The money or the badge

The money or the badge

Thanks to a cheeky badge pinned to his hat, 4th year Bachelor of Fine Arts sculpture student Tom Turner will be participating in a group show of New Zealand and international artists in Auckland next month.

Tom was invited to submit his work for selection when his self inspired and satirical hat badge attracted the interest of the exhibition organiser.

Tom’s work will join that of his Whanganui UCOL lecturer Brit Bunkley in an exhibition titled Don’t Worry, It’s Only Money opening on 30 June at Auckland’s City Art Rooms.

Don’t Worry, It’s Only Money was first created by established artist Paul Hartigan in response to the recession of 1987. As the exhibition’s recent publicity states “the motto echoes with succinct humour, criticality and relevance again.”

For his contribution to the show, Brit will rework a sculpture that he first exhibited with his then collaborator Bill Bell, in New York 15 years ago.

Brit describes Corner of the Market as electronic sculpture where a series of blinking LED lights flash words like ‘cash’, ‘credit’ and ‘pork bellies’ to the viewer every ten seconds.

Tom’s sculpture for the exhibition is titled “Man Trap”, a human sized mouse trap aptly featuring a $US100 banknote as bait.

“I am really excited that my work has been selected,” says Tom. “It is all thanks to that badge.”

What were those powerful words on the badge that gave Tom such an exciting opportunity? “Solve the economic crisis today – DECLARE BANKRUPTCY – your money is worthless.”

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