Mike Kelley (1954-2012)

"No Place" by Mike Kelley, currently hung in the Phoenix Art Museum's Katz Wing

​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 Kelley

​"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.