Artwork Description
Star Trek Iowa Silkscreen Print by Justin Van Genderen Hand-Pulled on Fine Art Paper Limited Edition Screenprint Artwork.
2013 Signed & Numbered on Back Limited Edition of 50 Artwork Size 18x24 Location, Location, Location Series Silkscreen Print of Enterprise Spaceship From Star Trek Under Iowa Night Sky at Sunset.
Star Trek Iowa Silkscreen Print by Justin Van Genderen
The Star Trek Iowa Silkscreen Print by Justin Van Genderen is a stunning representation of science fiction nostalgia fused with the visual energy of Street Pop Art & Graffiti Artwork. Created in 2013 as a limited edition of 50, this hand-pulled screenprint captures the legendary USS Enterprise under an Iowa night sky, its iconic form silhouetted against a cosmic backdrop. At 18x24 inches, the artwork presents a vision of futuristic ambition rooted in the humble beginnings of Starfleet’s most famous captain.
Star Trek and the Mythology of Iowa
The print draws inspiration from the established lore of Star Trek, where James T. Kirk, the legendary captain of the USS Enterprise, was born in Riverside, Iowa. The inclusion of the starship under the darkening sky pays homage to this fictional history, placing the origins of an intergalactic future in the heart of America’s Midwest. This juxtaposition between small-town landscapes and grand spacefaring dreams is a fundamental aspect of Star Trek’s storytelling. It represents the idea that the boldest explorers can emerge from the most unassuming places. In the composition, the USS Enterprise sits under a breathtaking sky filled with shooting stars, emphasizing the passage of time and the endless possibilities that await beyond Earth's atmosphere. The imagery suggests both nostalgia and anticipation, as if the ship is waiting for its moment to launch into the unknown. The combination of deep blues, warm oranges, and sharp silhouettes creates a dramatic contrast that reflects the balance between past and future.
Futuristic Minimalism in Street Pop Art & Graffiti Artwork
Van Genderen’s print embraces a minimalist yet powerful aesthetic that aligns with the core principles of Street Pop Art & Graffiti Artwork. The simplicity of the silhouettes allows for an immediate visual impact, while the color palette enhances the dreamlike quality of the scene. The artwork utilizes flat colors and bold shapes, a technique often seen in modern screenprinting, to create a sense of vastness and depth. The design echoes the visual language of classic travel posters, reimagining Iowa as a gateway to the final frontier. This reinterpretation of place through the lens of pop culture transforms the location into something mythical, an approach that has long been a hallmark of Street Pop Art & Graffiti Artwork. The idea of taking real-world locations and elevating them through stylized artwork aligns with the way street artists often blend everyday settings with imaginative, larger-than-life elements.
Science Fiction as a Subject in Street Pop Art & Graffiti Artwork
Science fiction has played a significant role in modern Street Pop Art & Graffiti Artwork, influencing generations of artists who grew up with the futuristic aesthetics of films, television, and literature. The iconography of Star Trek, with its bold, recognizable symbols, fits naturally into this space. The USS Enterprise, in particular, carries an unmistakable presence, making it a compelling subject for artistic reinterpretation. Van Genderen’s work showcases how science fiction can be seamlessly integrated into contemporary art forms. The print does not merely depict a scene from Star Trek but instead reimagines it within the visual traditions of pop art and screenprinting. By placing the Enterprise under an Iowa sky, the piece speaks to the enduring nature of human ambition and exploration, reinforcing the central themes of Star Trek itself. This silkscreen print stands as both a tribute to Star Trek and a striking example of how pop culture continues to shape and influence Street Pop Art & Graffiti Artwork. It captures the sense of wonder that has defined the franchise for decades while embracing a bold, modern aesthetic that resonates with fans and art enthusiasts alike.