The tree is the largest living thing on our earth. Some trees live for thousands of years. Its natural ecosystem ensures clean air, stores and purifies water
and offers living space and shelter for many creatures. A special treasure is its ability to store the waste product CO2. This competence is monetized with CO2 certificates.
The dead tree is a symbol of the plundered treasure.
– the invisible danger
Anything that doesn’t integrate into the natural cycle can be described as „absolutely unnatural.“ Money is subject to a completely different cycle.
Those who focus too heavily on money as the purpose of life can lose themselves in a cycle of consumption and inner emptiness.
Another question is how so-called „forever chemicals,“ long-chain persistent PFAS, behave in the cycle of nature? Are they already exceeding planetary boundaries?
Does their uncontrolled release disrupt the natural balance? Simply said, it could be argued that these substances lack life. The life we know on Earth is bound
to matter and encounters us in a diverse world of living bodies, organisms, or creatures: plants, animals, and humans. Due to reproduction, chains of living creatures, expressed in many different species, run through the history of our planet. Life is passed on in these chains; When the connection between living things is broken, life also disappears; it never arises anew.
Patriarchates are undemocratic – they are hierarchies controlled by men – women and minorities are oppressed
This cycle shows how patriarchal forms of rule presume to oppress humanity. The artist demonstrates this destruction with her radical art. The phallus as a hegemonic symbol
is intended to point out the responsibility that is ignored. Shredded banknotes show the futility of greed and avarice. The “LINEN RELIEF” technique she uses is new in the visual arts.
By using linen and filling material, the artist creates a three-dimensional work of art on canvas. The liveliness of the objects is initiated by light and shadow on the relief.
Videos to get you in the mood
War is not a Women’s Game:https://youtu.be/YYk2QnY8hH0
Gun shops: https://youtu.be/kfW8dq0_tNc?si=xYPwLvgL_9oP3WFe
Erections: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2lAnKAAF5w
Degrading and marginalization is the most common forms of discrimination
Means ... traveling with a suitcase and not knowing where to stay ....
Displaced and unwanted many women with their children try to find a place where they can settle.
Freedom without a home is like a tree without roots.
Banknotes do not fall from trees in autumn, but they are also subject to a life cycle. Their lifespan can depend on the quality;
damaged ones will be confiscated and replaced with new ones. A currency reform also ends the cycle.
The most significant cash changeover was in 2002, it was the world's largest currency changeover ever.
With this cycle of images, the artist Monika Stahl asks the questions:
Has autumn come for banknotes?
Is a cashless future getting closer?
Material: rusty steel, lances, heads covered with real banknotes from Austria, Germany, France, Belgium, Finland
Monika Stahl
+43 664 134 1672
atelier@MonikaStahl.at
Photos Heinz Schmölzer