Madcins – Psychedelic Street Art Meets Berlin’s Underground
High above the rooftop terrace of Teufelsberg, a new, electrifying artwork has been shining since May 2024: the mural by Madcins, created during the Live Street Art Week 2024. With vibrant colours, hypnotic eyes, and wide grins, it immediately grabs attention. But behind this playful façade lies something much deeper—an intense exploration of contrasts, emotions, and the unique atmosphere of Berlin.
Psychedelic Visions in Pink and Purple
Madcins describes his work as a fusion of psychedelic eyes and broad, slightly eerie grins, dancing across the wall in bold, vibrant hues. His style blends bright colours and surreal elements, perfectly aligning with Berlin’s underground culture: “I chose a psychedelic style because – from my point of view – it fits the vibe of Berlin’s underground scene: strong techno beats, freedom, excess, and a sense of losing control.”
The dominant pink was deliberately chosen to stand out against the city’s often grey backdrop. His mural plays with contradictions: between order and chaos, between the cold urban landscape and the wild energy pulsating through Berlin’s streets and clubs.
Madcins’ art is more than just a visual explosion—it mirrors the tension within the city itself. Berlin is raw, dark, and urban, yet at the same time, it’s full of creativity, freedom, and artistic energy. Through his striking, surreal figures, Madcins captures this dynamic perfectly, bringing it to life on the surface of the old surveillance station.
From Buenos Aires to Berlin
Behind the artist name Madcins stands Juan Manuel, born in 1991 in Buenos Aires. His journey into art began early—as a child, he struggled to follow rules and often found himself in difficult situations. But there was one thing that always helped him express his emotions: art. “Painting became my way to express myself when words couldn’t since it was the only thing that really understood me, especially during times when I felt out of place or misunderstood.”
Over time, he realized that his art was not just a means of self-expression but also a bridge to connect with others and explore the deeper questions of life. His path took him across the globe, where he absorbed influences from Latin American street art, Asian craftsmanship, and the bold patterns and colours of European art.
Today, Madcins is based in Barcelona, where he focuses not only on large-scale murals but also on live art performances. What makes his approach unique is that his art isn’t confined to walls—he experiments with human bodies, clothing, and unconventional canvases to create immersive experiences. His goal is not just to create visually striking pieces but to make them interactive—he wants viewers to discover their own stories within his work and find a personal connection to the emotions and themes he expresses.
With his unmistakable artistic signature, Madcins has left his mark around the world, creating murals in Costa Rica, Argentina, Spain, Brazil, Mexico, and Germany. His art is a celebration of movement, intensity, and the boldness of contrasts.
His mural at Teufelsberg is another masterpiece in his portfolio—a work that not only transforms the architecture of the former listening station but also captures the pulsating energy of the place.