"The Currency of Faith" intricately assembles tiny pieces of shredded money to depict the map of Vatican City, with St. Peter's Basilica observed from a distant vantage point. This artwork delves deep into the intricate relationship between civilization, money, religion, and the sacrifices embedded within each.
The meticulously placed fragments of currency form a tapestry that symbolizes not only the material wealth that has shaped societies but also the countless personal stories, memories, and sacrifices each piece represents. The use of shredded money—a medium once powerful but now deconstructed—speaks to the paradox of human civilization: the eternal interplay between the sacred and the profane, the spiritual and the material.
At the heart of the composition lies St. Peter's Basilica, a monumental symbol of faith. Yet, its foundation is built from the remnants of currency, prompting reflection on the paradoxes that define our world. How do faith and finance coexist, and at what cost? What does it mean when religious institutions, meant to embody spiritual values, are intertwined with the very fabric of economic power?
"The Currency of Faith" invites viewers to contemplate the memories, dreams, and human experiences encapsulated in each piece of money, and how these sacrifices, both grand and personal, are woven into the spiritual and material landscapes of our world. The artwork poses a profound question: In the pursuit of civilization, what have we truly gained, and what have we lost?
Acrylics, shredded currency, and resin on a 14"x14"x1" stretched canvas, 2024.
$2,000
