Cultural Currency: Contemporary Art from the Riemer Collection

March 4 through June 4, 2023

Cultural Currency explores the innovative ways artists use money as a medium to expand its worth beyond a given denomination. Each of the artists featured investigates preconceived definitions of monetary value, meticulously repurposing bills and coins into exquisite, precise artworks. Universally relevant, humorous and, at times, critical, Cultural Currency asks viewers to consider how the definition of currency can be reshaped into a multifaceted object steeped in meaning and intrigue. The collection is the passion of Louise Rothman-Riemer and Davis Riemer, investment advisers from Oakland, California, who began collecting money-themed art in 1995 to encourage new attitudes toward money’s intrinsic value.

Exhibition Highlights

Don and Era Farnsworth, Art Notes, 2016, currency, acrylic paint, inkjet print

Stacey Lee Webber, Saw of Pennies, unknown date, pennies

Stacey Lee Webber and Mark Wagner, Washington Locket, 2017, currency

Ray Beldner, This is Definitely Not a Pipe, 2000, sewn U.S. currency

Serghei L. Manoliu, Untitled (Armored Icons series), 1999, dollar, paint, gold leaf, steel, glass

Tim O’Neill, Rings: Let Them Eat Cake, Pyramid Scheme, Brother Can You Spare a Dime, In God We Trust, House of Cards, 2010, currency, credit cards, metal

Don and Era Farnsworth, Art Notes, 2016, currency, acrylic paint, inkjet print

Thanks to the members, donors, grantors, and sponsors who support exhibitions and programs.
Exhibitions and programs are supported in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts. Marketing is supported in part by City of Wausau Room Tax funds.