Balancing the Budget 1988

Mark Kostabi's 1988 painting "Balancing the Budget" is a visually striking piece that incorporates elements of surrealism and pop art. The artwork features two figures, each with their torsos cut open to reveal a series of objects and symbols related to money, consumption, and personal identity. The figures' limbs intertwine and overlap, creating a sense of both connection and confusion. Kostabi's signature bold outlines and flat colors add to the work's playful and enigmatic nature, prompting viewers to consider the complex relationship between personal finances, consumption, and the human experience.