Aschaffenburg has a new, striking landmark. As part of this year’s Cultural Days, a mural was unveiled that is far more than just another artwork on a facade. It’s a tribute to an urban legend: the “Plastic Man”. And it shows once again how mural art can not only enrich public spaces but also evoke collective memories and retell stories.
Since 2021, the Musik-, Kunst- und Kulturinitiative Aschaffenburg e.V. has been bringing impressive urban art projects to the city as part of the Aschaffenburg Cultural Days. Names like HOMBRE and HERA have already left large-format murals here, which caused a stir far beyond the city limits. For the current project, a true heavyweight was brought in: Hendrik Beikirch.
Beikirch is internationally known for his monumental facade designs. His works, which often make forgotten or unheard life stories visible, can be found not only in public spaces but also in renowned galleries worldwide. For Aschaffenburg, a local connection was desired, and the choice fell on a personality who was part of the city’s landscape for decades and yet remained a mystery: the “Plastic Man,” also known as the “Raincoat Man” or “Foil Man.”, using roller paint and MOLOTOW Premium all the way!
Who was this man who walked through the streets of Aschaffenburg daily, always wrapped in foil? Never intrusive, never talkative – and yet so deeply embedded in the collective memory that every Aschaffenburger can tell a supposed story about him. The “Plastic Man” was undoubtedly Aschaffenburg’s most famous unknown personality. A silent phantom who has now received a worthy monument.
At Würzburger Str. 30a, at PODIUM 30 A, Beikirch’s monumental portrait now adorns the wall. It doesn’t answer any of the open questions surrounding the “Plastic Man.” But it respectfully commemorates a man who, though on the fringes of society, left deep traces in Aschaffenburg. The inspiration for this moving portrait came from a photograph by Aschaffenburg photographer Thomas Göttemann.
The announcement of the motif alone triggered a wave of positive reactions. During the creation process, especially intensely during the Museum Night, numerous visitors eagerly followed Beikirch’s work. Countless spontaneous conversations about the “Raincoat Man” developed, memories were shared, and emotions were stirred. The mural thus became a catalyst for a collective journey of remembrance.
This mural is more than just a wall painting. It is a silent sign for a city that also knows how to tell its quiet stories. And for a man who was never loud and yet remains unforgettable. An impressive example of how street art can touch the heart of a city and reveal its soul.
Location: Würzburger Str. 30a, Aschaffenburg / PODIUM 30 A
Artist: Hendrik Beikirch (https://hendrikbeikirch.com)
Photos: Markus KRIXL Christl
