...Portraits seen floating in the Atrium pool are of some of Europe's most beloved and talented figures.  Often, a single portrait can symbolize an entire national character.  To Americans, a portrait of George Washington or Abraham Lincoln immediately conjures up historical, cultural and political references.  The same can be said for the European faces seen here.  For example, the faces of French scientist Marie Curie or Italian physicist Alessandro Volta remind each respective country of its history and accomplishments.  Each country's citizens are able to recognize and identify portraits in the installation, enabling them to reflect on their own history and the path that has led to the Euro.

This site-specific installation was created by photographing the portraits on currencies of the participating European Union member countries, then manipulating them into various formats, up to one meter across.  Each portrait is hand colored and enhanced with gold and silver acrylic.  Each image is laminated and weighted slightly so that it floats just under the surface of the reflecting pool.  Placing the portraits in the pool follows the tradition in many countries of throwing coins into fountains or pools for luck.  The accompanying installation above the pool draws viewers' attention to the shimmering surface below and augments the theme developed underwater.  

As an extension of the underwater theme developed in the Cherkashins' earlier exhibitions and performances, this installation, Goodbye Favorite European Portraits: Hello Euro, physically envelops the photographs of European portraits in a laminate capable of staying in water for longer periods.  The idea of encapsulating the images becomes even more captivating when we consider that today's currencies soon will become collector's items and pieces of our collective memory.

Dianne Beal, curator