Michael Kalish

Out of the utilitarian and overlooked, Kalish fashions works of steely confidence, proudly displaying their wear, patina, and rust as a tribute to that which endures. His license plate works include homages to America itself and to many of its most recognizable faces, capturing the likenesses of Marilyn, Elvis, The Beatles, and Mickey Mouse, all with a wink to pop masters such as Warhol and Lichtenstein. His roses, both framed and freestanding, are made from automobile parts; their surprising voluptuousness led to solo exhibitions in Museums and Galleries in Stockholm, Geneva, and New York. His giant abstracts, comprised of recycled classic car parts from the ’50s and ’60s, triumphantly declare their resurrections. His three-dimensional editions, constructed of high-gloss metal layers, playfully interact with viewers, affording unique experiences depending upon their vantage points.