-Roly-Poly Monkey- still bank c. 1930

This -Roly-Poly Monkey- still bank at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, made by J. Chein & Company, uses bright colors and simple shapes to create a playful design, reflecting an understanding of artmaking as a process of simplification and joy. The piece uses lithographed tin to produce an image of this grinning monkey, which has an interesting tactile quality. The bright orange and yellow hues create a sense of warmth and cheerfulness. Look closely at the monkey's face; you can almost feel the texture of the fur, created with delicate linework. The stripes on the base, though simple, add a dynamic rhythm to the overall composition. This piece reminds me of the kind of folk art that feels both familiar and wonderfully strange, like something you might find in a dream. It also speaks to the ongoing conversation in art about how we represent the world around us, often transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary. It’s a reminder that art doesn’t always have to be serious, it can be playful, whimsical, and open to interpretation.