“Our Progress so Far” 
Ink on archival paper

This original drawing was the result of a year’s worth of studying the illustrations found on different world currencies and an attempt to fashion a new image for our late-stage capitalism. Several large drawings were scrapped in attempting to adopt this style in this imaginative combination of subjects.

In viewing many different currencies from around the world, one quickly finds that most countries attempt to tell stories of national identity on their banknotes.  It seems that there are common themes found within most forms of cash from around the globe. They typically have some sort of religious or spiritual theme, a patriotic or authority rhetoric, and some sort of heroic character. Borrowing from antiquity and modern technology, the images are meshed in a currency like illustrative style to create this painstaking drawing.

This ink drawing features classical sculptures to represent the ideals and philosophies of ancient civilizations, often romanticized for their contributions to art and culture, yet they also symbolize the roots of power structures and governance. The war machines and public service vehicles symbolize the mechanisms of power, control, and societal organization.

At the base lies a large, impoverished village. This rendering serves as a stark contrast to the grandeur and might of the elements above, highlighting the disparities and inequalities perpetuated by those in power. The village, though portrayed as poor, is rich in detail and narrative, inviting the viewer to contemplate the daily realities and struggles of the majority who live under the shadows of these towering structures of power.

To characterize the current economic situation of end stage capitalism, and where we may be headed as a nation, I try to imagine a more up to date narrative that showcases the intense wealth inequality, exploitation of workers, and massive corporate profits in every sector while inflation continues to gauge us on every commodity imaginable.  My aim was to expand sheer amount of subjects – and therefore the narrative, creating a reminder of the continuous struggle between the ruling class and the oppressed, encouraging viewers to ponder the roles, responsibilities, and consequences of power in our world.