Design of two thousand hryvnias bill of the Ukrainian National Republic (avers) 1918

This is a design for a two thousand hryvnias bill of the Ukrainian National Republic created by Heorhiy Narbut. Look at the level of intricate detail in the pattern work which borders the central text. I’m interested in artmaking as a process, and I wonder about the process of rendering such minute detail. The texture is achieved with a combination of thin lines and opaque blocks, which create a sense of depth and movement. The pale green in the centre contrasts with the orange border, making the bill feel vibrant. I keep coming back to that border, the shapes are so tiny and close together they almost create another texture. It looks almost woven. I like how they use a small, repeated unit to build an overwhelming sense of value and richness. The closer you look, the more you see. Narbut’s work reminds me of other artists who explore the intersection of design and culture, like William Morris, who printed beautiful wallpaper designs. But Narbut’s work here has its own unique voice, speaking to the power of money as a form of art.