Pac Man

Alongside a quiet street in Amsterdam, ordinary concrete blocks and barriers have been transformed into a playful scene straight out of the 1980s. Painted bright yellow with a triangular mouth, a cylindrical bollard becomes Pac-Man, while the square blocks behind it are reimagined as the iconic ghosts—Blinky, Pinky, Inky and Clyde—complete with pixelated eyes. Together, they recreate the endless chase of the classic arcade game in the middle of everyday urban space. The work is by French street artist OakOak, known for his humorous interventions that turn the mundane fabric of the city into something imaginative. By seeing possibilities where most people see obstacles, he reanimates the street with wit and nostalgia. Pac-Man connects generations through its instantly recognisable imagery, inviting passersby to smile and remember the joy of play. What was once a row of dull concrete suddenly becomes a scene of movement and fun, proof that art can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.

OakOak (France) is a street artist known for turning the everyday cityscape into a playful visual playground. Born and based in Saint-Étienne, he began intervening in the streets in the mid-2000s, transforming cracks in the pavement, broken walls, pipes and road signs into witty, unexpected characters. Using simple paint, sharp observation and a mischievous sense of humour, OakOak creates small interventions that make people stop, smile and see their city differently. His works blend pop-culture references, cartoon energy and clever site-specific ideas, proving that even the tiniest detail can spark imagination. Though he keeps his identity anonymous, OakOak’s creations have travelled worldwide through festivals, books and exhibitions, yet they always remain rooted in the joy of discovery. With each piece, he reminds us that art doesn’t need a big wall or bold colours to shine; sometimes, all it takes is a tiny joke in the right place.