Natasha Lelenco, Currency #234, 2024, Acrylic Painting

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In "Currency #234", Natasha Lelenco presents a striking portrait set against a vibrant pink background, rendered in vivid green tones … Read more In "Currency #234", Natasha Lelenco presents a striking portrait set against a vibrant pink background, rendered in vivid green tones that give the profile a surreal and almost alien-like appearance. This work, part of the Currencies series, features a Czech inscription that reads: "Přežít, Také Nechat Část Sebe Zemřít Emigrovat," which translates to "To survive, you must also let a part of yourself die. Emigrate." The phrase captures the deep emotional toll of migration, an ongoing theme throughout the series. Painted on a 26 cm wooden circular panel, this artwork stands out for its strong use of color, which creates an intense contrast between the pink and green elements. The profile is detailed yet stylized, with small, scattered white dots on the figure’s face adding an additional surreal touch. The value assigned to this piece is 212 euros, continuing the artist’s exploration of the arbitrary nature of value in human lives, where societal worth is often based on origin or class. As an interesting curiosity, the artist offers her collectors the possibility to exchange the equivalent value of the percentage that would have been due to the artist from the sale of these coins for future works of her own creation. Therefore, beyond acquiring a wonderful piece of art, they acquire the opportunity to visit the artist's studio and consider the purchase of another work using this as a form of payment. Keywords: surrealist portrait, migration, conceptual art, Czech inscription, pink background, green profile, acrylic on wood, circular panel, Natasha Lelenco, Currencies series, identity, foreignness, emotional toll of migration. Signed by Maker See less