Brooklyn-based artist Mark Wagner uses a particularly controversial medium that starts plenty of conversations – and luckily, that is exactly his intention. Wagner is known for his series of currency portraits, which are elaborate collages made form deconstructed dollar bills. His work is pretty spectacular, and Wagner claims that people from all walks of life and sides of the political fence have been paying attention to his work. It makes sense – money is a hot topic, no matter what the context. In a January interview, Wagner explained that capitalists believe he is celebrating the dollar – but then again, anarchists think he is making cheeky commentary about how money is used as a tool of oppression. No matter how controversial his work is, there’s no denying Wagner’s raw talent. Looking at the photos below, what kind of message do you think the artist is trying to send?
