Books Alley

As part of the development of their Library Square community, the Buckingham Companies commissioned murals from artist Mantra to frame their “living alley,” a courtyard space shared by Library Square’s several properties.  The mural at the entrance to the living alley references the nearby Central branch of Indianapolis-Marion County, and presents an oversized vision of an old-fashioned library with books and curios on its shelves. As pedestrians walk north on Meridian Street, their attention is caught by the colors, the hyper-realistic painting style, and the view into the landscaped, comfortable space.

French by birth, Mantra (Youri Cansell) is an international street/graffiti artist who began painting in 2008. His work frequently features insects, animals, and birds in tribute to the natural surroundings that he grew up with, and is characterized by hyper-realistic detail and deep color. His nickname comes from the repetition of his style, which he and others see as a spiritual connection to the unique universe he has created. Mantra also works under the names Youri Mantra and Mantra Voz.