-Radio Bank c. 1927 - 1931

This is a cast iron 'Radio Bank' made by Kenton Hardware Manufacturing Co. The turquoise and bronze coloring gives a clue to the process of production, you can almost see the mold and the assembly line. The details of the radio, with its knobs and dials, have a graphic quality. The faceplate is a rough brown while the turquoise is worn and chipped, giving it a sense of age and history. The name 'Radio Bank' is a simple statement of purpose. I like how the form hints at both security and access, like a little safe that's also a portal to a broadcast world. I think of the work of Haim Steinbach, who also highlights how industrial objects find their way into our lives and become part of our own narratives. This piece also feels like a comment on the nature of consumerism, where we are always encouraged to save and spend, invest and play. It encapsulates the tension between function and desire.