# Surreally Altered Sci-Fi Portraits Mark Bryan Transforms Iconic Paintings into Sci-Fi Paintings By | Published 2013-08-19 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scifi-paintings References: [laughingsquid](http://laughingsquid.com/things-from-space-surreal-sci-fi-paintings-of-a-futuristic-earth-under-attack-by-robots-ufos/) & [artofmarkbryan](http://www.artofmarkbryan.com/contact/) California-based artist Mark Bryan has found a cool way of modernizing some of pop culture's most iconic characters by transforming them into the subjects of [surreal futuristic, sci-fi paintings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surreal-street-art-1). Possibly the funniest of Bryan's creations is a portrait showing the timeless Mona Lisa decked out in a full-on astronaut suit. Her black tresses are covered by an orange helmet, while behind her a space war rages on, spaceships shooting lasers out of the sky while [Storm Trooper-like figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ray-ban-star-wars) scurry around, trying to avoid getting hit. Another of Bryan's hilarious works is a painting showing everyone's favorite deer, Bambi, being abducted by aliens. A UFO hovers in the air beaming a faint purple light onto the startled-looking Bambi, while a post-apocalyptic background surrounds both figures. While transforming these characters into science fiction heroes and victims might not seem like an obvious direction when creating a painting, but Bryan has proven that, when done properly, even the strangest ideas can create beautiful art. These [pop culture mashup paintings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joopiter) are some of the funniest seen so far; hopefully Bryan will continue to bring more pop culture icons into the future. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.7/10 - Popularity: 94% | Activity: 69% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Modern](https://www.trendhunter.com/modern) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Modernized Pop Culture:** Opportunity to transform iconic characters into futuristic, sci-fi versions for a fresh and contemporary appeal. - **Sci-fi Mashup Art:** Opportunity to combine elements of science fiction with traditional art to create humorous and visually stunning pieces. - **Surreal Futuristic Portraits:** Opportunity to reimagine classic portraits with futuristic elements, creating a blend of historical and futuristic aesthetics. ### Who This Affects Most - **Art:** Artists can leverage the trend of surreally altered sci-fi portraits to attract a new audience and explore innovative techniques. - **Entertainment:** The entertainment industry can incorporate modernized pop culture elements in movies, TV shows, and merchandise to captivate fans and create new experiences. - **Home Decor:** Companies in the home decor industry can use sci-fi mashup art to offer unique and eye-catching products that resonate with contemporary tastes. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Apocalypse Post Pandemic Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/contemporary-urban-art.md) - [AI-Generated Real-World Transformations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-generated-world.md) - [Retro Space-Themed Puzzled Posters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/john-carter.md) - [Sci-Fi Show Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yusuke-hanai-1.md) - [AI-Generated Retrofuturistic Objects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retrofuturistic-objects.md) - [Evolving Hybrid Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/human-one.md) - [Traveling Fine Art Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/get-out-there.md) - [CG Technology Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cg-technology-art-exhbition.md) - [Otherworldly Wooden Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wooden-sculptures-1.md)