Money

Mel Bochner, Money, 2005, acrylic and oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the James F. Dicke Family, 2013.49.1, © 2005, Mel Bochner
Copied Mel Bochner, Money, 2005, acrylic and oil on canvas, 60 x 80 in. (152.4 x 203.2 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the James F. Dicke Family, 2013.49.1, © 2005, Mel Bochner

Artwork Details

Title
Money
Artist
Date
2005
Location
Dimensions
60 x 80 in. (152.4 x 203.2 cm)
Copyright
© 2005, Mel Bochner
Credit Line
Gift of the James F. Dicke Family
Mediums Description
acrylic and oil on canvas
Classifications
Object Number
2013.49.1
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/2013.49.1

Artwork Description

Bochner's fascination with language inspires him to fill notebooks with synonyms that he collects for months or even years before executing paintings based on particular "key" words. In Money, the varied colors Bochner chose for each word or phrase subvert a linear reading of the regimented lines. Slang terms like "cheddar" and juxtaposed with biblical phrases like "root of all evil" to highlight the rich vocabulary people use to describe the ubiquitous reality of currency.