Recently I was walking through my favorite city, New York, and for a moment it felt like I had slipped into Miami… I had just come across a massive mural by the artist Alec Monopoly, who is known for his caricature-style paintings of the wealthy and bankers — especially characters like Richie Rich (“the poor little rich boy”) and Mr. Monopoly (the iconic top-hatted figure from the Monopoly game).
At first glance, it seems like satire of capitalism. But Alec himself runs his Instagram in a very familiar style: gold watches, Lamborghinis, gold chains, hanging out on yachts in Monaco, even spray-painting a gold Tesla — in other words, living the same lifestyle as his own characters.
Although Alec was born in New York (and his father is originally from Armenia), the ideal market for his art seems to be Miami, where the subjects of his work often mirror that glossy lifestyle — one where luxury is meant to be shown off, not hidden.
In this context, as critics note, Alec Monopoly’s works stop being statements or satire and simply become part of the environment. That’s where my “Miami portal” feeling comes from when I see his bright pieces in New York City galleries.
The mural I mentioned at the start of this post is dedicated to New York: it’s full of recognizable city symbols, even if you’ve never been here. In my opinion, it’s a great piece — it could easily work as a postcard or even a phone wallpaper.
📍 Alec Monopoly mural / 213 Bowery, New York, NY 10002 (north-facing wall from Rivington St)
By the way, it’s just a block away from the New Museum and Freeman Alley, which I’ve written about before.
