Bookcase

Utrecht based graffiti artist Jan Heinsbroek (aka JanIsDeMan) realizes lively 3D paintings for local communities who want to connect. He aims to create projects ‘where everyone can identify themselves’ by asking for the involvement of the residents’ who commission him. Jan Is De Man’s most recent gift to a neighbourhood is this whimsical tri-level trompe l’oeil wall mural bookcase on a house in Tilburg.
Part of the 3D street art concept is to involve the residents in the artistic process, “We enter the community by asking people for their favorite books. Everybody, every age, every culture, every language is welcome. The only rule I set up to participate in this art project is: no political books and no religious books. Besides that, every book title is welcome.” This way Jan manages to capture the spirit of the residents with an array of their favorite books.
Since his bookcase murals have been unveiled they have become not only an artistic source to bring the neighbours together but also a wall for people to visit for literary selfies. “The neighborhood where the works are made are often filled with different cultures. And I’ve noticed that this project brings people together without pushing it. They meet each other through books. Regardless of the differences in cultures, regardless of the differences in political point of views. Regardless of being extreme right or extreme left.” - (free from) Bored Panda

Jan's bookcase murals have already attracted international attention. Jan painted them in England (London), France (Boulogne-sur-Mer), Belgium (Mons) and now in Tilburg.