# Illustrated Iconography Artist James Charles Recreates Classic American Figures By Omar Yusuf | Published 2011-07-11 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/james-charles-american-figures References: [shootinggallerysf](http://www.shootinggallerysf.com/shows/american-inconomics/) The Shooting Gallery, an [art exhibit](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snowflake-exhibition) nestled in San Francisco’s trendy Tenderloin district, recently unveiled the combined works of James Charles and his colleague Akira Beard in a show entitled ‘American Iconomics.’ In short, these [watercolor paintings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/painting-exhibition) will astonish you as they inject vigor into America’s forgotten idols—from Mr. Miyagi to Travis Bickle, the country’s most loved and loathed icons have been revamped in vibrant acrylic colors. But it isn’t just [fictitious characters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keiichi-tanaami-1) who received a makeover. In a daring move, James Charles defaced dozens of assorted American bills (a crime in the United States), replacing the familiar faces of Lincoln and Washington with those of Spock and Mr. T. By vandalizing legal tender, the artists hope to raise questions about the intrinsic value of paper currency, which is made from inexpensive materials yet ostensibly controls the direction of our economy. Reclaiming the bills as art, James Charles has momentarily disrupted the circulation of money while simultaneously making a strong statement. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.4/10 - Popularity: 56% | Activity: 38% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Modern](https://www.trendhunter.com/modern) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Revamped American Icons:** Opportunity to disrupt traditional representation of American pop culture icons through creative means such as illustrated iconography. - **Defaced Legal Tender Art:** Opportunity to challenge societal norms and push boundaries by creating art out of defaced legal tender. - **Questioning Intrinsic Value:** Opportunity to critically question the value and use of paper currency as a medium of exchange and control in our economy. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Art and Entertainment:** Disruptive innovation opportunities include introducing fresh and creative ways of showcasing art through illustrated iconography. - **Banking and Finance:** Disruptive innovation opportunities include challenging the traditional status quo of paper currency and exploring alternative and efficient means of exchange and control in our economy. - **Printing and Publishing:** Disruptive innovation opportunities include leveraging technological advancements to create more secure forms of paper currency that can discourage defacement and fraud. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Americana Subculture-Themed Art Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bullet-proof.md) - [Human Duality-Themed Abstract Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/passive-aggression.md) - [Collectible Historical Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thrilljoy-pix.md) - [Digital Archetype Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christian-rex-van-minnen-1.md) - [Artful Motion Toy Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nina-chanel-abney-bravo.md) - [Childlike Characters Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/childlike-characters-art-exhibition.md) - [Bi-Culture-Inspired Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bicultureinspired-art-exhibition.md) - [Digital City-Inspired Art Works](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grand-central-station.md) - [Deconstructed Pop Art NFTs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/matt-gondek.md)