De Koolmees by Danny Rumbl

The tomtit stands out prominently against the green background, precisely defined and adorned in vivid hues. This element is positioned amidst a variety of other components, including a flower, a tennis ball, a sneaker, a hamburger, and ice cream. The bird serves as the central figure due to its connection with the famous restaurant “De Koolmees” (the Dutch word for “tomtit”). The inclusion of food items relates to the restaurant’s theme. When the artist created this mural, “De Koolmees” was at the intersection of 1e Middellandstraat and Gravendijkwal; the establishment found a new place at West-Kruiskade, in the same area as the mural. The other unrelated objects depicted are everyday items commonly found in Danny’s work. The artist employs a style marked by minimal shading and color gradients, choosing solid colors with definitive outlines, which he often applies thickly.

About the artist:

With over 20 years of experience, this Rotterdam artist continues pursuing his greatest passion. What began as graffiti lettering under the name Rumble, which he took from the line in boxing and fighting matches, “ready to rumble;” his first crew, Million Dollar Boys, started tagging his name without the “e,” which Danny adopted because it sounded more distinctive. He was first introduced to graffiti in 1999, inspired by the works of other graffiti artists. However, drawing has been a hobby of his since he was a child. His style merges cartoon characters, pop culture symbols, Hip-Hop references, nature, and the food industry. Still, animal characters with a human twist would be his favorites, plus the ’60s/’70s cartoons reinvented in his style.

Before painting the murals, sketching is an essential part of his creative process. He prefers to do it so as not to repeat drawings and constantly innovate with his paintings. Danny does commissioned and non-commissioned work, but painting in abandoned places is something that he appreciates the most. You can see his work throughout the city, even in the most hidden spots and small details, such as stickers.