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As always, we’re thrilled to share artistic gems we discover from around the world, and this time it’s Jan Is De Man, who has kindly agreed to share his work with our amazing community! Some of you might remember our posts from a few years back, where we featured one of the artist’s most famous projects to date. You can read about the mural showcasing the giant bookcase on an apartment building, featuring residents' favorite books, created by the artist in Utrecht, Netherlands.

Now, we’ve decided to pick our top 30 favorite works by Jan Is De Man, because these extraordinary pieces of art are simply too amazing to miss. So, enjoy exploring this stunning collection of murals and reading our exclusive interview to learn more about the artist and his work.

More info: Instagram | Facebook | janisdeman.com

#1

Hyperrealistic mural by Jan Is De Man depicting a bookshelf illusion on a city building wall.

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CD Mills
Community Member
10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a lifelong reader and lover of books, this is my favorite!

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Bored Panda wanted to learn more about the artist and his incredible projects, so we reached out to discuss his work. When we asked him about the most unusual place he’s ever created a mural, Jan Is De Man responded: “I have been painting for pretty much years now, I have been painting coffins, pregnant ladies, shoes, trains, cars boats…” He went on to mention a few more impressive places he’s used as canvases for his artwork: Massive buildings in suburbs, super high-end rich places, police stations, historic monuments, and so on.”

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    #2

    Hyperrealistic mural by Jan Is De Man of a bird on a small brick building in a rural setting.

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    Cee Cee
    Community Member
    10 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Really like this. Lots of blue tits in my garden.

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    We were curious about the biggest challenges the artist faces when working on large-scale paintings. Here’s what we found out: “A big mural had a pretty big impact on the living environment of the people. It can bring a lot of joy but also the other way around…

    The biggest challenge for me is to bring something beautiful that makes my art heart beat faster without forgetting that I create something in the open space where people are confronted every day… If both of them feel good - I am super grateful and happy.”

    #4

    Mural by Jan Is De Man depicting a hyperrealistic scene with flowers and a shell, painted on a city building wall.

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    #5

    Mural by Jan Is De Man featuring blue eyes, creating a hyperrealistic illusion on a city wall.

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    When asked about a bucket-list location where he could paint with unlimited creative freedom, Jan Is De Man said: “For a few years already I have a big dream of painting a rainbow on a bridge. Because some bridges have the perfect shape for this illusion. Not just a simple kid-like rainbow but the illusion that there is a permanent rainbow. I have put a lot of energy and time into this concept but for now, I didn’t find a good partnership and location to get this concept realized.”

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    Then, the mural artist added: “The other dream is to go to China and to create something that enriches the environment over there.”

    #6

    Mural by Jan Is De Man depicting hyperrealistic bookshelves on a city building wall.

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    Lastly, we wanted to find out if the artist could pick a personal favorite from the murals he’s created so far. Jan Is De Man responded: “There are a lot of murals that have special meaning for me, some have adventurous stories behind them, some are artistically fulfilling, some brought a lot of people together…” He elaborated, sharing more about specific paintings: “The bookcase project which is filled with favorite books from the local residents gives me and all the involved ones a lot of energy.

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    But the giraffe I painted in Utrecht is strong because the vertical garden that is perpendicular to it grows fast and ensures that within a few years, the climbing plants are so high that the plants reach the mouth of the giraffe. this is actually a drawing that gets better every year. until then you can still see my painted plants.”

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    #9

    Hyperrealistic mural by Jan Is De Man on city wall, depicting a bookshelf illusion with detailed books.

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    CD Mills
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Every bookcase mural is going to get my upvote!

    #10

    Hyperrealistic urban art by Jan Is De Man with concrete blocks resembling faces on a city street.

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    #13

    Hyperrealistic mural by Jan Is De Man depicting a vintage car on a brick wall in an urban setting.

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    #14

    Hyperrealistic mural by Jan Is De Man on a building wall, featuring a colorful crossword puzzle design.

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    #17

    Mural by Jan Is De Man depicting a green surreal hyperrealistic illusion on a city building wall.

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    Amy Beckler
    Community Member
    Premium
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wanna just follow that green-plank path...

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    #18

    Mural of books on city wall by Jan Is De Man, showcasing stunning hyperrealistic illusions.

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    #19

    Hyperrealistic illusion mural by Jan Is De Man on a city wall, depicting a detailed bookshelf with various books.

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    #20

    Mural by Jan Is De Man, depicting hyperrealistic bookshelf illusion on a building wall.

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    Amy Beckler
    Community Member
    Premium
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ...keep trying to read the titles of those books...

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    #21

    Hyperrealistic mural of a mouse and elephant shadow on city wall by Jan Is De Man.

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    #22

    Mural by Jan Is De Man depicting a ship with towering colorful containers creating a stunning hyperrealistic illusion.

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    #23

    Hyperrealistic mural by Jan Is De Man depicting a lighthouse on a building wall in a cityscape.

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    NJ P
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love the angry seagull!

    #24

    Hyperrealistic mural by Jan Is De Man depicting a whale in an indoor city wall setting, creating an illusionary effect.

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    Amy Beckler
    Community Member
    Premium
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Humpback dreams...

    #25

    Hyperrealistic mural by Jan Is De Man on a city building wall, featuring geometric patterns and historical signage.

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    #26

    Hyperrealistic illusions by Jan Is De Man, featuring smiling oranges on a city wall.

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    Amy Beckler
    Community Member
    Premium
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Tangerine dream...

    #27

    Hyperrealistic mural by Jan Is De Man on a city building, depicting a face illusion with windows as eyes.

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    #28

    City wall mural by Jan Is De Man, featuring large, realistic eyes creating a hyperrealistic illusion on a street.

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    #29

    City wall mural by Jan Is De Man, depicting a hyperrealistic underwater scene on a multi-story building.

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    Amy Beckler
    Community Member
    Premium
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love this watery illusion.

    #30

    Hyperrealistic mural by Jan Is De Man on a city wall, depicting a food item in an oversized vending machine.

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