PAZBLANDINA

Born in 1972 on the shores of Lake Garda, the Italian artist Pazblandina transforms genuine 1-dollar bills into original works. Mickey, Snoopy, Tintin, Homer Simpson, or Scrooge McDuck come to life under his pencil, in a humorous dialogue between pop art, street art, and critique of consumer society. Galerie 125, his exclusive gallery in France, presents above a selection of his original drawings, all showcased under plexiglass and accompanied by a gallery certificate.

Pazblandina, Pop Art on Banknotes

Pazblandina, whose real name is Patrizio Blandina, was born in 1972 in Desenzano del Garda, on the southern shore of Lake Garda, Italy. Son of a Sicilian father and a mother from Brescia, he grew up between two cultures, in a region where the Italian art of living meets a strong artistic tradition. His pseudonym, a contraction of his first and last name, has become over the years a true signature, instantly recognizable to pop art enthusiasts.

From the Street to the Studio

Pazblandina began his career on the street. As early as 1988, during the graffiti boom, he painted on walls, honing his sense of visual impact, spontaneity, and direct messaging. In the 1990s, he chose to deepen his practice and joined the studio of painter and restorer Carla Nocci. There, he refined his painting skills and learned the demanding technique of fresco.

This dual training, the freedom of graffiti on one side and the rigor of the painter's craft on the other, is the key to his work. It allows him to combine the energy of street art with true technical mastery, distinguishing his work from many productions inspired by popular culture.

An Instantly Recognizable Style

Pazblandina's style is based on gesture. On his banknotes, everything is conveyed through the pencil: a sharp and precise line that imparts a unique energy to each piece. The artist constantly plays with the relationship between figure and background, a principle derived from Gestalt psychology: his characters seem to emerge from the material and come to life under the artist's hand.

Particular about his materials, he uses high-quality enamels and acrylics for his paintings, prepared according to his needs, and works on Hahnemühle cotton paper for his works on paper.

The Dollar as a Medium

The banknote has become his favored medium. On genuine 1-dollar American bills, Pazblandina brings to life the heroes of our childhood: Mickey and Minnie, Snoopy and Charlie Brown, Tintin and Captain Haddock, Homer and Marge Simpson, Scrooge McDuck and the Beagle Boys, Asterix and Obelix, Lucky Luke, Popeye, the Pink Panther, and SpongeBob. He also revisits cinema and art icons, from the Joker to Kill Bill, with nods to Banksy and Van Gogh.

Behind the humor and color, the approach is thoughtful. By associating these familiar figures with the very symbol of money, the artist questions the role of money in art and in our consumer society, as well as the power of marketing and the images that surround us. A reflection that echoes philosopher Jean Baudrillard's thoughts and opens, depending on the works, to social, political, or environmental questions. The banknote, the ultimate object of exchange, thus becomes a work of art in its own right.

Exhibitions and Galleries

In France, Pazblandina is exclusively represented by Galerie 125. The gallery has exhibited and supported his work for many years, and his drawings on banknotes have met with great success among seasoned collectors and newcomers discovering his universe.

In Italy, his work is notably represented by the LegArt gallery in Novara. In 2017, he exhibited there alongside artist Easypop, in an exhibition dedicated to pop art and street art, featuring works by Andy Warhol and Keith Haring. In 2019, the same gallery dedicated the solo exhibition "Money art?!" to him. In 2020, the Alberto Giacomini Foundation presented his works in the exhibition "Art is Money?" in Orta San Giulio, on the shores of Lake Orta.

Pazblandina's Works at Galerie 125

Exclusive gallery of Pazblandina in France, Galerie 125 showcases a wide selection of his original works. Each drawing is an original piece, created in mixed media pencil on an authentic 6.6 × 15.6 cm banknote, then presented under plexiglass. The artist also creates larger compositions combining several banknotes, as well as sculptures around the dollar theme.

Why Acquire a Work by Pazblandina

• An original drawing, handcrafted by the artist: even when revisiting a favorite subject, each piece is unique.
• An authentic medium: a genuine 1 US dollar bill.
• An artist trained both in the street and in the studio, blending street art and pop art.
• A compact format, easy to hang, collect, or gift.
• Iconic subjects that resonate with all generations.
• A work accompanied by a certificate from Galerie 125, the artist's exclusive gallery in France.

New creations regularly join our selection. Discover above the pieces currently available.