Mike Kelley: Ghost and Spirit

The exhibition presents the full scope of Mike Kelley’s career, from the late 1970s until 2012. Kelley’s work incorporates drawing, collage, found objects, performance, and video, often merging personal narratives with cultural symbols. His iconic ‘craft’ sculptures, created from textiles and plush toys, mark a key moment in his career, questioning societal roles and the emotional weight of memory.

A central piece is Kelley’s multimedia installation Day Is Done, which brings together various forms of media to explore the interplay between fact and fantasy. His work is rooted in references from popular and underground culture, literature, and philosophy, reflecting on how the characters and images we consume shape our understanding of ourselves and society.

Kelley’s art engages deeply with the themes of identity, trauma, and social roles, offering a critique of the ways personal and cultural history intersect. More than a decade after his death, his work continues to resonate, providing a powerful commentary on the complexities of human experience. Organised in collaboration with major international museums, this exhibition offers a comprehensive overview of Kelley’s artistic legacy.