Nicolás Varchausky (AR) plus special guest performer: Money Desk

Presented as part of Sonica Glasgow 2019

Argentina-based composer Nicolás Varchausky explores an illusion we all agree to accept: the symbolic value of banknotes. Two money-counters face each other at banks of instruments; provided with the artist’s appearance fee in cash, the duo (including one local performer) use specially adapted versions of the counting, scanning and verification instruments of their trade to generate an intense fusillade of sound. The cacophony at once brings alive the otherwise silent way in which money – especially digital currency – moves around our world, and suggests all the other ‘currencies’ that a banknote could possess beyond the monetary value printed on it. 

Commissioned by: CCK Centro Cultural Kirchner 

Supported by: Programa de Investigación I+D Sistemas Temporales y Síntesis Espacial en el Arte Sonoro (Escuela Universitaria de Artes - Universidad Nacional de Quilmes)