Science fiction, or sci-fi art had humble beginnings. It began in pulp magazines, alongside the first literary works of the same genre. However, since then, sci-fi art has held its own and evolved into its own far-reaching category of fantasy art. For artists, the creativity involved in the development of science fiction art is an amazing opportunity for modern art.
Since the genre's start was in pulp magazines, even novels in this genre were usually portrayed in bright, garish colors and had a large element of graphic design to them that many pop artists took advantage of in their own interpretations. Andy Warhol, for example, created several different works featuring robots and space ships in different colors and designs. Another artist, John Golden, featured a wide variety of imaginative robots and ray guns in his pop art works, as well, while still keeping to the same vintage feel as the original cover art.
With the emergence of the digital age, sci-fi art is gaining even more followers as artists combine photo-collages with digital rendering. Rather than relying on the somewhat campy look of old sci-fi art, these artists are beginning to reinvent what science fiction looks like in the modern world. Realistic environments, technology, and creatures have begun to develop into a streamlined style that combines fantasy and science into one aesthetically pleasing package. Modern artists are also using the art of science fiction to reinvent classical artwork, allowing us a glimpse into an alternate, more technologically advanced and sophisticated Earth as well as alien landscapes.
Curiously, despite being known as fantasy art, creative interpretations of science fiction ride a very fine line between the fantastic and the scientific. Themes such as flying, robots, going into space, outlandish weapons, virtual reality, and towering alien buildings aren't as make believe as they were when this genre of creative expression was still in its infancy. In many instances, fans of this form of artwork see it not as fiction, but as a possible example of things to come as our society continues to grow.
