Michiel Folkers

Collaging the Streets of Amsterdam

Michiel Folkers, also known as Gieler , born 1982, is a Dutch street artist whose work bridges graffiti, pop art, and collage. His artistic journey began in the late 1990s, where he initially experimented with graffiti, creating bold lettering on walls. Over time, as he matured, Michiel transitioned from graffiti to street art, drawn to its less confrontational and more expressive nature.

Artistic Evolution

In his early days, Michiel’s work focused on stencilling, a technique that allowed for greater detail and speed. His first major series, titled “Anti-Heroes,” featured lesser-known celebrities, challenging the typical subjects of pop art. Though it garnered attention, the concept of painting B-list actors didn’t resonate with a wide audience. This period of experimentation led Michiel to discover collage, a medium that would define his later work.

Style and Techniques

Michiel’s signature collage technique involves layering street posters he collects from Amsterdam's urban landscape. These posters, often torn, weathered, and bleached by the elements, give his work a raw, living quality. His use of found materials extends to old, broken tools, such as blunt knives and damaged brushes, which help create unique and unpredictable textures. Alongside collage, Michiel integrates spray paint, stencilling, and screen-printing to mimic the aesthetic of city walls.

Inspiration and Themes

The chaotic yet vibrant streets of Amsterdam have been a constant source of inspiration for Michiel. From festival posters to flyers advertising lost pets, he finds beauty in the worn, damaged visuals that line the city’s walls. His work often features iconic figures—mainly women and comic book characters—but always through the lens of urban decay and street culture. Since 2017, he has shifted towards more abstract compositions, striving to impose order on the chaos by meticulously balancing colour palettes and placement.

Notable Achievements

Michiel’s work has gained international attention, with exhibitions both in his native Amsterdam and abroad. He frequently travels to collect posters from different cities, capturing the unique street vibes of each location and incorporating them into his art.