For nearly two decades, the mysterious street artist known only as "Peng" has been quietly transforming Frankfurt's urban landscape with his distinctive stick figure characters. Now, this beloved anonymous creator is stepping into the gallery space with his first solo exhibition, "The Forbidden Pictures," running from September 5-26 at the off-space Parfümerie on Kaiserstraße 46 in Frankfurt's Bahnhofsviertel district.
Peng's unmistakable artwork can be found throughout Frankfurt's streets, often appearing in the most unexpected places. His simple yet expressive stick figures grace electrical boxes, posts, signs, and pillars across the city, sometimes barely visible to the casual observer. These small drawings have become an integral part of Frankfurt's street art culture, with many residents now actively searching for new Peng creations as part of an ongoing citywide treasure hunt.
The artist's signature characters range from endearing figures with long noses reaching skyward and smiling faces connected by flowing lines, to more serious iterations bearing crosses on their heads accompanied by the words "Mea Culpa" – a pointed reference to the Catholic Church's confession of guilt. According to Peng, these basic figures evolved organically from his drawing practice, beginning with simple circles that he extended with single strokes beyond the head.
What sets Peng apart from many street artists is his respectful approach to urban art. He deliberately avoids painting on freshly renovated facades, a practice that has helped him avoid legal troubles and complaints from property owners. "I don't want to destroy a building's aesthetics," the artist explains, a philosophy that may contribute to his widespread acceptance among Frankfurt residents. This thoughtful approach has earned him devoted fans and thousands of followers on his Instagram channel, with some admirers even getting tattoos of his designs.
Peng's artwork has evolved from small, hidden pieces to large-scale murals adorning entire walls of abandoned high-rises and vacant buildings. His reach has expanded beyond Frankfurt's urban core, with his figures now appearing in more rural settings, discretely placed among traditional half-timbered houses and greenery. The artist has been active for almost 20 years, making him one of Frankfurt's most enduring street art figures.
For the Frankfurt Art Experience exhibition, Peng has created new work specifically for the gallery space, utilizing spray cans to transform an entire wall and the storefront windows. What's particularly innovative about these new pieces is his approach to composition – rather than individual figures, he's creating ensembles where multiple stick figures connect through interweaving lines, forming cohesive larger works. The exhibition also offers visitors the opportunity to purchase smaller canvas works to take home.
Despite his fame, Peng maintains his anonymity religiously. In his other life, he works as a social worker, and he has no intention of revealing his true identity anytime soon. "Having a name that's so well-known throughout the city while simultaneously having nobody know who I am – that has a very unique appeal," he shared in an interview on the Art Experience website. This dual existence allows him to continue his guerrilla art practice while maintaining his professional life.
Until Peng decides to solve the mystery of his identity, Frankfurt residents and visitors can continue their ongoing game of Peng-spotting throughout the city's streets, sharing discoveries and marveling at the poetry this anonymous artist brings to urban spaces. His exhibition represents a rare opportunity to see his work in a formal setting, while his street art continues to surprise and delight those who stumble upon it in their daily travels through Germany's financial capital.
