Wesley Altena (1987) - Pixelated Kiss

Pixelated Kiss
Acrylic on canvas

A bold, contemporary acrylic painting that captures an intimate moment between two figures locked in a passionate embrace. The composition is charged with energy: one figure, muscular and bare-chested, holds the other tightly, while the second figure—wearing a black lingerie-style top and bottoms, hair pulled into a high ponytail and sunglasses—returns the embrace with equal intensity.

The artist deliberately pixelates the central facial area with a blocky grid of soft purple and lilac squares, creating a striking contrast between the otherwise fluid, expressive brushwork and the digital-age interruption. This pixelation both conceals and draws attention, turning a private kiss into a commentary on privacy, identity, and the filtered nature of modern intimacy.

The background is a rich field of mauve and violet, interrupted by loose, expressive strokes of gold and warm ochre that frame the couple and add depth and movement. Thick, confident brushstrokes give the bodies a sculptural quality, while the limited yet vibrant palette of pinks, purples, blacks, and golds keeps the focus firmly on the emotional and physical connection.

Pixelated Kiss is a powerful, sensual work that blends classical figuration with a distinctly contemporary digital twist—ideal for collectors of modern figurative art who appreciate both technical skill and conceptual edge.

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.