This Street Artist Is Painting Fake Shadows To Confuse People, And The Result Looks Too Real

Ever found yourself meandering the streets of Redwood City, California, feeling a tad bit unsettled? Spot anything peculiar about the shadows? Misbehaving, aren't they? Bike racks birthing flowers from their dark underbellies, mailboxes morphing into monstrous apparitions, parking meter-crowned monkeys...weird, right?

More info: Damon Belanger | Instagram (h/t: designyoutrust)

#1

No need to pinch yourself! It's not an episode of Twilight Zone, but the shadow wizardry of Damon Belanger, an adept graphic artist dwelling in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area.

#2

The origin of these enigmatic shadows traces back to a thought-provoking commission Belanger undertook. He was bestowed the creative task of infusing the downtown vicinity of Redwood City with 20 faux shadows, a project intended to infuse a dash of creativity into the cityscape. And as the saying goes, 'a picture is worth a thousand words', so too is the efficacy of Belanger's street art in enlivening the locale.

Here's a behind-the-scenes peek into the magic that goes into the creation of these distinctive artworks. Belanger begins by drawing up the outlines with chalk stencils right on the sidewalk. Next, these stencils are brought to life with a rich coat of dark grey paint. Simple tools, wouldn't you agree? Yet, the outcome is anything but ordinary.

#3

These playful shadows, according to Belanger, are intended to sprinkle a little magic dust on everyday objects, to bring about a touch of 'lively spirit' into people's lives. They transform the mundane and ordinary into sources of delight, making routine walks around the town an unexpectedly enchanting experience.

#4

So next time you're in Redwood City, watch your step! Who knows, you might just stumble upon one of these artful shadows playing trickster with your perception. Before signing off, scroll below to glimpse some of our top picks of Belanger's work. While you're at it, don't forget to vote for your favorites!

In a nutshell, Belanger's shadow art is a testament to the extraordinary potential of creative expression, and the transformative power it holds to enliven our everyday spaces. Got a dull corner in your city needing some artistic oomph? How about some cleverly placed shadow art?

#5

We'd be thrilled if you could spread the excitement by sharing this weird tale with your loved ones on Facebook. Your friends and family are sure to appreciate this captivating narrative!

So, Please share this amazing story with your friends and family on Facebook.