Niet Zeuren Maar Kleuren

JanIsDeMan is world-famous in Utrecht for his colourful street art, and well beyond. But can the man behind the cheerful mandarin signature avoid turning sour, and hold on to his creative freedom?

The rebellious JanIsDeMan (42) started out as a graffiti sprayer who took to the streets at night in search of adventure, freedom and adrenaline. Now, he's become an internationally sought-after artist. His towering bookcase mural in Utrecht went viral, suddenly turning him into an international street artist. But success has its downside, and municipalities and property developers increasingly dictate how far he can go. The uncompromising graffiti sprayer of the past clashes ever more with the professional artist he's become. That's why, as this debut documentary shows, he's now choosing to create free work — without permission.