Wesley Altena (1987) - Jedi Monroe

Jedi Monroe

This acrylic painting by Wesley Altena is a striking pop-culture mashup, blending the classic Hollywood glamour of Marilyn Monroe with the iconic sci-fi imagery of Star Wars.

The piece is executed with visible, confident brushstrokes on a textured canvas, creating a fusion of mid-century portraiture and modern digital-style concept art.

Visual Breakdown
* Subject: The central figure is a woman bearing the unmistakable likeness of Marilyn Monroe, featuring her signature platinum blonde curls, arched eyebrows, and heavy-lidded gaze.
* Attire & Prop: She is dressed in the simple, textured tan robes of a Jedi, holding a glowing blue lightsaber diagonally across her body. The hilt is detailed with dark, ridged bands, and the "blade" is rendered with thick white paint and a soft blue outer glow that illuminates her face.
* Composition & Lighting: The composition is a medium close-up, with the subject looking upward and slightly off-camera, evoking a sense of heroism or destiny. The lighting is dramatic; the blue glow of the lightsaber casts cool highlights on her chin, neck, and the folds of her robes, contrasting with the warmer skin tones.
* Color Palette: The background is a deep, textured teal-blue that makes the bright white of the lightsaber and the warmth of the figure pop. The overall palette is dominated by various shades of blue, cream, and tan.

Artistic Style
Altena uses a painterly approach, where the texture of the canvas and the layering of the acrylics remain evident. The shadows on her face are blocked in with bold, solid colors rather than smooth gradients, giving the portrait a contemporary, graphic feel while maintaining the classic elegance of its subject.



Completed in: 2026
Includes signed Certificate of Authenticity
Signed by artist
Medium: Acrylic paint
Surface: Canvas


Revamp your art collection with Popculture Altered Art - a unique and innovative art style that adds a touch of popular culture to forgotten paintings! Wesley Altena from the Netherlands finds old, unwanted paintings in thrift shops and transforms them into something new and exciting. With a keen eye for detail and a love for all things iconic, he spices up the old paintings with recognizable elements from movies, music, and games.

Reviving cherished memories by adding a touch of pop-culture magic in old paintings.



Not only does Wesley shows his passion for making art, but also his keen insights into how the classic icons of each age can bring us back into a moment that is dear to each of us. By carefully adhering to the distinct style and color scheme of every painting, his additions appear seamless and blend effortlessly with the original composition, often requiring a closer look to spot. This enhances the overall experience and allows us to stumble upon a beloved icon in an unexpected setting, turning each work into a captivating enigma, an engaging puzzle, or a riveting story.





Wesley's art has been featured in various newspapers and there are exhibitions at some very unique locations, including the Kruisherenklooster in Maastricht and the Amstelkerk in the center of Amsterdam. Visit wesleyaltena.com or check out his latest works on Instagram at wesley.altena.