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Crypto Bandit by James Chiew
Crypto Bandit by James Chiew
Crypto Bandit by James Chiew
Crypto Bandit by James Chiew
Crypto Bandit by James Chiew
Crypto Bandit by James Chiew
Crypto Bandit by James Chiew
Crypto Bandit by James Chiew
Crypto Bandit by James Chiew
Crypto Bandit by James Chiew

Crypto Bandit 2023

James Chiew

Oil pastel Mixed mediaPigmentResin
70 ⨯ 170 cm
ConditionExcellent
€ 5.500

CJS Gallery

  • About the artwork
    Artist: James Chiew
    Title: Crypto Bandit
    Technique: mixed media / high gloss resin
    Size: 170x70cm
    Edition: Limited edition of 10

    “Crypto Bandit: Unveiling the Modern Monopoly Man”

    In the depths of digital intrigue and financial revolution, emerges a canvas that transcends the boundaries of conventional artistry. Behold, “Crypto Bandit,” a provocative portrayal of the iconic Monopoly Man reinvented for the age of cryptocurrencies.

    With a mischievous glint in his eyes, the Monopoly Man stands proudly, his trademark top hat slightly askew, and a sly grin playing upon his lips. Yet, a subtle shift has occurred; his once clean-cut appearance now marred by the addition of a mysterious mask veiling his identity. Gone are the days of mere property acquisition; now, he ventures into the realm of digital wealth, his every move cloaked in anonymity.

    In his hands, he cradles a bag emblazoned with the unmistakable symbol of Bitcoin. It’s not just a bag of money anymore; it’s a symbol of the decentralized future, of financial liberation, and perhaps, of clandestine transactions. The juxtaposition of the traditional Monopoly Man with this symbol of the blockchain revolution sparks a conversation about the evolving nature of wealth and power in the digital age.

    Behind the mask lies a story untold — a tale of anonymity and secrecy, of power dynamics shifting in the wake of technological innovation. The Monopoly Man, once a symbol of capitalism’s excess, now embodies the spirit of the crypto bandit, navigating the murky waters of decentralized finance with cunning and guile.
  • About the artist

    For artist James Chiew, nothing happens by chance. All his creative expressions stem from his enormous urge for experiment and innovation. In his versatile mixed media works, the originally Singaporean autodidact always pushes the boundaries. This is reflected in his ideas and choice of materials. In an idiosyncratic and original way, James combines (photographic) images and objects with different materials, such as wood, metal, acrylic paint, epoxy and everything else that is possible.

    In doing so, he mixes modern graphic techniques with classical methods and analogous materials.
    James Chiew: “The digital age offers unprecedented opportunities. I like to experiment, because I'm always looking for new angles. The challenge for me is to try to achieve the impossible. I want to make things more beautiful. That often starts in my immediate environment.

    Everyday objects at home and in the studio I try to show in a special way. By pimping objects, I make people look at them differently and think about them.” His works of art always have a lot of depth: literally and figuratively you discover several layers in his works.

    Photography has only been the basis for James Chiew for a few years and proved to be the start of his new period. The camera and photo material offer him unprecedented perspectives, which immediately resulted in his most recognized work to date: Beatrix 3-D. In 2013, he was invited to the exhibition 'Image of Beatrix' in Paleis Het Loo and Paleis Soestdijk in honor of Beatrix's 75th birthday.

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