Wesley Altena (1987) - Make love, not war

Contemporary Pop Art / Urban Art – Original Acrylic Painting

​Description:
​An evocative and striking original contemporary artwork that powerfully juxtaposes themes of intimacy, vulnerability, and conflict. Titled or themed around the concept of "LOVE", the artist cleverly spells out the word using bold, black silhouettes of weaponry and tactical gear integrated into the central imagery:
​L represented by a handgun silhouette.
​O formed by the stark silhouette of a hand grenade.
​V shaped by the sharp angle of bent legs.
​E stylized through the silhouette of an assault rifle (AK-style).

​The background features a beautifully textured, expressive wash of pastel pink, lavender, and subtle blue vertical brushstrokes. In the center, a minimalist, comic-influenced line-art illustration depicts bound feet and hands, rendered in a muted palette of pink tones, soft greys, and a contrasting blue tie.

​This piece serves as a compelling commentary on the dualities of modern romance—exploring the thin line between passion and danger, captive devotion, and the armor people wear in relationships. Its bold graphic style heavily channels contemporary pop-art and street-art influences, making it a stellar statement piece for modern interiors or urban art collections.

​Artwork Details:
​Medium: Original Acrylic on Canvas
​Style: Contemporary Pop Art, Urban Art, Modern Figurative
​Colors: Pastel pink, lavender, muted grey, soft blue, and bold black
​Signature: Signed by the artist with initials "WA" in the bottom right corner (as seen in image.png)
​Condition: Excellent, fresh from the artist's studio

​Why Bid on This Lot?
​Unique Concept: A visually arresting piece that balances soft, romantic pastel backgrounds with powerful, edgy graphic elements.
​High Contrast: The thick, textured black paint used for the weaponry lettering provides a fantastic matte contrast against the smoothly blended background.
​Ready to Display: An exceptional fit for collectors of street art, pop art mashups, and provocative modern works.


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.