Money Comes with Strings Attached

The piece illustrates the wave of cash that floods our government, the strings of influence that accompany it, and an active citizen reclaiming. I think this piece will inspire others to act because it incorporates the viewer into the image itself, encouraging their participation.

What do you think is the biggest issue of money in politics today?

Several years ago, I signed up for the biggest loan of my life to get an education and get ahead. While I was lucky enough to dropout of the “school” after 9 months, I still accumulated 30k of debt, and sadly there are thousands like me. The fact is if our politicians weren’t in the pockets of these organizations, many Americans would not be robbed of their future because there would be a greater degree of regulations on such rackets and funding for public education would be much higher.

Discussion

Just wanted to tell you that if my design was not selected by the jury, that I had hoped it would lose to yours as I admired the expression tremendously.

by horatio2

7 months ago | Reply

Great job. :)

by randhawa1

7 months ago | Reply

I like it!

by Ezzy001

7 months ago | Reply

Nice job, Nick! Nice to see all your skill sets coming together. ;-) Good luck, my friend! You deserve this!

by robjew

7 months ago | Reply

Money in politics is a problem much greater than the general public believes is possible. This illustration will help open the eyes of many citizens. Hopefully, they will take a stand.

by IRISHIWIN

7 months ago | Reply

This is a very clear and powerful graphic portraying the reality of what are major concerns for the citizens. This artist did an incredible job-- his image allows the viewer to feel as though, and justly so, that he is included into the image/concern. Best image, hands down-- 100% support to this piece!

by kiran.g

7 months ago | Reply

I think this graphic will "speak" to the general public more than the others, both young and old alike. Most people have played cards and can relate instantly to what the artist is saying visually about the corruption of money behind politics in this country. We need to reclaim democracy and the intent our fore-fathers had when they implemented equal rights for everyone - not just for the weathy voices.

by tresia swain

7 months ago | Reply

The fact the the supreme court decided it is OK to buy anything you want overlooked America is being Auction by the high bidder to buy the LAW is a crime.

by Broadreach

7 months ago | Reply

This says it all, in art and in words.Even our Congress people can understand it...maybe.

by semabq

7 months ago | Reply

Great work man! I love it! great use of strings and cut out lines to tie in more of a point. Great job!

by javier_solis06

7 months ago | Reply

Really great work, Nick. Best of luck! -Jenn (Art4Chg@Cal)

by juniperusCA

7 months ago | Reply

TO SEE THE FULL SIZED GRAPHIC PLEASE CLICK HERE http://www.flickr.com/photos/nickbygon/8092677787/in/photostream/

by nickbygon

7 months ago | Reply

The metaphor is clear and strong. In addition, the graphics and overall setup of the poster are potent. I feel a sense of stress and at the same time inspiration and motivation for the 'call to action' bing presented here. This poster has it all; it deserves to win.

by jose.l.morales.18

7 months ago | Reply

Thank you sir. I hope you answer the call :D

by nickbygon

7 months ago | Reply

Nick, I have the same exact story. I went to the same school for about 9 months as well and accumulated the same amount of debt. I dropped because, not only was the costs beyond affordable, but the curriculum was completely appalling and everyone in the class got A's. There was no incentive to produce critical thinkers, individualism, nor any standard of higher education culture at all. Thanks for this you got my vote...Micah

by micahcarlson

7 months ago | Reply

It's harder to get a bar tab than it was to get that loan.

by nickbygon

7 months ago | Reply

Wow, good job Nick! From a woman's perspective I really appreciate it and from a student's perspective I understand where you're coming from :-)

by anoop.kaur.16

7 months ago | Reply

Thanks sis. What can I say, I have good women influences.

by nickbygon

7 months ago | Reply

Hey Nick! I really like this caption. Political corruption is definitely a hot-topic issue and it's important to emphasize the financial advantage that a lot of politicians exercise over less-privileged individuals. I really like the fact that you featured a woman as the central figure because it demonstrates your appreciation of underrepresented groups and your motivation to move toward a more egalitarian society!

by ron.orellana.5

7 months ago | Reply

Glad you like the central figure sir.

by nickbygon

7 months ago | Reply

This is some great work, I really hope you win!

by Jitsingh

7 months ago | Reply

Thanks Jit. I will hope with you ;)

by nickbygon

7 months ago | Reply

Great piece of political art! It's sad that so few people are even talking about this issue. Good to see that at least you are Nick!

by 1Prab

7 months ago | Reply

Thanks big brother.

