Solve All Your Monetary Needs

I came across a blog which I found enthralling. The blog, by Johanna Lenander, Tells us about a project by artist Peter Simensky called “Neutral Currency”. I am embarrassed to admit that this is the first I have heard of it, as it seems to have been going on for quite a while. Johanna explains:

Money is associated with many things, but beauty is not usually one of them. However, in his fascinating project “Neutral Currency”, artist Peter Simensky transforms ordinary, dog-eared bills from unstable currencies into gorgeous hand-assembled collages that are printed into limited edition series. The kaleidoscopic mish-mash of pastel-colored faces and national symbols create a provocative imagery that is rich with meaning. The design of each bill is based around a theme such as “revolution”, “visionaries”, “nature vs. industry”, and others

But Peter Simensky doesn’t just leave it at that - he furthers the concept

Simensky uses his alternative currency to explore the parallels between the world of finance and the art market by setting up a trade system with a network of other artists. For example, at the high-profile New York art fair The Armory Show in 2005, art collectors bought attachés containing Neutral Capital and used it to shop at various participating galleries thus creating a concurrent market and commodity.

I think it is a most fascinating Idea…and I would love to participate in this exercise. Just reading about it has given me loads of food for thought - participating would do volumes more… If I lived near Manhattan I would definitely attend a talk the artist is giving: Dieu Donné Tuesday, April 29 at 6:30 PM 315 West 36th st New York City