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
Mel Bochner, Money, 2005, acrylic and oil on canvas, 6080 in. (152.4203.2 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
Dimensions
6080 in. (152.4203.2 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

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.

Works by this artist (3 items)

Olaf Skoogfors, Pin, 1966, gold-plated sterling silver with tourmaline, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of M. Lindsay Kaplan and Norman L. Eisen in memory of Jerome E. Kaplan, 2016.49
Pin
Date1966
gold-plated sterling silver with tourmaline
Not on view
Olaf Skoogfors, Pin/Pendant, 1975, gold-plated sterling silver with ivory, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Helen Williams Drutt and Martin Woldow in memory of Olaf Skoogfors, 1982.93A-B
Pin/​Pendant
Date1975
gold-plated sterling silver with ivory
Not on view
Olaf Skoogfors, Pin/Pendant, ca. 1969, gold plated sterling silver, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Leona S. and Paul D. Rosenstock, 1996.103, © 1978, Judy Skoogfors
Pin/​Pendant
Dateca. 1969
gold plated sterling silver
Not on view

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