There is always a story behind every artwork that we see. It may be the beautiful painting that you saw in a museum or the mural that caught your attention while walking along the sidewalk.

Whoever the person behind that artwork, it surely has a significant story. Most of the time, it is about what they feel or what they are going through right at that moment while they were painting it.

Every artwork will always leave us stunned and curious at the same time.

This is what probably the residents of Utrecht, Netherlands felt upon witnessing a beautiful mural bookcase on an apartment building in their city.

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According to Bored Panda, the mastermind behind this amazing artwork is Jan Is De Man. Along with him is his fellow street artist Deef Feed.

As they come up with this captivating artwork, it is safe to assume that they have a genuine camaraderie.

Well, Jan Is De Man told Bored Panda that he has worked with him in several street art pieces already. Aside from that, he is also the co-owner of “Blackbook Tattoos”, which is their tattoo shop and situated in the center of Utrecht.

Jan Is De Man’s laudable purpose of painting a whimsical tri-level trompe l’oeil mural bookcase in Utrecht just made it more beautiful.

It is for the residents.

All of his paintings have this aim – ‘where everyone can identify themselves’. And it is also what he did to this particular project.

He said that the people who live on the ground floor have always wanted a mural painted by him. They also wanted something positive – and that is what he followed.

When they were still thinking of ideas, the first thing that he thought of was to paint a smiley but he realized that it was too simple.

“I know the people who live on the ground floor very well. They’ve wanted a mural by my hand for a while. They also wanted to let me feel free in my design as long as it would bring something positive to their neighborhood. The first idea was to paint a smiley. A huge smiley. Because I believe people become happier when they see a smiley every day. But this idea didn’t feel complete, and it felt too simple.”

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Jan also shared how he come up with painting a huge bookcase:

“I studied the shape of the house and the location where this house stands in, and suddenly the idea of making a huge bookcase hit me. I love making 3D art illusions on walls, and I like to see smiles on people’s faces and this idea (I thought meanwhile) could bring all this together.”

Do you know what made it more special for the residents of Utrecht?

The artists made sure that it is for them and about them.

They even asked some people in the community about the books that they love. They considered every age, every culture, and every language. One thing though, their rule was not to include political books and religious books. Other than that, any book is welcome.

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The result of this artwork that is full of passion is indeed great. Ever since it was unveiled to the public, many people who stop by to see it make sure that they take selfies with this beautiful painting.

It also connected the people especially the residents despite their cultural diversity.

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“The neighborhood where this work was made is filled with different cultures. And I’ve noticed that this project brought (and hopefully for as long as it lasts) 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.”

It is always amazing how powerful art is. Someone’s life or even the lives of many can change in a matter of a single painting – and it is because of the passion that the artists put into every stroke of their paintbrush.

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Source: Bored Panda, Jan Is The Man, Jan Is The Man Instagram