Nate Larson & Marni Shindelman + Marni Shindelman

In the series "Death of the Gold Standard," we are inspired by the decoupling of the dollar from material value and strive to understand value through everyday data points and alternative metrics. Each photograph is exhibited with the following wall text (in sequence): The Big Mac Index, published by The Economist, is an informal way of measuring the purchasing parity between two currencies. The chairman of the board of Estee Lauder proposes that lipstick sales are inversely related to economic health. Increased purchasing of men’s underwear suggests the beginnings of an economic recovery. The Starbuck’s Tall Latte Index is another means of measuring the purchasing parity between two currencies. The price of a bottle of Coca-Cola is an alternative means of measuring the purchasing parity between two currencies. Polling data suggests that bald politicians are not trusted to lead in a crisis. The Neilson Company identified the trend of rising condom sales in a economic downturn, “proving what often occurs during economic downturns: People stay home.” Knowing the price of a loaf of bread is a way to gauge if your politician is in touch with the common man. The Billy Bookcase Index is another means of measuring the purchasing parity between two currencies.