Money, with Space Between (1994) by John Baldessari

Money, with Space Between - John Baldessari - 1994

Artwork Information

TitleMoney, with Space Between
ArtistJohn Baldessari
Date1994
Art MovementConceptual Art,Pop Art

About Money, with Space Between

The artwork titled “Money, with Space Between” was created by John Baldessari in 1994. As a distinguished example of Conceptual Art and Pop Art, this piece belongs to the figurative genre. The artwork harnesses the philosophical underpinnings of Conceptualism and the bold, graphic aesthetics of Pop Art, which Baldessari astutely amalgamates to produce a composition that encourages viewers to rethink ordinary visuals and their meanings.

The artwork presents two separate yet juxtaposed panels, each featuring a man engaged in an interaction with money. In each panel, the subject’s face is obscured by a large, brightly colored circular shape—a hallmark of Baldessari’s stylized visual language. On the left, the man’s entire face is eclipsed by a vibrant yellow circle while he holds a stack of money. On the right, a different man’s face is concealed by a red circle, with his hands likewise positioned around what appears to be cash. The context of the interaction with currency is deliberately ambiguous, inviting viewers to ponder the significance of these transactions. This concealment of facial expressions with colorful, geometric forms strips individual identity and emotion from the depiction, rendering the actions depicted both universal and impersonal. Through this, Baldessari incisively critiques the depersonalizing effects of money and consumer culture. The “space between” referenced in the title may allude to the physical gap between the two panels or metaphorically suggest a conceptual or emotional distance aligned with the transactional nature of monetary exchanges.

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