"Midwest Alien"
Choose options
Prints: Limited edition of 50
About The Artwork:
"Midwest Alien" is a playful piece of black and white art that brings together curiosity, mischief, and the strange charm of rural Americana. A raccoon stands proudly with two ears of corn in his hands, caught in the beam of a hovering UFO above him. With its surreal yet familiar imagery, this whimsical black and white art piece invites viewers to explore themes of identity, belonging, and the unexpected intersections between the natural world and the unknown.
Raccoons are often seen as clever tricksters—resourceful, nocturnal scavengers with a knack for getting into places they don’t belong. In folklore, especially in Native American traditions, raccoons symbolize adaptability, dexterity, and mischief. They are survivors, thriving on the fringes of human environments. In "Midwest Alien," the raccoon becomes a kind of cultural outsider and insider—perfectly at home in the cornfields, yet somehow otherworldly when caught in the light of something far stranger.
Corn holds deep symbolic weight, particularly in North and Central American cultures. It is a symbol of life, abundance, and sustenance—sometimes considered a sacred gift from the gods. In the American Midwest, corn also represents regional identity, agriculture, and a connection to the land. Here, the raccoon's possession of corn may suggest both a grounding in familiar tradition and a humorous take on what we value and protect. It’s a symbol of home, even when the circumstances get weird.
UFOs are icons of mystery, the unknown, and the search for truth beyond what we can see. They often symbolize otherness, disruption, and the longing to understand what lies beyond our world. In pop culture, UFOs are linked to abduction narratives, conspiracy theories, and a fascination with extraterrestrial life. In "Midwest Alien," the presence of the UFO adds a surreal twist to an otherwise earthy scene—creating a bridge between the everyday and the cosmic.
Together, these elements form a quirky meditation on identity and displacement. Is the raccoon being abducted, or simply celebrated for his cleverness? Is he the alien—or are we? "Midwest Alien" can be read as a commentary on belonging in unfamiliar places, the absurdity of cultural expectations, or simply the joy of mixing the ordinary with the bizarre. This black and white art piece reminds us not to take life too seriously—and to stay open to wonder, even in the cornfields.
"People who fit don’t seek. The seekers are those that don’t fit." ― Shannon L. Alder
Illustration Size:
5 x 7 inches (portrait)
7 x 5 inches (landscape)
Mat Board Size:
- Original Artwork: Mat board will fit an 11 x 14 inch frame.
- Limited Edition Print: Mat board will fit an 8 x 10 inch frame.
- Both limited edition prints & original artwork are protected by a double layered, high quality, acid-free Crescent® brand mat board (4-ply, approximately .050 inch thick, with a beveled cut window opening). The mat board has a white top layer with a visible black layer underneath. For added protection artwork gets shipped with a standard white backing board, enclosed in a clear protective bag. Frame shown in product images not included.
Medium:
- Original Artwork: Pigment archival ink on cold press acid free 300gsm paper.
- Limited Edition Print: Superior quality digital print on 100% fine art cotton, acid free paper.
Authenticity:
- Original Artwork: Signed, dated & certificate of authenticity included.
- Limited Edition Print: Signed, dated, edition number & certificate of authenticity included.
All Policies: