-Time Is Money- still bank c. 20th century

This ‘Time Is Money’ still bank, was made with paint on metal by an anonymous artist. The color palette is bright – sunshine yellow, sky blue, and traffic-cone orange – giving it a playful, almost urgent quality. Up close, you can see how the paint is thinly applied, allowing the metal underneath to peek through in places, especially around the edges. The artist hasn’t tried to hide the imperfections; there’s a casualness to the way the text and floral motifs are rendered. Notice the small drip of paint near the base – a happy accident that adds to its charm and character. This reminds me of the work of Red Grooms, who used a similar bright palette and bold, slightly wonky lines. Like Grooms, this artist seems to prioritize expression and directness over polish. It’s a reminder that art doesn’t always have to be serious or technically perfect; sometimes the most compelling works are those that embrace their own quirks and imperfections.