Wesley Altena (1987) - Darth Girl

This striking piece by Wesley Altena is a multi-layered tribute to the Star Wars saga, blending pop art sensibilities with a collage-style narrative. Executed in acrylic paint with mixed media elements, the composition is a portrait of duality.

​Visual Composition
​The artwork features a large-scale portrait that is split vertically down the center, juxtaposing two iconic faces:
​Darth Vader (Left): The left side of the canvas is dominated by the menacing, mechanical mask of the Sith Lord. It is rendered with bold, gestural brushstrokes in black and deep blue, highlighted with bright cyan and pops of orange-gold.
​The Human Subject (Right): The right side reveals a girl face—She has a piercing blue eye and pink lips, rendered with smoother blending compared to the more aggressive strokes on the Vader side.

​Mixed Media & Collage Elements
​The "mixed media" aspect is most prominent in the jagged, torn-out section on the right cheek. Within this "tear," Altena has integrated a collage of classic Star Wars imagery, including:
​Han Solo and Princess Leia in iconic poses.
​The twin suns of Tatooine.
​Small cameos of C-3PO, R2-D2, and a smaller silhouette of Vader himself.

​Style and Technique
​Color Palette: The artist uses a high-contrast palette. The cool blues and deep blacks provide a heavy, cinematic atmosphere, while the splashes of orange and gold acrylic add texture and a sense of "spark" or energy across the canvas.
​Texture: You can see the physical texture of the paint on the canvas, particularly in the white and gold accents, which gives the piece a tactile, raw quality.
​Symbolism: The painting explores the theme of "behind the mask." It suggests that beneath the cold, mechanical exterior of the villain lies a complex history, memories of family and friends, and a lingering human identity.
​It’s a vibrant, modern take on fan art that balances the gritty aesthetic of a comic book with the refined techniques of contemporary portraiture.


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.