J.S.G. Boggs: All Money is Art
on Saturday, January 28, 2017J.S.G. Boggs saying several forms of art are present on currency, including multiple types of representational as well as decorative design. J.S.G. Boggs said:
“All money is art, If you look at a dollar, it’s portraiture, it’s landscape art, it’s abstract designs” — J.S.G. Boggs
This quote from J.S.G. Boggs suggests that money itself can be seen as a form of art. The best interpretation is that Boggs sees the portraits, landscapes and intricate designs featured on currency notes as artistic creations in their own right, comparable to other visual art genres.
By describing money as incorporating elements of portraiture, landscape art and abstraction, Boggs argues that banknotes have an aesthetic quality and are essentially works of graphic design.
So the quote casts the appearance and imagery on currency in an artistic light, implying that money transcends its functional role as a medium of exchange and store of value by also serving as miniature works of portable, widely-distributed public art.
Boggs seems to want people to appreciate the artistic craft that goes into currency design.
Birthday: January 16, 1955 – Death: January 22, 2017