Holy Prophets

About

When you ask children what they want to be when they grow up, their responses are often, "rich and famous,” - that’s not a job. Credit cards make "wealth" an attainable illusion, launching money from the material realm into the conceptual.

Living on credit allows for less concrete and less conscious consumption, effectively distancing spending from its real-world implications by disconnecting and suspending reality.  As most consumers know, even the colors of different cards represent different echelons and status tiers, but it’s a false and fabricated security.

Capitalism always wants you to have a bill to pay, and paying on credit without being able to afford the purchase literalizes a crucial factor of imposter syndrome - the anxiety of getting what you have not (really) paid for (aka “do not deserve”) - and that you will eventually be “found out” when your bill is due. 

'Holy Prophets' is a play on the word “profits,”  serving as a reminder that these destructive values have become a kind of global phenomenon. "American" idolization of rich status symbols (including the color and kind of credit card you own), and worship at the altar of capitalism is now "Expressed" worldwide.

Screenprint of a Pink American Express credit card with hot pink text “American Expense.”

This cheeky artwork playfully reimagines the iconic American Express card in Simmons’ favorite pastel palette - offering a satirical commentary on the symbols of power that define modern society.

American Expense

Pop art style Platinum American Express card that says "American Empress" and has an insignia of Queen Elizabeth in the center.

In "American Empress," Simmons reimagines the iconic Platinum American Express card. With its sleek design and regal undertones, this art piece invites you into a world where opulence reigns supreme.

American Empress

A graphic interpretation of a black American Express card that says "American Excess" and has a medusa looking woman in the center with the words "Insert Chip Here."

Introducing "American Excess," a thought-provoking screenprint that cunningly depicts a black American Express credit card, reimagined with a satirical twist.

American Excess

Gold foil American Express credit card art re-labeled as "American Extender."

Simmons has reimagined the iconic Gold American Express card, transforming it into a symbol of endless possibilities, pushing boundaries, and pushing limits. Click “View” to explore more of the narrative behind the gilded surface….

American Extender

  • “Behind her Twiggy good looks and disarmingly cheery Legally Blonde ingenue exterior lurks one of our time’s most mordant and charmingly sassy social critics. Those who appreciate great art—those who get her work—will want to get her work. ”

    Adam Robinson | NYT Bestselling Author

  • “Simmons’ art enters into a discourse about excess: how much is too much, what is satiety? The artist does not proffer an answer, nor does she offer her own opinion. Instead, she spurs us to challenge our own.”

    Epic Eye Magazine | Gabriella Coffey

  • “With myriad solo exhibitions and participating in the Whitney Musuem’s Debtfair, Simmons is an artist to watch out for.”

    Samantha Matcovksy | Huffington Post

  • “Kristin’s voice and amazing art will help spark meaningful conversations -- which is always the precursor to cultural perception shifts -- we expect that her work will raise significant awareness for the United Nations SDG5 causes.”

    Jim Van Eerden | 5th Element Group

  • “Simmons is tackling some of our culture’s most hot-button issues with her work.”

    Carly Zinderman | Just Luxe

  • “Whether it’s mental health, pop culture, politics or capitalism, the unapologetically clever New York-based pop artist doesn’t shy away from the polemical.”

    Eliza Ali | Art She Says

  • “Prepare to be obsessed with Kristin Simmons’ exhibit at Bergdorf Goodman…a glittery, fabulous, irreverent collection of artwork that is absolutely begging to be instagrammed.”

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