Tate Modern Remembers the Imagination of Mike Kelley

Tate Modern Remembers the Imagination of Mike Kelley

As a gamer with a deep appreciation for art and its transformative power, I eagerly anticipate the upcoming retrospective at Tate Modern, “Ghost and Spirit,” dedicated to the enigmatic Mike Kelley. Being a child of the 80s, I grew up on a steady diet of pop culture, and his work resonates with me in a way that few artists do.


“A ghost is someone who vanishes, but a spirit is a lingering memory or an enduring impact, as described by Mike Kelley in an early draft of Under a Sheet/Existance Problems. Although this performance was never performed, this idea fits perfectly with his legacy as a thought-provoking and significant figure in modern art.

Beginning in early October, Tate Modern will honor the life and work of Mike Kelley with a comprehensive retrospective display, titled “Ghost and Spirit“. This show is being jointly presented with Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, Bourse de Commerce, and Moderna Museet. Notably, this will be the initial significant UK exhibition featuring the groundbreaking artist’s experimental works.

Through a variety of sculptures, textile pieces, and multi-media displays, this artist challenges social norms by posing thoughtful questions about memory, longing, and skill. Frequently drawing upon everyday items and popular culture, he seeks to highlight the eerie qualities of the ordinary. Significant creations encompass radiant representations of Superman’s vanished hometown in the series “Kandor“, as well as a collection of mismatched plush toys.

According to a statement, Kelley perceived these actions as a way for individuals to live out dreams and step away from everyday life. To this day, the foundation bearing his name upholds his philosophy of daring and innovation in art. Over a decade after his death, the artist’s extravagant and peculiar imagination remains alive.

Ghost and Spirit will be on view at Tate Modern from October 3, 2024 through March 9, 2025.

Tate Modern
Bankside,
London SE1 9TG, UK

Read More

2024-09-10 23:55