Sometimes Money is Just Money

I must admit that I am not the greatest art enthusiast; however I do believe that the most salient art is the type that has the ability to be the most interchangeable, so that every viewer can relate it to his/ or her own personal experience(s) or identity. And where installation art is concerned, some of it tends to be a little to abstract and obscure for my overly pragmatic mind and my unnerving need to find practicality in everything.

So when I read about the Hans-Peter Feldmann’s $100,000 Hugo Boss Prize awarded for 2010, which was turned into a art installation and on exhibit at the Solomon R Guggenheim Museum from May 20, 2011 to November 2, 2011- Yes, I finally got around to viewing it and writing a blog about it, better late than never, besides I wanted my opportunity to weigh in on this presentation.

Hans-Peter Feldmann is a 70 year old German artist who has made his staple in the conceptual art movement (for those who are unaware, conceptual art embraces the notion or ideology of the art as more prevalent than simply being pleasing to the eye). His work began in the late 60’s and expands through today. His repertoire of work spans from paintings, photography and installation as well as publications. In commemoration of the longevity and admiration of his work he was awarded.

The exhibit presents 100,000 one dollar bills pinned to a large airy room with columns leaving every space completely wallpapered in money. It took nearly two weeks and approximately nine assistants to create. The bills are displayed face up or down in a random pattern which overlap each other.

The art is meant to question the parallels of value and art. Dollar bills are simply pieces of paper as it’s attached to a wall but outside of that room essential reigns supreme in a capitalist environment. Let me just say that I love money and I hope to acquire a lot more of it in my life. I definitely recommend seeing the exhibit because it is a sight that you may never see again in your life; however I do not know that the message was properly relayed as it was meant. Without disrespect, I find the aesthetic to be astounding but it overshadows Mr. Feldmann’s message to the public; and therefore making the art not so conceptual. As such, I have sided with Karen Rosenberg’s June 22nd review in the New York Times entitled “Spendable Art That’s Not for Sale” (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/03/arts/design/hans-peter-feldmann-at-the-guggenheim-review.html)

Hugo Boss Prize 2010: Hans-Peter Feldmann
On display through 11/9/2011
Solomon R Guggenheim Museum
101 5th Avenue
(Corner of 5th and 89th Street)
212-423-3500