# Obscene Pop Culture Art The David MacDowell Paintings Poke Fun at Icons By Annie Ho | Published 2010-06-02 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/david-macdowell-paintings References: [cretique](http://www.cretique.com/archives/9141) & [macdowellstudio](http://www.macdowellstudio.com) The David MacDowell paintings shown here will no doubt cause controversy if seen by the wrong people. Of course, as an art student, I appreciate his [illustrations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joopiter), but I do question the message behind them. MacDowell paints everyone from the famous 'Jackson 5' to the characters from 'The Breakfast Club.' The controversial parts of the paintings come in the form of blood, nudity and even the middle finger. Nevertheless, can you spot all the [pop culture icons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/san-diego-comiccon) in these David MacDowell paintings? ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.8/10 - Popularity: 70% | Activity: 66% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/media) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Controversial Pop Culture Art:** Exploring the increasing popularity of artists who create controversial pop culture art that pushes boundaries and sparks debate. - **Reimagined Iconic Characters:** The rise of artists who create reimagined versions of iconic pop culture characters, displaying them in unconventional ways and challenging preconceived notions. - **Social Commentary Through Pop Culture Art:** The trend of artists using pop culture references in their art to make social commentary on current issues and cultural norms. ### Where This Applies - **Art:** The art industry has an opportunity to showcase artists who create controversial pop culture art that pushes boundaries and engages audiences in discussions about societal issues. - **Entertainment:** The entertainment industry can commission artists to create reimagined versions of iconic pop culture characters, which can serve as inspiration for new movies, TV shows, and merchandise. - **Marketing:** Brands can incorporate social commentary through pop culture references in their marketing campaigns, to connect with audiences who are passionate about current issues and cultural norms. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Apocalypse Post Pandemic Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/contemporary-urban-art.md) - [Deconstructed Pop Art NFTs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/matt-gondek.md) - [Pop Art Legend-Honoring Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keiichi-tanaami-1.md) - [Digital Archetype Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christian-rex-van-minnen-1.md) - [Childlike Characters Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/childlike-characters-art-exhibition.md) - [Art-Inspired Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-mattel-x-moma.md) - [Collectible Historical Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thrilljoy-pix.md) - [Pop Artist-Designed Auction Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/850i-xdrive-gran-coupe.md) - [Pop Art Skateboard Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-skateroom-1.md)