# Tribal Sci-Fi Art Alex Griendling Recreates Star Wars Characters into African Tribal Masks By Peter Vallas | Published 2011-02-24 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alex-griendling References: [cmybacon](http://www.cmybacon.com/2011/02/african-star-wars-masks/) & [flickr](http://www.flickr.com/people/gravitybomb/) Illustrator Alex Griendling has an impressive portfolio that consists highly of art surrounding gamer and sci-fi inspiration. His latest bit of impressive illustrations mashes up the portraits of some of our favorite [Star Wars characters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cocacola-x-star-wars). In African Star Wars Masks, Alex Griendling adds traditional [tribal designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/masquerade-mask-1) and facial configurations to the masks of Darth Vader, Bobba Fett and much more. It's a unique blend of [sci-fi and ancient](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wooden-sculptures-1) tribal art. **Implications** - Pop culture characters are constantly being reinvented thanks to fan-generated art. The owners of these characters can use this to their advantage and create a fan competition that allows users to submit their own takes on the iconic characters. This opens up a dialogue between the company and the consumer, which can build a positive relationship. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.0/10 - Popularity: 39% | Activity: 72% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Customization](https://www.trendhunter.com/customization) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **African Sci-fi Art:** There is a growing trend of incorporating African tribal designs and art styles with sci-fi and pop culture characters. - **Fan-generated Art Competitions:** Businesses can take advantage of the popularity of fan-generated art by holding competitions for users to submit their own takes on iconic characters. - **Cultural Mashups:** More and more artists are creating mashups of different cultures and art styles to create something new and unique. ### Who This Affects Most - **Entertainment:** The entertainment industry can capitalize on the trend of incorporating African tribal designs and art styles with popular characters to create unique merchandise. - **Gaming:** Gaming companies can hold fan-generated art competitions to engage with their audience and build a positive relationship with them. - **Art and Design:** Artists and designers can take advantage of the trend of cultural mashups to create innovative and exciting new artwork and designs. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sci-Fi Franchise-Inspired Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/star-wars-collection-2.md) - [Dark Sci-Fi Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/darc-sport.md) - [Hand-Knit Sci-Fi Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/handknit-scifi-sculpture.md) - [Sci-Fi Film-Inspired Custom Eyewear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lucasfilm.md) - [AI-Generated Motorbike Helmets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coldstar-art.md) - [Sci-Fi-Inspired Lenses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ray-ban-star-wars.md) - [Sci-Fi Gaming Chair Covers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/secretlab-star-wars.md) - [Sci-Fi-Themed Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/volkswagen-2.md) - [Desert Planet Sci-Fi Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sands-of-tatooine-collection.md)