In Mammoth Cutbacks, Mark Wagner crafts an imposing yet meticulously manicured elephant, entirely sculpted from U.S. one dollar bills. Spanning the full 24” x 18” panel, the elephant is rendered as an elaborate topiary, its dense foliage of currency carefully trimmed into shape. To the side, George Washington stands with shears in hand, dutifully pruning the massive figure. The piece playfully yet critically examines themes of financial control, political power, and austerity, as the act of cutting back takes on layered meanings. Wagner’s signature precision and wit transform money into a lush, sculpted form, highlighting the tension between preservation and reduction. Mammoth Cutbacks is a striking commentary on the forces that shape economies and institutions, captured in a scene both whimsical and thought-provoking.