characters and vibrant visuals we now call street art. Pez’s alter ego is an always smiling fish, which says a lot about his positive character and a lust to spread happiness everywhere. Swapping a career in software for the streets, he found freedom, adrenaline, and endless creativity in the urban landscape. His work has been featured in major documentaries like Exit Through the Gift Shop and countless books and magazines on graffiti culture. Beyond the walls, Pez has collaborated with global brands including Adidas, Toyota, and Reebok, making his playful, energetic style recognizable worldwide.