Why I Choose Retrofuturism: Art as Spiritual Commentary

My decision to base the majority of my work on retrofuturism is a choice that can sometimes confuse those who encounter my art in passing.

"A Shield About Me"

Many are curious as to why I'm drawn to that fantastical, niche aesthetic. The wild planets, stylized atoms, and space-age designs that defined the post-war era are prevalent throughout my work. The answer goes much deeper than simple nostalgia or stylistic preference, though those are factors. For me, retrofuturism provides the perfect artistic language for exploring profound spiritual truths and contemporary challenges through a lens that's both engaging and creates meaningful art.

The Power of Whimsy with Purpose

At first glance, retrofuturism might seem like pure entertainment with the charming, sleek rockets and optimistic visions of tomorrow. But that whimsical aesthetic is precisely what makes the style so powerful as a communication tool. The approachable, playful visual language draws viewers into an inviting space where difficult topics aren't so daunting.

Speaking to Contemporary Anxieties Through Historical Lenses

Excerpt from my journal

One of the most compelling aspects of working in retrofuturism is how surprisingly the concerns of the Atomic Age mirror our's today. Just as that generation wondered whether nuclear energy would liberate or destroy humanity, we face similar questions about artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, biotechnology, and climate change. The technological optimism and anxiety we experience today grew from seeds planted during the Atomic Age. By using that era's visual language, I'm tapping into a deep cultural memory of how we've processed technological advancement in the past.

The Spectrum of Possibilities: Utopia and Dystopia

Retrofuturism's greatest strength as an artistic vocabulary is its built-in duality. It has the potential to depict a utopian society and warn of catastrophic futures. This spectrum of possibilities allows me room to explore all aspects of life's challenges.

On one end of the spectrum, retrofuturism naturally lends itself to depicting hope and redemption. The bright, optimistic imagery helps me illustrate my faith in God's promises or simply create beauty and adventure for a world that desperately needs it. On the other end of the spectrum, the same visual language can powerfully illustrate warnings about humanity's rebellion against God. Rockets become weapons of destruction, and gleaming cities expose self-righteous, gluttonous Babylons.

Evangelism Through Beauty and Wonder

Perhaps most importantly, retrofuturism allows me to engage in evangelism through beauty rather than argument, through wonder rather than confrontation. The aesthetic naturally evokes feelings of awe and curiosity. A loving evangelist’s goal is not to hit someone over the head with a Bible and convince them to the cross, but instead to inspire them to be curious and seek truth on their own, and that is my goal as a Christian artist.

"Characteristics of Christ"

The retrofuturist aesthetic celebrates human creativity and imagination while pointing toward their ultimate source. It acknowledges the genuine appeal of human achievement while questioning whether it can provide ultimate meaning and satisfaction.

Making the Ultimate Choice Visible

In the end, my choice to work in the retrofuturist tradition comes down to its unique ability to make spiritual realities visible and compelling. The movement's built-in tensions between hope and warning, human achievement and divine sovereignty create perfect opportunities for exploring the ultimate choice that every person must make.

Will we use our God-given capabilities to serve others and glorify our Creator, or will we use them to build monuments to our own pride? Will we embrace the genuine hope of eternal life with Christ, or will we settle for the false promise of technological transcendence?

These aren't abstract theological questions - they're practical choices that affect how we live, work, and relate to others every day. As a Christian artist, choosing to use yesterday's vision of tomorrow, I'm able to address age-old questions with both artistic integrity and spiritual purpose.

Through my meaningful art, I invite you to consider not just what the future might hold technologically, but what it holds spiritually. In the end, the most important question isn't whether we'll live in fear or harmony with AI, but whether we'll decide to accept a new life in unity with our Creator forevermore.