
Nelson Saiers is a man of many talents, but one of his most fascinating pursuits is bringing art and activism together. He's a former Wall Street quant who used his skills to uncover patterns in art sales.
Saiers' unique approach to art and activism is rooted in his background in finance, where he spent years analyzing data to identify trends. This skillset has served him well in his current endeavors.
By applying his analytical mind to the art world, Saiers has been able to identify patterns and anomalies that others may have missed.
Art and Activism
Nelson Saiers' art career is deeply intertwined with activism. He left finance in 2014 to create mathematics-based art that challenges institutions and sparks conversations about complex issues.
His work often critiques economic inequality, representation, and systemic power. For example, his Wall Street Bull Installation was a critique of economic inequality staged at one of the most iconic symbols of capitalism.
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Saiers' approach to art is multifaceted, weaving together mathematics, finance, and visual storytelling. His ability to address complex issues through accessible art ensures his message resonates with diverse audiences.
Some notable examples of his guerilla installations include:
- Wall Street Bull Installation: A critique of economic inequality staged at one of the most iconic symbols of capitalism.
- Black Friday Special at The Met: Signs placed inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art commenting on the commodification of culture and art.
- Solo Shows at Alcatraz and Harvard: These long-term exhibitions juxtaposed historical and academic settings with modern social critiques.
Art Career
Saiers' art career is a testament to his bold and unconventional approach to creativity. He left finance in 2014 to focus on mathematics-based art.
His work has been featured in solo shows at prestigious institutions like Harvard University's Leverett House and Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary. Saiers has also installed his art in multiple New York City galleries.
One notable installation was a 9-foot inflatable rat covered with bitcoin references and code in front of the Federal Reserve. This piece was a homage to Satoshi Nakamoto and protests in New York City.
Saiers' art often critiques institutions and challenges societal norms. He has installed a sculpture next to the Wall Street Charging Bull, a gumball machine that dispensed $10 bills for 25 cents with an "Out of Order!" sign on its face. This installation commented on the Federal Reserve's monetary policy.
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Here are some notable projects that showcase Saiers' dedication to using public spaces and institutions for his artistic statements:
- Wall Street Bull Installation: A critique of economic inequality staged at one of the most iconic symbols of capitalism.
- Black Friday Special at The Met: Signs placed inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art commenting on the commodification of culture and art.
- Solo Shows at Alcatraz and Harvard: These long-term exhibitions juxtaposed historical and academic settings with modern social critiques.
Guerilla Installations That Challenge Institutions
Nelson Saiers' guerilla installations are a perfect example of art and activism coming together. His bold and unconventional approach to art-making has made a significant impact on the public sphere.
Saiers has staged interventions at iconic institutions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where he placed signs commenting on the commodification of culture and art. This move highlights the tension between art as a form of self-expression and art as a commodity to be bought and sold.
One of his most notable interventions was the Wall Street Bull Installation, where he critiqued economic inequality at one of the most iconic symbols of capitalism. This installation shows how Saiers uses public spaces to challenge the status quo and spark important conversations.
Here are some of Saiers' notable guerilla installations:
- Wall Street Bull Installation: A critique of economic inequality
- Black Friday Special at The Met: Signs commenting on the commodification of culture and art
- Solo Shows at Alcatraz and Harvard: Juxtaposing historical and academic settings with modern social critiques
These projects demonstrate Saiers' dedication to using public spaces and institutions as platforms for his artistic statements.
Art, Activism, and Math

Saiers' background in mathematics deeply informs his art, making him a unique voice in the contemporary art scene. His ability to translate complex mathematical and financial ideas into visual art makes his installations uniquely thought-provoking.
He uses references to algebraic topology and other advanced mathematical theories to challenge perceptions of justice and equality. This intellectual rigor distinguishes him from other contemporary artists.
Saiers' work is defined by its bold and often unconventional approach, which includes using public spaces and prominent institutions as platforms for his artistic statements. He has staged critiques of economic inequality at iconic symbols of capitalism.
Some of his notable interventions include:
- Wall Street Bull Installation: A critique of economic inequality staged at one of the most iconic symbols of capitalism.
- Black Friday Special at The Met: Signs placed inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art commenting on the commodification of culture and art.
- Solo Shows at Alcatraz and Harvard: These long-term exhibitions juxtaposed historical and academic settings with modern social critiques.
His approach to art is a reflection of his multifaceted background, weaving together mathematics, finance, and visual storytelling. This creates works that are as intellectually stimulating as they are visually impactful.
Philanthropy and Community
Nelson Saiers is affiliated with charity: water, which aims to provide clean water to those in developing countries.

He's also a Founding Member of The Well, a core group of donors supporting charity: water.
In 2013, Saiers made a public offer to donate $100,000 to the Hurricane Sandy rebuilding effort if Banksy created a legal mural in New York to raise awareness for people still affected by the storm.
Saiers went forward with the $100,000 donation, regardless of whether the mural was created.
Sources
- https://www.parksconservancy.org/our-work/shortening-alcatraz-nelson-saiers
- https://www.oneartnation.com/speaker/nelson-saiers/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelson_Saiers
- https://gothamtogo.com/new-work-by-artist-nelson-saiers-to-open-at-studio-vendome-soho/
- https://stupiddope.com/2024/12/nelson-saiers-and-the-bitcoin-rat-art-activism-and-mathematical-precision/
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