Arena #7 (Bears), Mike Kelley, image via the Skarstedt Gallery

Mike Kelley‘s  current exhibition at the Skarstedt Gallery features seven works from his Arena sculpture series.  Using found objects, both handmade and machine fabricated, and stuffed animals, Kelley creates “arenas,” scenes crafted to evoke curiosity from his observers.  Kelley works on the floor, as a playing child might, with afghans and blankets of varying styles and motifs.  Kelley explores the commodification of toys and their relevant emotions, removing them from a typical, nostalgic setting to create arenas that highlight both consumeristic natures and artistic projections.

Arena #10 (Dogs), Mike Kelley, image via the Skarstedt Gallery

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