Mike Kelley
Tate Modern exhibition.
Researching for current projects leads you down numerous alleys and rabbit holes. Some occupy your thoughts more than others, while some are just ‘inappropriate.’ I’m pleased to say that this one is a keeper.
Mike Kelley has been on my radar for some time (Tate Liverpool exhibition 2005), so it was fortuitous to have this retrospective to visit.
An overwhelming clash of sound and image with installations that challenge and raise more questions than they answer. But that, I believe is the backbone of conceptual art. I found personal inspiration in Kelley’s writing. The subject matter and references aligned with several threads of thought that I am currently exploring. It has been some time since I last considered Timothy Leary and his LSD experiments in ‘Freeing the mind.’
Ahhh… Youth! (1991-2008) C-Prints on Paper. Each Object 49.8×32.7
Kelley’s visual language was filled with stimulating ideas, yet I found it confusing. There was so much work crammed into one exhibition. I wanted a bit more space between projects—both literally and mentally. His use of sound certainly assaulted the senses, and the intertwining of space and audio between exhibits felt claustrophobic.
Therefore, when I say, ‘I need to contemplate this work,’ I trust you will understand. In fact, it’s the only time I have felt compelled to purchase the catalogue to gain further insight into Kelley’s art.
All in all, it was a brilliant visit with fellow art enthusiast and knowledgeable art historian, Dr. Sally Beazley-Long.