Originally from Utrecht, in the Netherlands, JanIsDeMan is one of those artists capable of turning the city into a giant illustrated book. His murals always arise from a dialogue with the surrounding environment — always with a touch of illusion.
Every surface — whether the anonymous façade of a house or a sharp-edged wall — becomes the inspiration for site-specific compositions that are never random. His style is instantly recognizable: large eyes drawn on buildings that seem to come alive, bookshelves filled with titles chosen by neighborhood residents, trompe-l’œils that open imaginary windows into the cities where JanIsDeMan works.
His murals always contain a touch of irony and a lightness that never feels superficial. JanIsDeMan uses the language of public art to create connections, spark imagination, and sometimes convey deeper messages — but never in a direct or didactic way. Some of his more recent projects show just how central this connection with people and place is to his work. In Utrecht, for example, he created an interactive mural at an animal shelter, asking local residents to pick their favorite books, which were then physically included in the composition. The result is a massive bookshelf that reflects the identity of the community.
The same logic can be found in “Stairway to Knowledge,” a mural created in 2025 at Utrecht Science Park: an optical illusion that transforms a simple wall into a staircase climbing toward a world made of books and knowledge. It’s a work that doesn’t just decorate, but sparks reflection and invites viewers to ascend — metaphorically — toward something higher.
What started as a rebellious act with a spray can in hand has now become a true social project, with the goal of making people smile, surprising them, and — above all — involving them. Because art, according to him (and we agree), isn’t something to admire from a distance, but something to breathe in every day life.
