-One-Story House- still bank 1927

Editor: So, this is a metal assemblage piece called "-One-Story House- still bank," created in 1927 by Kenton Hardware Manufacturing Co. It's like a tiny, weathered fortress. What jumps out at you when you look at it? Curator: The "still bank" speaks volumes about the American Dream of homeownership in the 1920s. It evokes critical questions around who had access to that dream, and who was excluded. Whose stories are not being told through this miniature house? Consider the social disparities of the time; race, class, and gender played a significant role. Editor: I hadn’t thought about it like that, I was just admiring the texture. So, you're saying this simple object holds a mirror up to larger societal inequalities? Curator: Absolutely. What does a one-story house signify in a culture that often equates success with upward mobility? Also, its miniature scale could represent the limited possibilities afforded to marginalized communities. Do you think the metal material and geometric shape is speaking to that too? Editor: I guess, it does feel very rigid, not inviting at all. Almost like a cage. Curator: Precisely! And remember, even objects like this can perpetuate or challenge societal norms. Exploring these nuances opens a window into the complexities of our history and identity. Editor: Wow, I'll definitely look at everyday objects differently now, thinking about their historical and social implications. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. Engaging with art in this way helps us to foster a more equitable and inclusive understanding of our world.