Alec Monopoly
Alec Monopoly is an American street artist whose moniker is derived from the Monopoly board game’s Rich Uncle Pennybags. Reminiscent of British street artist Banksy, Monopoly uses his work to subvert the capitalist hierarchies presented in existing popular culture as evinced in both his series Richie Rich and Scrooge Money Mesmerized. Using various materials, like spray paint and newspaper, Monopoly’s paintings, prints, and photographs are collected by many famous actors and musicians. Born Alec Andon in 1986 in New York, NY to an affluent family, he began his artistic career making graffiti around the city. “Painting on walls is more fun for me because it’s exposed to everybody, not just art collectors or enthusiasts,” he said of graffiti. Monopoly cites Salvador Dalí as an inspiration to his practice, as well as the pioneering street artists Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat. The artist currently lives and works in Los Angeles, CA.