Moneyscape II comes from my Imaginable Landscape series that explores the construction of grand narratives surrounding modern-day mythologies through hand-cut pop-up dioramas made of various banknotes.

Moneyscape II visualizes levels of cultural assimilation as a significant difference between the art, architecture and belief systems of Japan and the US, who were once enemies but now have major influences upon each other’s cultural, political, and economic landscapes. After more than 200 years of voluntary isolation, Japan was forced to open its doors to the western world in 1854 and eventually globalized its economy, rapidly exporting to the west and beyond throughout the mid-20th century. Japan’s prior isolation resulted in the development of a strong national and cultural identity, which is reflected in the Zen design of the Japanese yen. The inclusion of Shureimon, a landmark gate at Shuri Castle, cherry blossom flowers, and the majestic Mount Fuji all suggest the threshold between traditional and modern Japan. Similarly, the US one-dollar bill is emblazoned with the nation's official motto “In God We Trust”, the nationally revered bald eagle, and mysterious occult symbols, such as the Eye of Providence. Through the fusion of Japanese yen and US dollars, Moneyscape II locates itself within a socio-political geography that is governed by systems of divine economy that are maintained through tropes of cultural homogeneity.
Moneyscape II visualizes levels of cultural assimilation as a significant difference between the art, architecture and belief systems of Japan and the US, who were once enemies but now have major influences upon each other’s cultural, political, and economic landscapes. After more than 200 years of voluntary isolation, Japan was forced to open its doors to the western world in 1854 and eventually globalized its economy, rapidly exporting to the west and beyond throughout the mid-20th century. Japan’s prior isolation resulted in the development of a strong national and cultural identity, which is reflected in the Zen design of the Japanese yen. The inclusion of Shureimon, a landmark gate at Shuri Castle, cherry blossom flowers, and the majestic Mount Fuji all suggest the threshold between traditional and modern Japan. Similarly, the US one-dollar bill is emblazoned with the nation's official motto “In God We Trust”, the nationally revered bald eagle, and mysterious occult symbols, such as the Eye of Providence. Through the fusion of Japanese yen and US dollars, Moneyscape II locates itself within a socio-political geography that is governed by systems of divine economy that are maintained through tropes of cultural homogeneity.