The Currency Project

The Currency Project is a conceptual art piece and social practice that explores value creation and value transfer. In response to the economic crisis of 2020 Abdul Mazid and Julian Lombardi created and implemented the project in April of the same year. 

The project leverages social engagement as a means to investigate contemporary theories surrounding currency, value, and markets. It’s objectives include challenging traditional notions of value and exploring alternative systems of exchange. 

The Currency Project encourages participants to question the role of money in society and consider new possibilities for value creation within their communities. 

By incorporating trading cards as the foundation for the project, Mazid and Lombardi actively employ an existing economy and marketplace, intertwining the realms of art and economics. This approach allows them to explore the intersections of value, ownership, and exchange within the context of collectibles.

The social practice element of The Currency Project actively engages the public through dynamic platforms and immersive events. These include live public offerings of trace currency, interactive exhibitions, social media interactions, and live performances within the card community.

Within the context of The Currency Project, trace currency refers to trading cards that undergo a precise process of customization, serialization, and inclusion in a General Ledger for tracking and authentication. The General Ledger serves as a vital record, methodically documenting the flow of value and transactions within the project, providing transparency, accountability, and a historical record of its evolution.

Through these engagements, the project aims to delve deeper into the intricate concepts surrounding currency as a form of transactional storage of value. It encourages participants and observers to reflect on the underlying mechanisms that govern our economic systems, the social and cultural significance of value, and the potential for alternative forms of exchange beyond traditional monetary frameworks.

Overall, the project acts as a catalyst for critical examination, bridging the gap between art, economics, and social interaction. It invites participants and audiences alike to question the boundaries and possibilities of value creation and exchange while provoking thoughtful conversations about the intricate relationship between art, economics, and society.

General Ledger

The General Ledger tracks all artwork added to the project to date. It can be used to authenticate pieces by matching the security sticker and images to the physical artwork. Click link below to access the ledger.


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