An artwork from Jesus College’s collection is on display at the Ashmolean Museum, as part of a new exhibition on the place of money in our world through different artistic lenses.
‘Equanimity’ by Chris Levine and Robert Munday (2012), a lenticular lightbox portrait of Her Late Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II, is one of 100 objects to feature in Money Talks: Art, Power & Society, which opened in August 2024.
Queen Elizabeth II (‘Equanimity’), Chris Levine and Robert Munday, 2012, Lenticular print on lightbox © Jesus College Oxford, Rosaline Wong Gallery
Money Talks explores how currency and art come together in design and culture to promote or challenge our views. It features works by artists such as Rembrandt, Andy Warhol and Grayson Perry, as well as historic examples of currency – including Roman, Chinese and Islamic coins, and Art Nouveau banknotes. There’s also an opportunity to view the coin and banknote artwork created in 2023 for the reign of King Charles III.
‘Equanimity’ was presented to College in 2022 by Rosaline Wong, whose namesake Gallery opened at Jesus in 2022. The Rosaline Wong Gallery, located in the Buchanan Tower Room, is used to exhibit a wide range of art, including works by leading contemporary artists.
The Buchanan Tower Room and Rosaline Wong Gallery. Credit: Andrew Ogilvy.
The lenticular effect of the late Queen’s portrait – which allows the viewer to see the image in 3D and as if animated – is created using a process the employs a special clear plastic with a lens embossed on one side, and tiny ridges that refract light in different directions on the other. When combined, the ‘lenticular lens’ produces two or more different images from a single-printed sheet.
Dr Brittany Wellner-James, Director of Development, says, “Jesus College is honoured to be able to loan this artwork to the Ashmolean for its new exhibition, and delighted that visitors will be able to enjoy Chris and Robert’s remarkable portrait of Her Late Majesty. The portrait is both beautiful and arresting, and so has a huge presence. We greatly look forward to seeing it in situ as part of the museum’s latest show.”
Money Talks runs until 5th January 2025. University of Oxford staff and alumni can claim a concession ticket rate on presentation of proof of eligibility at the time of visiting. For more information, and to book tickets, click here.