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 these paper exercises are just part of the project. Through the umbrella name of Neutral Capital, 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. Neutral Capital functions both as art and commerce – cohabitating in a territory where the distinction between the two blur. It addresses the often changing parameters of value and the interchange of possibility that exists in all things that experience fortune and decline.

This is just one piece of Simensky’s alternative monetary universe. Those who would like to learn more about it (and live close to Manhattan) can attend a lecture tonight at the artist workspace Dieu Donné Papermill where Simensky currently is an artist in residence.

Dieu Donné
Tuesday, April 29 at 6:30 PM
315 West 36th st
New York City

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