Dance Dancing Monkey Dance
Dance Dancing Monkey Dance
Mark Wagner
Dance Dancing Monkey Dance
40” x 30”
Currency on panel
2019
Mark Wagner’s Dance Dancing Monkey Dance is a bold and dynamic piece that transforms the familiar currency into an exploration of power, performance, and the absurdity of materialism. Measuring an impressive 40” x 30”, this large-scale collage features U.S. one dollar bills meticulously arranged to form a whimsical, yet pointed, scene. In the piece, a dancing monkey figure made from the currency evokes the spectacle of entertainment, while also serving as a metaphor for the performative nature of society’s relationship with money. Wagner's uncanny precision and playful yet critical approach invite viewers to reflect on how we dance to the tune of wealth and consumerism. With its larger-than-life composition, Dance Dancing Monkey Dance captivates both as an artistic feat and a sharp commentary on the forces that drive modern life.