Banknote Art Concept believes cash has a special place in a nation’s population, being a unique medium to represent shared heritage and culture. Talking about cash participates in educating new generations about economics, culture and symbolism.
Banknote Art Concept, independent and not-for-profit
Bridging Art and Currency
© Carlos Almenar
”"Money art is an artistic interpretation through a cultural and socio-historical perspective that illustrates and transforms the concept of banknotes and coins."
Carlos AlmenarSenior Banknote Designer and Contemporary Artist
Impressed to realise currency was given an added artistic value, different to its primary role as a cash instrument, Carlos Almenar also observed it was a Venezuelan banknote he designed himself, converted into a new piece of art and sublimated under the term “Money Art“ by Venezuelan artist José León. Since then, Carlos went on a path to uncover and learn more about Money Art and the artists behind this intriguing movement.
Along the years, Carlos encountered several references of currency based graffiti, mostly using Venezuelan Bolivar, US Dollar or British Pound banknotes. However, he couldn’t find clear references to explain exactly what the “Money Art” artistic concept was.
Following his fascination and interest in artists using money as a medium to create art, Carlos discovered more artworks using a diversity of skills and techniques, such as British artist Justine Smith‘s collages, US based Venezuelan artist José Catamo‘s paper making and, French artist Philippe Assalit‘s digital compositions.
© Francisco Corso
© Ray Beldner
”"Each figurative element we can observe in a currency’s design has a meaning, such as portraits of significant people, representations of cultural scenes and traditions, national heritage treasures, wildlife and landscapes. Cash money also displays abstract symbolism such as traditional patterns, artistic elements and languages, in harmonious compositions."
Yohann NaviereArt Curator
© Yosuke Hasegawa
© Gabriela González Leal
Fast forward to 2017, when Banknote Art Concept was formaly created with a unique idea: to bring together designers and artists connected by the use of currency within their artistic frameworks and creations.
Our primary principle is to acknowledge the artistic value of banknotes and coins, specifically about the transformation of currency from an economic symbol to symbolic works of art that are proudly exhibited in publications, social media, museums and galleries worldwide.
Moving on to 2020, no doubt a year many accros the globe will remember, when our team was fortunate enough to be able to create Banknote Art Concept, as an independent organisation, focusing on important aspects of the development of this project and cultivate it into reality. Thus began a new chapter in this story, with passionate individuals creating a vision: to enhance the artistic value that artists and designers give to banknotes and coins.
Following our website launch, our team discovered and interviewed artists to showcase such as American Ray Beldner, Venezuelan Francisco Corso, Mexican Gabriela Gonzalez Leal and Japanese Yosuke Hasegawa. Our team created an online artists gallery, published curated artistic content and art related original articles accessible to all, while making significant progress towards the development of educational projects and the creation of the world first “Art Fiduciaire” online art gallery.
In 2024, independent Banknote Art Concept evolved into a not-for-profit organisation registered in Australia, driven by a goal to develop further its artistic educative missions, and continue to participate in global Visual Arts education, focused on currency’s artistic and cultural values.
© Ohm Chanitrapirak
Independent not-for-profit Banknote Art Concept is a unique initiative created by Carlos Almenar, established banknote designer and contemporary artist. Carlos has brought together a talented team of passionate creatives in art, marketing and communication, collectively driven by a philosophy to communicate, educate, share experiences related to Art Fiduciaire and Money Art.
Our Focus
- Art Fiduciaire: the creativity and artistic techniques deployed in currency design;
- Money Art: the artistic transformation of currency into art.
Our Mission:
- Educate the public on the world’s currencies artistic syntax and investigation, iconography, symbolism, message and cultural values;
- Encourage the arts practice and education;
- Promote the world’s currencies artistic and cultural values, from its conception (Art Fiduciaire) to its re-use in creative composition (Money Art).
Independent not-for-profit Banknote Art Concept is supported by the volunteer work of its founders and members.
Directors
Carlos Almenar
Aimee Budge
Morgan Galea
Rohan John
Yohann Naviere
Soumya Viswanathan
Members
Victoria Velásquez
Contributors