Her Pop Dollar in Essence

van Aretha James

“Her Pop Dollar in Essence” is a vibrant collage where expressive female faces, pop-art typography and layered graphic shapes come together in one dynamic visual universe. The black & white dollar, textures and small hidden details such as halftone patterns, magazine-like cut-outs and overlapping contours give the artwork a lively, rhythmic quality. With every glance, new elements become visible, adding depth and personality to the piece.

The origins of this artwork go back to the mid-1990s, when I created the initial collage entirely by hand. I spent hours cutting, pasting and composing the imagery. At the time, I was studying to become a make-up artist and hair stylist, and I used the collage as a poster to attract models who wanted to pose for my training sessions. Because of this personal history, I always kept it. In 2009, I digitised the original piece and continued shaping it into the modern artwork it has become.

Part of the inspiration comes from pop culture, including Prince’s song The Most Beautiful Girl in the World, but the deeper source lies within my own family. My grandmother, of Javanese–Chinese heritage, is the foundation of a diverse line of women with different skin tones, stories and identities. This artwork is both a visual celebration of that heritage and an ode to the many facets of womanhood.
The result is a powerful, colourful piece that adds warmth, energy and character to any interior, inviting viewers to discover new layers each time.