A solo exhibition by Generic Art Solutions (artists Matt Vis & Tony Campbell). Housed in the coin room, the Old Mint in New Orleans was active from 1839 to 1909, and is the only US Mint to strike coins for both the United States of America, for a succeeded Louisiana, and for the Confederacy.

Displayed side by side with coins minted in this historic facility, the artists have “minted” new coins for this exhibition. The intention of the show is to explore the tropes of wealth and influence and probe the promise of an American Dream and the gambler’s persistent belief in his luck. This exhibition examines the power structures surrounding money and our trust in those institutions. Our relationship to money is complex and currently volatile. This abstracted system of trade the world over is adrift from the gold standard, often merely a digital token divorced from the soon-to-be antiquated hard currency, thus demanding ever more blind trust in the legitimacy of the said economic system.

“THE MONEY JUKEBOX”

A fully functional Jukebox loaded with 7” disks featuring Money-themed songs. With this ongoing project, we have encouraged artists to make a famous “money “ cover version or a self-penned original on a 7” vinyl record, to be housed in our custom Jukebox.  The collection will examine the long and complex relationship that Southern music and culture have with money. We would feature all the local genres of music, Ragtime Jazz, Blues, Country, Hip Hop, Bounce, Rock, Punk, Zydeco, Swamp Pop. Etc.

“…HEADS YOU LOSE”

A double-headed fine silver coin for the year 2020. This coin speaks to the tools of the trade for a trickster, like a gambler’s stacked deck, this is a dishonest object for a post-truth culture. This coin illustrates how Patriarchal culture has gamed the system forever.

“LOUISIANA LANDFALL”

A customized coin pusher arcade game. This interactive sculpture addresses ecological losses in Louisiana, namely the drastic coastal erosion of the state’s wetlands. The United States of America continues to gamble with global warming and the climate crisis and is experiencing a long losing streak. This artwork entices the audience to mirror this irresponsible behavior for similar financial gains.