There’s little we can imagine about how the underground culture looked like a few centuries ago, when Christian symbolism dominated arts all over Western Europe. Heresy is the first word that comes into our mind when thinking about artists that had dared to challenge these archetypes and used their imagination to create visual masterpieces from an alternative perspective, even with the slightest tongue in cheek tone.

Lucky for us, Ansgar Termühlen aka Captain Cosmotic is an artist of the 20th Century. With a strong passion for fine arts (he studied them in The Netherlands), Captain Cosmotic decided to bring some smiles into the house & techno scene, a scene that sometimes is taking itself too seriously. The result: an amazing collection of visuals, with a strong dose of humour balanced by odd absurdity. Virgin Mary finding the right knob combination on a 808 drum machine. Jesus Christ transitioning smoothly from one record to the next one. Berghain reimagined on an oil painted canvas. Some of the most popular underground heroes pictured as 300 old paintings. You’ll get the idea, now it’s time to meet the artist behind the keyboard (or brush): we chatted a bit with Angsart and also challanged him for a short trip into his musical universe, just to define the strong connection between his passion for fine arts and electronic music.

 

 

 

 

How did u come up with the idea of combining classic paintings with electronic music gear?

The idea came from a question Jeff Mills was asked in an interview while working with the Montpelier Philharmonic Orchestra on Blue Potential: “What would Beethoven and other composers from the past sound like if they had modern music gear?”
Before the pandemic, I was and organizing events and DJing a lot, fully immersed in the electronic music scene. But when everything came to a halt, I shifted my creative energy towards visual art. I started making satirical, electronic music-themed film posters and parodies of music magazine covers. Then I remembered that interview with Mills and thought—why not merge contemporary artists and music gear with classic paintings?
For me, it was about blending two things that define my identity: fine art and music. Classic paintings are full of drama, symbolism, and storytelling, while electronic music gear holds a different kind of emotional significance—it’s the tool that fuels modern creative expression. I’m not just making visual mashups; I’m building a bridge between centuries of artistic tradition and the underground energy of electronic music. It’s also a way to inject humor and absurdity into art, much like how Techno memes bring levity to a scene that can sometimes take itself too seriously.

 

You document the paintings and artists pretty extensive. I guess you’re pretty passionate about art…
I studied fine art in the Netherlands and have always loved art history, but my full-time job is in an office—far from anything creative. Art brings balance to my life. Being creative while listening to good electronic music is a way for me to relax and recharge.
I enjoy combining facts about artists and paintings with themes from the contemporary music scene. But don’t take these documentations too seriously—they’re meant to be informative, but also playful and entertaining.
Ever thought of starting to paint on canvas?
I used to copy old master paintings in my youth and have created dozens of prints, some of which were exhibited in large formats—up to 20m² or more. For example, my work has been shown at Tempio del Futuro Perduto in Milan and Alte Münze in Berlin.
Club Sala KBron, in Cali, Colombia one of the leading clubs for electronic music in South America is decorated with a lot of my artworks.
This year, I finally have the time and space to return to oil painting in my own studio at home. I’m planning to repaint my works in oil, to give these artworks even more value and exclusivity.
Right now, I’m collaborating with Hamburg-based musician and painter Xenia Beliayeva. She is remixing my prints by painting in her modern abstract style over the prints. In this way she is creating completely new paintings while the original idea remains. I’m really excited about this partnership, and we’re already planning exhibitions together.
I saw you’re also behind some artworks for EPs and flyers. Are you open for business?
Absolutely! What drives me most is working with like-minded creatives—collaborations make the work so much more exciting.
I’ve had the privilege of creating artwork for amazing artists, labels, and manufacturers in the electronic music scene, including Carl Cox & Christopher Coe, DJ Hell, Marc Depulse, Timo Maas, Marc Romboy, as well as brands like Roland, Beatport, Defected, Moog, and ARP. Some of these people even became good friends of mine.
Right now, I’m working on the cover art for Konrad Ritter and Neph’s upcoming EP on Unreel Recordings. There is also a truly exciting collaboration with a French Fashion Label coming soon and Timo Maas included me in a stunning project I couldn’t really talk about yet.
What’s your setup choice for creating these collages?
I have an extensive database of classic paintings, but I also find inspiration through museum visits, art books, auction catalogs, and sometimes even suggestions from supporters on Instagram. I don’t follow a strict schedule—when I see a painting, I instantly know how I want to alter it. Sometimes, new ideas emerge as I’m working on the piece.

Name three tracks would define your artworks perfectly
I would prefer to answer with 3000 Tracks that would fit perfectly, that’s also part of the process, I always choose a track for every artwork. Ok, let’s give it a try.
Soul Capsule – Lady Science (NYC Sunrise) / Trelik 1999

“This release will be kept close to my heart for the rest of my life… I played this to my children to show the true value of good music” In my eyes Baby Ford and Thomas Melchior are real magicians and this is what i call magic.

Mutant Clan – Perfect Place / Connaisseur Recordings, 2009

 Mutant Clan, AKA Timo Maas and Santos created a timeless piece of art with this one. In my opinion completely underrated.
“Perfect Place” is certainly the perfect example in in the art of the slow burn. The break is big and beautiful and would be the appropriate soundtrack to the birth of a new star or something equally hyperbolic, building up in 12 minutes of joy and happiness.

Metaboman – Easy Woman (Robag Wruhme rmx) / Musikkrause, 2002

The Robag Wruhme remix of ‘Easy Woman’ is a brilliantly melancholic and highly emotional piece of deepest minimal techno. Robag knows exactly how to bring tears to your eyes with the beauty of his compositions. Gabor is the Beethoven of our time.

An additional Track please!
Sascha Funke – Mango Cookies (Dj Koze Pink Moon rmx)

No words needed.