Josh Myers

Feb 4, 2008

Topic: Events | Tags: ,

w12_myers

Note Worthy is an exploration into the social aspect of currency design and how it factors into our lives. Every person is an active consumer, yet very few could recall explicit details of the dollar bill, a piece of paper that grazes our hands nearly every day. Myers said, “We are so fixated on our needs/desires and what we can acquire with money, that we often overlook the documents used to make these transactions.” Josh Myers has created a faux currency, complete with functionality and lavish design, that also is streamlined with the Green Movement.

The concept for this project sprung from an interest in the European attempt at global currency and its eco-conscious manufacturing; Australia currently uses plastic money which is able to be recycled. From the basics, Myers’ new bills are printed on a cotton based, water color paper. Josh has a respect for the utilization of other materials that, from artistic viewpoint, are more designer friendly. Materials like plastic are able to be formed into unique or familiar shapes that would allow the public a more personal attachment, aside from the aesthetic value. “Thinking into the future and considering the amount of electronic transactions, there is a rising fear of identification theft. I am thinking of this project as a “rebirth” of paper money in a new and interesting way that will improve it, so that money is personal again,” stated Josh Myers.

He has taken the process steps further and rejuvenated the face of the legal tender so that it no longer depicts old men in wigs. From where I stand, it seems that Americans have detached themselves from the respect that should be shown for its leaders and instead moved towards a love for all things innovative. That said, maybe the Presidents no longer belong on our money, and, linage and globally recognized symbols, do. Myers has, for his currency, tilted, cropped and distorted the portraits and in most cases, removed them altogether. There is no literal imagery, only interwoven swirls and shapes from Myers mind. A selected few of the bills are printed on 2×4 foot foamcore in order to force the audience to understand the graphic capabilities and the amount of work that goes into each dollar bill. The essentials remain on the currency; routing numbers, watermarks and the amount.

The opening reception takes place tonight at 7 PM and refreshments will be served. Josh will also be on hand to answer any questions and to further explain his research and development processes.

Note Worthy
Opening 7-9 PM; Free
Through Saturday, February 9th
Upton Hall Gallery 234
Buffalo State College
Gallery hours 9am-9pm

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