On Tuesday, June 22, Dread Scott performed “Money to Burn” in New York City’s financial district. The project was made possible, in part, by the Franklin Furnace Fund.
Dread Scott, Money to Burn, still from video, 2010.
The artist meandered among the midday money manipulators bellowing “Money to Burn!” The repeated outcry was presented generally as a statement and then to individuals in the form of a question. Scott burned several of his own bills and then those from interested bystanders. The crowd soon attracted the attention of police and they began also to gather around the performance. Eventually, the law swooped in and put an end to the interaction issuing the performer a citation for disorderly conduct.
Dread Scott, Money to Burn, still from video, 2010.
The action raised a lot of questions that offer no simple answers. It is interesting to note, however, that it is very easy to land a court date in this country. Here is video of the interplay as released by Dread Scott.
[vimeo=12839062,LEFT,4:3]