by nickbygon

7 months ago | Reply

This image is immediately understandable, it gets the point across and will get more people to be aware of the problem and the needed solution.

by Elsa Obuchowski

7 months ago | Reply

Thank you :D

by nickbygon

7 months ago | Reply

Need to elect people who are thinking about the effect the BILL will have for the 50 states, then the world without the influence from those lobby groups who actually do most of the "running " of the world via PAC'S, ALEC, inside trading, etc.

by billyb0b106

7 months ago | Reply

I don't even know if I could imagine a world without their influence, I am sure I would enjoy it though :D

by nickbygon

7 months ago | Reply

I love the hands reaching out for money, it is a great image for the GREED that has corrupted our democracy.

by dixonpa

7 months ago | Reply

Thank you :D

by nickbygon

7 months ago | Reply

This is the most blatantly corrupt election ever, thanks to a criminal decision by five old corrupt judges on the Suckcreme Court. Billionaire Republicans are spending as much as millions of decent Americans to buy the election. Democrats are not much better, but at least they help ordinary people like me. I'm 80 years old and no damned Republican has ever helped me by lightening my load and instead they fight to demean and destroy ordinary Americans like me. I've never voted for one of those creatures and I VOTE!

by Blackbart4

7 months ago | Reply

Hopefully you will live another 80 years and get a chance to cast your vote for someone you do trust :)

by nickbygon

7 months ago | Reply

The original Congress believed serving their country was an honor, not a job with an income. They served for free which is the reason there are large breaks during the year, so they could go home to their real jobs and they even provided their own horses. Today, we have elected people who want to make a fortune and now it appears that their position (seat in Congress) is actually for sale. The 7% who have 80% of the money are deciding the direction of the country based on their own selfish motives. It is time our representatives became patriots like the original members of Congress. If they cannot do that, then I would hope they would resign and go home. Congressional seats are NOT for sale, and it is time we took money out of the election process as well as the voting process.

by crichar313

7 months ago | Reply

In reference to your first point, I can never understand lifetime politicians who hold seats in congress for 20, 30, 40 years...

by nickbygon

7 months ago | Reply

Everyone here has more power than you think, all you have to do is Vote Out all encumbents and vote for the little guy in the election proccess. Above all do not vote for any Lawyers or Bankers and the like. Lets try some good ol Teachers, Professors, Farmers and small business owners, and definately do Not vote for anyone who takes Pac money, you'll know the people I'm talking about, you won't see them on any TV adds or debates because the media has seen to that. We've seen what the Left AND the Right has to offer Now is the time to start a stonger third party to get these Liars and Thieves out of our political system, just Imagine on election day all across America the Headlines read, our first Independent President. Oh yeh great art work, I think it speaks volumes about our GOOD OL BOYS IN WASHINGTON

by Rat007

7 months ago | Reply

I once asked Chomsky if he thought we should focus on building a new third party and he said, "how 'bout just a second party!" lol. The "two" parties are just two much alike, we really need another choice.

by nickbygon

7 months ago | Reply

This is great, clear design and simple message. We all need to be reminded what democracy is supposed to be about. It's been trampled on too hard!

by jakeland

7 months ago | Reply

Thank you sir.

by nickbygon

7 months ago | Reply

Good work, Nick. As others have commented, it's an effective composition. Also a good use of warm and cool colors. I like the "Cut Money from Politics" statement, because it sends a clear message and prompts action.

by Mark McGuire

7 months ago | Reply

You have a sharp eye. I cooled down all the hands except for the main figure's.

by nickbygon

7 months ago | Reply

by Blackbart4

7 months ago | Reply

I think it is a good political statement. The composition is good and creates direction for the eye to travel that fits the message. That is not easy to do.

by aaronjt

7 months ago | Reply

Oops, didn't mean to post it twice. Also, this commentary is from my aunt, not me.

by aaronjt

7 months ago | Reply

Thanks for passing the message along.

by nickbygon

7 months ago | Reply

I think it is a good political statement. The composition is good and creates direction for the eye to travel that fits the message. That is not easy to do.

by aaronjt

7 months ago | Reply

Love it, Mr. Bygon! Great work. You are very talented. And yes, I very much enjoy the fact that it is a woman of color. You know how to connect to an audience. We really do need this change.

by kristinann

7 months ago | Reply

Thank you for the positive feedback.

by nickbygon

7 months ago | Reply

Having money in politics embodies the alliance between those in government and those in business which really shuts out the average American from having a political voice.

by dale.ford.549

7 months ago | Reply