Madsteez Unveiled: A Riot of Colors and Ween Magic

Californian street artist Mark Paul Deren, widely recognized as Madsteez, stands as a living testament to a color wheel in perpetual overdrive. His artistic journey, spanning from scrappy Ween doodles to larger-than-life pop-soaked paintings, has not only seized the attention of commercial collaborators but has also etched an indelible impression on the legendary Dennis Hopper, who willingly took a seat as a subject for a Madsteez portrait. In this exclusive conversation with Oxygen, Madsteez delves into his latest collaboration with Nike 6.0, offering insights into his extraordinary voyage in the dynamic world of art.

# The Nike 6.0 Colab Journey

Oxygen: Madsteez, congratulations on the Nike 6.0 collaboration! Could you provide more depth on how it all came together?

Madsteez: Thank you, thank you! The inception harks back to late 2008 when Pierre Le WEEN’s Hadron-WEEN-Collider experiment took an unforeseen twist, birthing a sub-particle that prompted Nike 6.0 to embark on a WEENTOR project with an entirely novel species. It’s been a twisted, ween-filled odyssey ever since.

# Mentoring Evan ‚Stink‘ Rossell

Oxygen: The collaboration with Evan for the StinkWeen Braata sounds intriguing. How did you and Evan initially connect for this project?

Madsteez: Evan, aka Stink, had been an unwavering believer in the WEENT!LL!ANs for centuries. After some WEENOSKOPE probing, I adopted him into T!R, the „TERM!NALLY_!LL_RT!ST’S.“ Guiding him diagonally for four years, I eventually allowed him to ride spider-style on the handlebars of my ’85 turquoise blue one-pink-wheeled-one-green-wheeled-one-purple-peddled Performer.

# The Ween Invasion: Nike 6.0’s Motel No Tell

Oxygen: The metamorphosis of Nike 6.0’s Motel No Tell into a Ween wonderland sounds captivating. Could you delve deeper into that experience?

Madsteez: Just as Nike bestowed upon me the title of a 4-Star-General, the WEENT!LL!ANs invaded Motel No Tell, leaving behind a red fur tunnel, WEENOGLYPH!KS mysteries, a figureWEEN pyramid, hydro-projection visuals, a candy mountain, a subweenlation dot-matrix printer, and, of course, chicken and waffles.

# The Fine Art Feel

Oxygen: Your paintings exude a distinct fine art feel. Can you shed more light on the inspirations behind your style?

Madsteez: My inspiration stems from people rather than their particular „art.“ My Moms, with her battery-operated light-up WEENdazzled Christmas sweaters, and Pee-Wee Herman, with his in-your-faceness, have shaped my unruly gaudiness and color palette.

# Dennis Hopper: The Fascinating Subject

Oxygen: What has it been like working with Dennis Hopper?

Madsteez: Collaborating with Hopper was mind-blowing. He was fascinated with me and my story, posing questions as if he were the subject. It resulted in one of my best pieces, a surreal exchange of experiences and creativity.

# The Mystery of the Number Four

Oxygen: The recurring appearance of the number four in your work is intriguing. Can you share more about the significance behind it?

Madsteez: Shhhhh… It’s a secret…

# The Origins of Ween Critters

Oxygen: The Ween critters possess a unique charm. Could you share more about their origins?

Madsteez: Mr.WEEN was the illegitimate child of countless marketing-meeting doodles that later evolved into the WEEN!MALS during Y2K. The WEEN!MALS are now happily breeding near the WEENSV!LLE Domestic Airport runway.

# Weenifying the World

Oxygen: Is there anything left to Weenify in this world?

Madsteez: EVERYTHING!!! I aspire to be the thugged-out Martha Stewart, WEEN!FYing everything from toasters and nightlights to malt liquor and power drills. My ultimate goal is to bring WEEN!MALS to the silver screen with a 3D Animated Film.

# Prolific Creations and Taking a Breather

Oxygen: Your prolific output is impressive. Do you foresee any chance of slowing down?

Madsteez: A few weeks ago, I hit my breaking point. There was nothing left to give, not even a WEEN. Next time it gets rough, I’ll make sure to have enough bologna, peanut butter, bacon, liverwurst, Nerds rope, and miracle whip to safely escape the WEENlaboratories.

In the kaleidoscopic world painted by Madsteez, each creation tells a unique story, and every collaboration is an explosion of creativity. From Nike 6.0 to Dennis Hopper, Madsteez continues to push boundaries and leave his indelible mark on the art world, one Ween at a time. His vibrant palette and whimsical approach ensure that the world remains captivated by the kaleidoscope of Madsteez’s imagination.

Madsteez’s artistic odyssey, filled with colors and Ween-inspired marvels, transcends boundaries, inviting us into a universe where creativity knows no bounds. His collaborations and personal artistic evolution become a testament to the ever-evolving nature of street art, leaving us eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the colorful saga of Madsteez.

As Madsteez continues to redefine the landscape of street art, his impact reverberates beyond canvases and collaborations, embodying a celebration of creativity that knows no limits. The vibrant strokes of his brush paint a picture of boundless imagination, inviting us to explore the limitless possibilities within the kaleidoscopic realm of Madsteez.

Madsteez’s influence extends beyond the art world, creating a cultural phenomenon that echoes through the streets and resonates with a global audience. His ability to weave together storytelling, collaboration, and a dash of secrecy adds layers to his artistic persona, keeping audiences captivated and hungry for more. In a world where boundaries are constantly pushed, Madsteez stands as a colorful trailblazer, leaving an enduring legacy that transcends the traditional confines of street art.

Madsteez’s impact goes beyond the tangible, seeping into the fabric of cultural expression. His brush becomes a conduit for emotions, thoughts, and stories, bridging the gap between the artist and the observer. In a world hungry for innovation, Madsteez serves a visual feast that continues to evolve, offering a banquet of creativity that resonates with the global art community.