This captivating artwork presents a meticulously crafted depiction of Necker Island, formed with tiny pieces of shredded money intricately glued to canvas. Surrounding the island, resin mimics the shimmering waters of the Caribbean, creating a vivid contrast between nature’s pristine beauty and humanity’s constructed symbols of wealth.
The choice of shredded currency as the medium is deliberate, transforming money from a symbol of value into a fragmented, almost lifeless material. This transformation speaks to the fragile nature of wealth and its often destructive role in shaping our desires and actions. Necker Island, owned by a figure synonymous with success and privilege, stands as a monument to human ambition. Yet, it also raises questions about exclusivity, ownership, and the environmental and social costs of such concentrated wealth.
The resin, smooth and reflective, embodies the illusion of perfection wealth often projects. Yet, beneath this glossy facade lies a deeper truth: just as the shredded money forms the foundation of the artwork, so does the relentless pursuit of riches underpin much of human activity—often at the expense of shared humanity and the natural world.
The artwork challenges the viewer to consider the paradox of wealth: its ability to create beauty and splendor while simultaneously dividing and isolating. By using Necker Island as a symbol, the piece invites introspection on how human nature is drawn to possess, control, and consume, even as it strives for paradise.
Ultimately, the piece asks: can true wealth be measured in ownership, or is it found in preserving what cannot be bought? It is a reflection of our shared responsibility to seek a balance between ambition and stewardship, between accumulation and connection.
Shredded currency, resin on canvas, 14"x 14"x 1" 2024.
$2,300
