Dollar Daze

The dollar doesn’t buy what it used to, but it’s still a potent symbol, especially in the hands of skilled artists. It represents the long arm of capitalism and aspirations for a better life, as well as the economic and political realities in which the United States is the sole superpower, but not the solid state it used to be. Two New York artists reference pop culture in an exhibition stressing the importance of dreams and desire in the everyday struggles of working people.

Originally from Northern California, Michael Pribich has exhibited widely, and his work in a variety of media makes insightful political commentary. Esperanza Cortes was born in Colombia, and her installation works, like “Grave To the Unknown Woman,” which fills a gap all the soldiers’ memorials don’t address, make their point with delectable subtlety. As the show’s title implies, the dollar, though not as mighty as it once was, still has the power to mesmerize. (Brian Staker)