Content warning: Damon Belanger, a graphic artist based in the San Francisco Bay Area, created a public art installation called "Fake Shadows" in Redwood City, California, USA. Funded by the Redwood City Public Art Program, this unique and playful street art project was r
Damon Belanger, a graphic artist based in the San Francisco Bay Area, created a public art installation called “Fake Shadows” in Redwood City, California, USA. Funded by the Redwood City Public Art Program, this unique and playful street art project was realized in 2016.
Belanger’s “Fake Shadows” are a delightful interplay of reality and illusion. The artist added painted false shadows to common street objects, such as bike racks, benches, mailboxes, and even a manhole cover, turning them into whimsical creatures and objects. For example, a parking meter’s shadow becomes a monkey’s tail, a mailbox casts the shadow of a dragon, and a bike rack’s shadow transforms into a monkey on a tree.
If you’ve had the chance to see Damon Belanger’s “Fake Shadows” in person, why not share your experience or better still, your photos in our Facebook group Your Street Art Utopia?
For more on Damon Belanger and his work, visit his website.
On your next urban adventure, remember this: street art is not only about murals on walls or graffiti tags. It’s an ever-evolving form of self-expression that can turn even a simple street fixture into a source of surprise and joy. So, keep your eyes open – the next creative twist could be just around the corner!
Bulgarian street artist Vanyu Krastev adds a touch of humor to urban spaces by attaching googly eyes to everyday objects.
From cracked concrete spheres resembling cartoon characters to tree trunks that appear to “smile,” his work transforms mundane surroundings into delightful scenes.
In collaboration with students from Dimitar Petrov Primary School in Sliven, Krastev brought his funny approach to the International Youth Center in Primorsko. Armed with googly eyes, the children explored their environment, turning ordinary shapes into imaginative faces. This unique form of street art is simple but also creative. It invites everyone to see the world with a fresh perspective.
Follow the project on Instagram to discover more playful transformations and inspiring street art.
“The idea is people to have fun, to look for forms, developing their associative thinking. When one has that strive for creativity and the need to do it, my piece of advice is: follow your heart, grow that need, take good care of it… Then it will develop and bring inner satisfaction. And another piece of advice: don’t stick eyes wherever there are ones already.”
We’d love to hear from you! What do you think of these playful and creative googly eye street art transformations in Bulgaria? Have you spotted similar art in your city or created your own?
Damon Belanger is a graphic artist living and working in the San Francisco Bay Area. Active in the local art scene for over 10 years he has explored a multitude of various themes, styles and ideas in his work.
