New York’s iconic Charging Bull has long symbolized financial optimism and aggressive market trends, standing as a permanent fixture near Wall Street. But on the opposite coast, Bitcoin has now been honored with its own striking symbol — not a bull, but a shark. Last week, during the Bitcoin Alpha “unconference” in Santa Monica, California, a dramatic new sculpture was unveiled: a great white shark encased in a glass tank, illuminated in Bitcoin’s signature orange hue.
This bold artwork, named “Bitcoinius Maximus,” reimagines Bitcoin not as a traditional financial asset, but as the “Apex Predator of Money.” The term, printed on a sleek museum-style placard beside the installation, elevates Bitcoin to the top of the monetary food chain — suggesting it is the dominant force in the evolution of currency, surpassing fiat and traditional banking systems alike.
The shark installation served not only as an artistic centerpiece but also as a visual metaphor for Bitcoin’s disruptive power. Its sleek, menacing form and hundreds of razor-sharp teeth reflect the cryptocurrency’s aggressive role in challenging legacy financial institutions. Throughout the two-day event, the sculpture stood as a glowing conversation piece, casting warm orange light over a series of private networking sessions and panel discussions.
The design of “Bitcoinius Maximus” draws inspiration from the work of renowned British artist Damien Hirst, particularly his infamous 1991 piece “The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living,” which also featured a shark preserved in formaldehyde. However, while Hirst’s work centered on existential themes and the fragility of life, the Bitcoin shark embodies resilience, dominance, and digital permanence.
Organizers of the Bitcoin Alpha event intend for “Bitcoinius Maximus” to have a life beyond the conference. Plans are underway to make the sculpture a centerpiece of a traveling installation titled “Living Room of Satoshi.” This pop-up exhibit is envisioned as an immersive space where visitors can engage with Bitcoin’s history, philosophy, and cultural impact through interactive displays and thought-provoking art.
The decision to use a shark, rather than more traditional financial symbols like a bull or bear, reflects a shift in narrative. Unlike the cyclical nature of bulls and bears, the shark represents constant motion and forward momentum — a creature that must keep moving to survive. This mirrors Bitcoin’s decentralized, ever-evolving ecosystem, which continues to grow despite regulatory pushback and market volatility.
Moreover, the shark metaphor touches on Bitcoin’s role in devouring outdated financial paradigms. Just as sharks have ruled the oceans for millions of years without change, Bitcoin is posed as a timeless, self-sustaining system — immune to inflation, government manipulation, and centralized control. “Bitcoinius Maximus” doesn’t just swim in the waters of finance; it hunts.
This artistic statement arrives at a time when Bitcoin is increasingly being recognized not just as an investment asset, but as a cultural and philosophical movement. With institutional interest growing, and countries like El Salvador adopting it as legal tender, Bitcoin’s symbolic power is expanding well beyond the blockchain.
The installation also reflects how cryptocurrency enthusiasts are building their own mythologies and iconography. While Wall Street clings to traditional images like the bull and bear, the crypto world is carving out its own lineage of symbols — from pixelated apes to laser-eyed avatars, and now, predatory sea creatures.
By choosing an apex predator to represent Bitcoin, the creators of “Bitcoinius Maximus” are making a clear statement: Bitcoin isn’t just part of the financial system; it aims to dominate it. The spectacle of the sculpture — both physically imposing and conceptually rich — challenges viewers to rethink what money is and what it can become.
In addition to its symbolic message, the sculpture also functions as a marketing tool, drawing attention to the Bitcoin Alpha conference and its mission to foster high-level dialogue among entrepreneurs, developers, and investors. The event’s unique format — an “unconference” — emphasizes organic, participant-driven discussions, rather than traditional keynote speeches.
Attendees described the atmosphere as charged with innovation and ambition. Many saw “Bitcoinius Maximus” as more than art — calling it a beacon for the future of finance. The installation provided a memorable focal point for selfies, social media posts, and informal talks about Bitcoin’s trajectory in a changing economic landscape.
Looking ahead, the creators hope to expand the shark’s story. Future iterations of the pop-up may include immersive soundscapes, augmented reality elements, and educational components explaining Bitcoin’s technical underpinnings. The goal is to demystify cryptocurrency for newcomers while reinforcing its ethos for longtime believers.
As “Bitcoinius Maximus” prepares to travel to new venues, it represents a growing effort within the crypto space to merge art, culture, and financial revolution. Where Wall Street has its bull, Bitcoin now has its shark — circling, relentless, and unafraid to bite into the status quo.