Tattoo artists rarely limit their canvases to the human body and generally express themselves in all kinds of mediums.
Critically acclaimed tattoo artist Scott Campbell is no exception. He has taken his technique and transformed ordinary, Washington-clad dollar bills, into things of beauty.
His laser-cut etchings (which aren't limited to currency) are featured in his collection "Make it Rain" and is being showed the O.H.W.O.W. gallery in Miami, FL
Critically acclaimed tattoo artist, Scott Campbell, recently showed his work at the O.H.W.O.W. gallery in Miami, FL. The highlight of the evening was a series of laser-cut etchings, each on a stack of $1 bills. The collection is entitled “Make It Rain” and shows a sampling of the artist’s dark and beautiful undertones.
http://www.divinecaroline.com/article/22155/72017 - via jimmyr
From the Upcoming ueue, submitted by renmarshall.
And as for the legality, here is the relevant law. The operative word, however, is "fraudulently." If there's no intent for fraud, it's perfectly legal to deface currency. That's why those coin-pressing machines found at theme parks can exist.