Mr. Michael (Mike) Kelley intimates to us that outward expression of creativity with this discovery of soft in the curved form with his exhibition at Moskowitz Bayse. The radical extension of an idea itself, say with Hidden Profile, nonetheless exhibits that consistency with the Untitled in oblong. Where the radical is sensitive to minute, while it portrays that shifting, hidden state, however unpredictable the next frame of life will be.

Mike Kelley
Hidden Profile (1994). Michael Kelley. Acrylic on paper, in 6 parts
(A-E) 26 1/8 x 20 1/2 inches; 66.4 x 52.1 cm (framed)
(F) 38 x 26 1/8 inches; 96.5 x 66.4 cm (framed).
Courtesy of the Mike Kelley Foundation for the Arts and Moskowitz Bayse. All Rights Reserved.

The necessity of the framed sequencing involves an extension into the mystery which is cerebral. The necessity of such minimalism, with the removal of all but the least of color, to shape the mind to perceive that which was otherwise impossible to represent as a visual idea within the Cathedral’s Ecclesiastics of Holy Roman Authority, is a healthy progress in the movement of original beauty.

Why yes, it is for this precise reason that beauty is elevated higher than the vanity of the eye; in the representation of an idea which pleases the mind; towards elevating the experience of visual beauty onto the non-sensible intellect; and to harmonize its personal internality with such a testament to goodness in experiencing life itself. I dare say this is the good thing to do…to add harmony to nature.

‘Untitled (Collages 1974-2011)’. Michael Kelley. 1974 – 2011. Mixed media and collage on paper. 24 x 38 inches. Courtesy the Mike Kelley Foundation for the Arts and Moskowitz Bayse. All Rights Reserved.

His ‘Untitled (Collages 1974-2011)’ also demonstrates the conception of gentleness to the line; while consistent with an undefined statement of purity. For with the absence of sticky-mix, there is the return to the beautiful goodness of an otherwise inconceivable worldly experience for the viewer. And at roughly 2.5’x3.5’, its compactness provides a healthy tension in the inner psyche towards the inevitable promotion of balance – is this not what is harmony itself?

For more information, please contact or visit the gallery:

Moskowitz Bayse

Tuesday – Saturday
11am – 6pm

743 N. La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles, CA  90038

(323) 790-4882
info@moskowitzbayse.com