-Kassa (Ticket Office)- still bank c. early 20th century

This small, anonymously made “Kassa” or ticket office still bank, is a gem, a little world made of paint and cast metal. The artist was not afraid to slather on color. A muted brick red covers most surfaces, accented with touches of gold and a grey that peeks through the worn edges. The layers feel historical, like a fresco in an old building or the patina on a well-loved toy. I’m drawn to the flecks of gold in the center panel, they almost mimic a constellation. They’re subtle, but they catch the light and add a sense of wonder to this everyday object. It reminds me of Joseph Cornell’s boxes, where humble materials take on a poetic resonance. It’s a celebration of texture, wear, and the stories that objects carry, reminding us that art is often found in the unexpected, and that beauty can emerge from the simplest of materials.