# Sick Currency Matthew Donaldson Offers Photographic Commentary on the Ailing Economy By Katie Cordrey | Published 2010-06-01 | World Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/matthew-donaldson References: [clmus](http://www.clmus.com/photography/matthew-donaldson-europe-only/still-life-2) & [matthewdonaldson](http://www.matthewdonaldson.com/) The state of the ailing economy is ample inspiration for London-based [still-life photographer](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/still-life-1) Matthew Donaldson. Donaldson’s presidential series of [money photos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/commemorative-coin-release) features Ulysses S. Grant with a thermometer in his mouth, Alexander Hamilton in a neck brace, Andrew Jackson with a cold pack on his head and George Washington sporting a respirator. Even if the old adage that, “when America sneezes the world catches cold,” is less true than it used to be, Matthew Donaldson’s photographic observation that those [imperiled U.S. presidents](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/presidents-day-packages) aren’t improving an ailing economy is on the money. Photo Credits: [clmus](https://www.trendhunter.com/link/matthew-donaldson/2class=FourteenG) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.2/10 - Popularity: 57% | Activity: 30% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [World](https://www.trendhunter.com/world) > [Regional](https://www.trendhunter.com/regional) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Photographic Commentary:** Explore the use of photography as a platform for social commentary on the economy. - **Ailing Economy:** Analyze the impact of economic downturns on art and creative expression. - **Visual Metaphors:** Examine how artists utilize symbolic imagery to communicate socioeconomic messages. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Photography:** Discover how the photography industry can adapt and leverage visual storytelling for social commentary. - **Art:** Explore opportunities for artists to reflect and respond to economic challenges through their creative works. - **Creative Media:** Consider how creative media platforms can provide a space for artists to showcase their insights on economic issues. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Inflation-Themed Lighters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moneylighter.md) - [Photographer-Honoring Stamp Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ansel-adams.md) - [Vote-Encouraging Coin Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electoral-coins.md) - [Public Art Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paul-anthony-smith.md) - [Money-Inspired Footwear Collabs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-concepts-x-new-balance-1000.md) - [Collectable Singer-Honoring Coins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/george-michael-coin.md) - [Celebratory Innovation Coins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2026-1-innovation-coins.md) - [Eroded Coin Studded Jewelry](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eroded-coin.md) - [Vintage Gold Coins Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vintage-us-gold-coins.md)