Money Tree Paradoxes and Prophesies

for the exhibition "Women and Money"
mixed media Installation
(branches, laser etched plexiglass, gold leaf, 13 sets of paper cards)
Katherine Nash Gallery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
2016



The handling of money was always troubled with customs, legends and folklore. In the ancient worlds people consulted oracles over important matters. The replies were interpreted to please the questioner; they were often ambiguous.

Thirteen images etched in plexiglas personify issues about money. They are suspended from a cluster of branches spotted with gold leaf.

A box with thirteen compartments contains cards with printed images corresponding to the plexiglass images. On the reverse of each card is a reworking of a Socratic paradox or an actual Delphic prophecy---with one exception.

Viewers are invited through signage to:
Ask the money tree a question.
Select an image that characterizes your question.
Select a card that corresponds to your image.
A response to your question is on the reverse.

© Diane Katsiaficas 2016