Mike Kelley
Halo of Mastery
- Year1989
- MaterialAcrylic on paper
- Dimensions153 x 181.5 cm
- Year of acquisition1992
- Inventory numberUAB 220
- On viewGround floor
- Copyright© VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn [2023]
More about the artwork
Throughout his art, Kelley maintained an obsessive interest in popular culture. “I came from a milieu,” Kelley said, “In which artists were despised, whereas rock musicians and drug dealers were hipster culture heroes.” The drawing “Halo of Mastery” (1989) shows two American football players in awe of rock musician Ted Nugent. Like Kelley, Nugent was born in Michigan and spent his formative years around Detroit. Emphasizing the erotic component of celebrity culture, Kelley draws attention to the musician’s tight white pants, and the multiple obscenities contained therein—from genitalia to feces.
