Life Balance with Money

1989

A landmark work by conceptual art pioneer John Baldessari, 'Life Balance with Money' (1989) is a photogravure with aquatint combining black-and-white found imagery with vivid hand-applied color accents — fluorescent green dollar bills cascade over revelers in the upper panel, while a red circle and gold halo ring punctuate a diptych of a balancing act below. The work exemplifies Baldessari's signature use of appropriated photography, juxtaposition, and colored dot/circle overlays to interrogate media, desire, and performance. Designated as a BAT (Bon à Tirer) proof, it holds a privileged position within the edition as the printer's reference impression. Signed and dated by the artist lower right: 'Baldessari 11-6-89.'

Medium: Photogravure with aquatint on paper
Dimensions
Edition: BAT of 45
Signed: Yes

Notes

Framed dimensions: 58.5 x 48 inches. Location noted as 'Theatre'. This is a BAT (Bon à Tirer) proof — the printer's reference impression used to approve the edition. Appraisal report is page 10 of 65. Client: Brian D. Stevens. Purpose: Retail Replacement Value for Insurance Inventory Purposes.