MAKRO MONEY - THE BEAUTIFUL APPEARANCE

"... it`s all about the money and  it`s all reflected in the money." Pete Jones

Pete Jones dares to see money anew — and transforms banknotes of the world into art.

As Jones travels the world, he explores what lies behind money itself. He begins by documenting how different cultures handle it, and eventually starts photographing world banknotes in a highly distinctive way. From this process emerge artworks that reveal the many facets of “the beautiful illusion.” His method resembles that of a sculptor who creates a new form by chiseling away everything unnecessary. Jones, too, removes all
that is superfluous in his photographs and adds nothing to the banknotes. Through this approach, his MAKRO MONEY works bring to light details we overlook in everyday encounters with currency.

Tiny details, exotic landscapes, political and historical events, the faces of notable figures, kings and despots — or simply surreal, brightly colored fish. Jones approaches his subject with utmost, almost surgical precision. Yet he never intervenes; he merely sharpens our perception of money, creating a new and unprecedented way of seeing the beauty of banknotes and the multifaceted nature of money.

"To consider money purely in economic terms is – in my opinion – too narrow a view." Pete Jones

Jones uses macro photography to reveal the hidden details of everyday currency. By magnifying textures, symbols, and design elements, he highlights money as a cultural object that carries stories far beyond its practical function. The series invites viewers to reflect on how value is created and perceived — both economically and culturally — without moralizing or taking a political stance. Through light, scale, and precision, Makro Money opens a fresh visual perspective on a familiar object and explores the relationship between creativity, recognition, and the systems that shape our daily lives.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Photosopher & Collector of the Unseen

Pete Jones is a conceptual photographer who uses the camera to reveal not only beauty but meaning. His work searches for what lies beneath the surface — collecting impressions that are often overlooked in everyday life. With a blend of photographic precision and conceptual depth, his practice moves between art, cultural critique, and social reflection.

Based in Frankfurt and shaped by the intellectual tradition of the Frankfurt School, Jones calls himself a “photosopher.” His long‑term series evolve over years, guided by patience, analytical clarity, and a fascination for the uncanny within the ordinary.

Before dedicating himself fully to photography, he traveled the world as a cameraman — an experience that continues to inform his eye. His motifs emerge in museums, markets, private collections, and the hidden spaces between cultural narratives.

SUMMARY

In his travels through the world, Pete Jones looks at what 's behind money. Employing a special technique to photograph banknotes he creates poetic artworks that refocus the viewer's attention and reinterpret the meaning of money. Like a sculptor carving everything out of the stone to create something new, Jones looks at banknotes and creates new works of art.

MAKRO MONEY images brings things to light that you do not notice in everyday contact with the banknotes. Tiny details, exotic landscapes, political and historical events, important personalities, kings and despots or colorful fish. Through his unprecedented way of looking at banknotes his work can take us on historical journeys to places which no longer exist, show us magical juxtapositions in nature and culture and highlight the multifaceted beauty of money. Jones produces original fine art prints in small limited editions for private collectors.

Thank you for your time and visiting our site!

CURRENTLY

MUSIC ON BANKNOTES – A VISUAL CONCERT

3:25 min | in collaboration with the G+D Foundation

The "Music on Banknotes" series makes it clear that music is not just sound and silence, but also history, identity, and freedom. Through his work, he questions the fragile relationship between culture and capital and calls for a new examination of the values and concepts that shape our society.

Examples from the series:

Note:

All photographs are not to be copied, photocopied, downloaded, stored or published elsewhere without written permission of the author nor are they to be taken for any private or commercial use.

All images and contents are copyright protected.

For any rights of use, feedback or questions please feel free to contact the author and send us an e-mail.

other series: