Eighteenth International Conference on the Arts in Society

Abstract

Baudrillard wrote that there are four ways for an object to obtain value. The first is the functional value of an object, its use value; the second is the exchange value of an object, its economic value; the third is the symbolic value of the object and the fourth is its sign value within a system of objects. The functional value of a banknote is currency, a medium of exchange and of payment. Its exchange, or indeed its economic value is described , measured and expressed in relation to other currencies and can thus be considered as self-referential. The symbolic value of banknotes revolves around two main paradigms; its visual identity and its technical sophistication whereas its sign value is assessed within a system of objects. Be that as it may, there is a lot of talk and speculation about the future of printed currency as a means of payment. The main focus of this paper will thus hinge on the premise that printed circuitry, as made possible by nano-technology, can be integrated into the functional layout of a new type of smart banknote. By elaborating on the object value of such a new note in terms of functional, economic, symbolic and sign attributes I will attempt to anticipate and describe the interactive properties and attributes of a new breed of smart notes, while maintaining and building on the intrinsic properties of banknotes as we know them.