Robert Kelly (American, b.1956)

Paintings

Who is painter Robert Kelly?

Robert Kelly is an American painter who is best known for his De Stijl-inspired paintings. These works often incorporate materials and items from Kelly’s world travels for a mixed media style that merges several disparate ideas into one. Kelly’s work is heavily layered, something that has been described as being created “meticulously on inhabited ground, layering materials, documents, and signs, covering them, wiping out their beauty, nearly, but allowing something of the labor and their languages to persist”.

Robert Kelly is extremely popular with peers and critics thanks to his amazingly consistent body of work. He has received glowing reviews from writers like John Ash and Edward Leffingwell, and his practice is held in high regard by many members of the art community. His work is featured in the collections of several notable institutions including The Whitney Museum of American Art, the Brooklyn Museum, The Milwaukee Art Museum, and the McNay Art Museum of San Antonio, Texas.

What kind of art does Robert Kelly make?

Robert Kelly is best known for his paintings which are methodically produced, incorporating disparate materials found in Kelly’s travels from around the world. These items can include vintage posters or antique paper which are then layered alongside saturated pigments. His pieces play with the idea of translucency and opacity, built piece by piece in a methodical manner to maximize each material’s effectiveness and making a work that is truly greater than the sum of its parts. Kelly’s works are modern, but without the alienation or “high-brow” feeling that often can come from experimental work like this. Instead, they are heavy with emotion, pieces that feel like they are pregnant with meaning.

How did painter Robert Kelly get started?

Robert Kelly was born in Santé Fe, New Mexico in 1956. His early life was spent quietly, but his life would change as a young adult after acceptance into Harvard. He graduated with a B.A. in 1978 and soon moved to New York City. He spent years traveling the world, gathering materials and knick-knacks that would soon find themselves the focal point of his burgeoning art career. Kelly said his early influences include members of the De Stijl movement - especially Malevich and Mondrian. He continues to produce beautiful, mixed-media pieces today.

How much are Robert Kelly paintings worth?

A Robert Kelly painting can be worth anywhere between $4,500 and $25,000 depending on the piece. The most ever paid for a Robert Kelly painting at auction is $25,000 for the piece Mimesis XXI (2005) which sold on September 24th, 2019. This was 108% over the initial high estimates.

The most ever paid for a Robert Kelly painting at a Heritage Auction is Mimesis CIV (2008) which sold for $21,250 on February 21st, 2015. Both of these paintings were part of the same series.

Where to buy Robert Kelly paintings for sale?

See works for sale below. Why buy from Heritage? Art buyers feel confident because our experts know the market and put careful valuations on artwork for sale. We make the bidding process easier to help you expand your art collection.

How to value Robert Kelly paintings?

The best way to value art is to compare past auction prices for similar works. View past sale prices below. When you’re ready to sell, contact Heritage Auctions to request an auction estimate of the likely selling price at auction. If you need a formal written appraisal for estate planning or insurance, please contact our Appraisal Services Department.