Mike Kelley (1954-2012)

Mike Kelley was a contemporary American artist who was known for his collaborations in collage, textile, found object assemblages, and performances. He was a student of John Baldessari, and his work is included in The Phoenix Art Museum's contemporary collection (pictured above), as well as the upcoming 2012 Whitney Biennial...

By Claire Lawton

February 1, 2012

[
        {
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Inline Content - Mobile Display Size",
          "component": "18478561",
          "insertPoint": "2",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
        },{
          "name": "Editor Picks",
          "component": "16759093",
          "insertPoint": "4",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "17980324",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "16759092",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "17980324",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 24
        },{
          "name": "Air - Leaderboard Tower - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "16759094",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 24
        }
      ]

Mike Kelley was a contemporary American artist who was known for his collaborations in collage, textile, found object assemblages, and performances.

He was a student of John Baldessari, and his work is included in The Phoenix Art Museum's contemporary collection (pictured above), as well as the upcoming 2012 Whitney Biennial in New York.

"Mike was an irresistible force in contemporary art," wrote members of his studio in a public statement. "We cannot believe he is gone. But we know his legacy will continue to touch and challenge anyone who crosses its path. We will miss him. We will keep him with us."

Kelley was found in his home in California, where local police said that it appeared he had committed suicide. An autopsy is currently pending. He was 57.

Follow Jackalope Ranch on Facebook and Twitter and Pinterest.

Become A Member

BEFORE YOU GO...
Can you help us continue to share our stories? Since the beginning, Phoenix New Times has been defined as the free, independent voice of Phoenix — and we'd like to keep it that way. Our members allow us to continue offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food, and culture with no paywalls.