The Dollar is the most recognized non-religious symbol in the world. The symbols and allegorical figures in US currency represent the founding father's ideals. In these paintings by Claude Buckley those symbols are juxtaposed with allegorical social commentaries of life in America.
Wealth In America
We like to think that the best things in life are free. Regrettably nothing is free. Even happiness requires a certain amount of wealth. Everything revolves around economics. The simplest things, such as taking one's kid out to grill a hot-dog, require the cooperation of sound governments and a number of corporations and cash.
Broke America
A letter from Mr. Roger Milliken asking the artist to paint how the middle class is getting poorer while the upper class is getting richer in context to its turning away from its Hamiltonian principles inspired these paintings. Reflecting on Hamilton and the origins of the United States government Buckley turned his thoughts towards money and how it affects our lives in every level.
Beseiged Middle Class
Buckley says, "I am painting my impressions as to what we the people are becoming. Some of the things that we do would make George Washington weep. This is the tragic reality of our times. Time and time again we see our civil liberties chiseled away in Congress, our courts of law, and by the apathy of our citizens. I hope that the message these paintings convey is that we have to take life with a grain of salt."
