Artist: Remy Aillaud
Title: Dollars Vest
Technique: handmade steel / mixed media / framed /real dollars / real bulletproof vest
Edition: 1/1
Size: approximately 80x80x15cm

The “Dollar Vest” embodies a paradoxical fusion of protection and provocation, a powerful commentary on the intersection of wealth, security, and conflict. Crafted from a bulletproof vest adorned with meticulously handcrafted steel grenades, each one a testament to meticulous artistry and the ominous beauty of warfare.

At first glance, the vest’s surface seems adorned with a collage of real-dollar bills, meticulously arranged and lacquered into an intricate mosaic. Yet, upon closer inspection, these dollar bills conceal the vest’s true nature, acting as both a shield and a statement. They serve as a poignant reminder of the inherent vulnerability that wealth cannot always safeguard against the volatility of human strife.

The handcrafted steel grenades, in stark contrast to the symbolic representation of financial power, evoke thoughts of conflict and fragility. Each grenade, a testament to human ingenuity in both creation and destruction, speaks volumes about the delicate balance between safety and peril.

The juxtaposition of symbols—the protective vest, the currency of power, and the tools of destruction—creates an unsettling harmony that challenges societal perceptions. It prompts reflection on the value we place on wealth, security, and the lengths we go to protect what we hold dear, even if it means creating instruments of war and fortification.

“Dollar Vest” is not merely an artwork; it’s a powerful narrative woven through craftsmanship and symbolism. It dares its viewers to question the cost of safety, the fragility of power, and the true worth of the wealth that we seek to shield ourselves with.