Wesley Altena (1987) - Imperial Horizon

Acrylic painting in a gilded frame – Surreal Dutch landscape with sci-fi elements
This is a charming and imaginative acrylic painting on canvas that blends a classic Dutch polder landscape with unexpected science-fiction and pop-culture references.
The composition shows a misty, atmospheric countryside scene featuring a winding stream or canal, lush green fields, scattered trees, and several traditional Dutch windmills in the distance. The sky is rendered in soft, hazy tones of grey and beige, giving the work a dreamy, almost melancholic mood reminiscent of 19th-century landscape painting.

What makes the piece truly distinctive is the playful juxtaposition of elements:

A large, dark, Star Destroyer hovers prominently in the upper sky.
Several small flying craft (resembling TIE fighters) trail beneath it.
Unmistakable AT-AT walkers (from Star Wars) stand in the middle ground near the water’s edge, as if invading the peaceful Dutch countryside.

The painting is presented in an elegant, slightly distressed gilded wooden frame with a classic profile.
Style: Surrealist / Pop-surrealism with a whimsical, slightly nostalgic touch. The brushwork is expressive yet controlled, with visible texture and atmospheric perspective.

Overall impression: A fun, original crossover artwork that will appeal to collectors of fantasy art, Star Wars memorabilia, and lovers of surreal or humorous landscape paintings. It has strong decorative qualities while remaining conversation-worthy.

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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.