$ 1982

You've probably heard that 'money is the root of all evil' before... could this screenprint by the pop artist Andy Warhol (1928-1987) illustrate that phrase? Created in 1982, this screenprint depicts a single dollar sign against a flat background of mint green. The symbol is shown in a bold black font, layered beneath red acrylic paint. The paint drips vertically down the surface of the canvas… it almost reminds me of droplets of blood! This opens up the piece to sinister interpretations. What could Warhol be saying here? Raised in a working-class family in Pittsburgh, Andy Warhol was famously one of the first artists to explicitly examine the relationship between art and the commercial world. He is quoted as saying ‘big-time art is big-time money’! From the 1950s onwards, he explored these themes through engaging with imagery from mass culture – like his famous images of Marilyn Monroe and the Campbell soup cans. These works exemplified the Pop Art movement. ️ This screenprint, aptly titled ‘$’, comes from a series of dollar sign works which once more show Warhol engaging with ideas of materialism and profit. The dollar sign is an iconic emblem of the United States of America, and holds both symbolic and actual power. Could Warhol be making a statement about consumerism and profit by choosing to focus on this symbol of value? Is this screenprint an example of art being used as cultural commentary? You decide! So, what do you think? Is this a positive or negative depiction of money?