Currency & Cartography at the London Design Festival

'Justine Smith has always been fascinated with the power that money holds in both physical and ethereal forms. She started to work with bank notes in 1998 which soon developed into her first money map, ‘Money Map of the World” which in turn turned into a series of further Maps, some zooming in on specific regions such as “Old Europe”, “Euro Europe” or “Money Map of Africa”., where each country is covered by it’s own banknote , which is used as a self-reflective media. Justine cleverly positions each note to highlight its own political, social and commercial features. By using bank notes the value systems that surround our idea of money are brought to the forefront. They present a national identity and an insight into a countries politics, history, religion, economy, and culture.' Smith's current exhibition, 'Currency & Cartography'  will present her work over the last ten years. Made in partnership with London's oldest antique map dealer, The Map house the show is a must for any London Design Festival tour. 19 September – 10 October The Map House, 54 Beauchamp Place, Knightsbridge, London, SW3 1NY www.justinesmith.net www.themaphouse.com www.londondesignfestival.com