Wesley Altena (1987) - Under the sea

Sebastian, the beloved red crab from Disney’s The Little Mermaid, playfully integrated into a classical seafood still life composition.

The bright magenta-red crab takes center stage with his characteristic expressive face — wide eyes, open smiling mouth, and one large claw raised in a cheerful gesture. He is surrounded by a rich arrangement of freshly shucked oysters, a halved lemon with a wedge, a wooden-handled knife, and a rustic wooden pepper mill. The objects rest on a muted green-yellow tabletop against a warm, atmospheric brown-ochre background that creates depth and mood.

The painting masterfully blends traditional still-life technique with playful pop-culture humor. The realistic rendering of the oysters, lemon texture, and metallic reflections contrasts delightfully with the bold, cartoonish style of Sebastian, resulting in a joyful and eye-catching piece.
Signed and dated 1985 in the lower right corner. The work shows good overall condition with vibrant colors and no major issues visible.

Style: whimsical realism, still life with Disney / pop culture crossover
Subject: Seafood still life with Sebastian the Crab (The Little Mermaid)
Condition: Fair vintage condition (ready to hang)

This rare, character-filled painting is perfect for collectors of Disney memorabilia, 1980s pop art, whimsical still lifes, or anyone looking for a fun conversation piece. A true collector’s item that stands out in any interior!

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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.