The Weight of Money is a thought-provoking reinterpretation of one of the world’s most controversial architectural feats: Casa Poporului, or the Palace of the Parliament, in Bucharest, Romania. This artwork depicts the building as seen from far above, constructed entirely from shredded currency, a medium chosen for its profound symbolism.
Casa Poporului stands as a monument to the extremes of power and ambition. Commissioned by Nicolae Ceaușescu, Romania’s communist leader, the structure embodies both the grandeur of a regime’s vision and the devastating sacrifices demanded of its people. Entire neighborhoods were destroyed, tens of thousands of citizens were displaced, and the nation's resources were drained to create this colossal symbol of control and ego.
The use of shredded currency in this artwork transforms a material traditionally associated with wealth into a statement of loss. The fragmented money reflects the broken value of resources taken from a struggling population to satisfy a leader’s towering ambitions. Layered onto a corkboard foundation, the medium speaks to the resilience of the people who endured these hardships, grounding the piece in both tragedy and perseverance.
From a distance, the artwork captures the majestic scale of Casa Poporului. Up close, the shredded currency reveals its true weight — the cost of greed, the burden of sacrifice, and the enduring scars left by unchecked power.
The Weight of Money invites viewers to question the cost of grandeur and the human toll of history’s most audacious projects. It challenges us to reflect on the fragility of power and the resilience of those who endure its consequences.
Acrylic, Shredded currency on 14"x14"x1" cork board, 2025
Price available upon request. Please use the Contact Page for inquiries and further details about this artwork.
