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Michael Kalish Mixed Media

American, b. 1973

When Michael Kalish reimagines an abused license plate or a vintage fender of a sun-faded farm truck, he transforms these discarded materials into striking art. His works are masterful while endearingly mindful, with a wink to Pop art masters such as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. He raises repurposing to a culturally and socially conscious new level.

Kalish was born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1973. He later attended the University of Rhode Island and Kennesaw State University in Georgia, majoring in psychology and minoring in art. After finishing school, he realized that if he wanted a career in art, he would have to do something to stand out. He decided to select a unique medium that would grab the attention of curators and the public. 

He stumbled upon an old license plate in a junkyard, which sparked his interest. The color, texture and reflective shine drew him in, and he began to search for more. The first piece he created with the license plates was an American flag, which was exhibited by a small gallery. In 1996, he made a series of license plate portraits of several U.S. presidents, which were displayed in the windows of the Barney’s department store in New York City. 

Kalish relocated to Los Angeles, where he continues to work with salvaged metal objects, fashioning them into beautiful roses, bowls of fruit, pop icon portraits and abstract pieces. His Raise the Caliber monumental public work — made of reclaimed guns — garnered high praise for its statement against violence. In 2017, his Art of Finding Love series of interactive abstract sculptures toured various outdoor locations in California.

On 1stDibs, find Michael Kalish’s sculptures, paintings, mixed media and more.

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Artist: Michael Kalish
Kobe (edition of 24)
By Michael Kalish
Located in Miami, FL
California-based artist Michael Kalish was born in 1973 in Atlanta, Georgia. Kalish gained recognition for transforming everyday objects such as license plates and tailgates into mea...
Category

2010s Abstract Michael Kalish Mixed Media

Materials

Mixed Media

Floral Abstract Mirror Blue on Red
By Michael Kalish
Located in Miami, FL
California-based artist Michael Kalish was born in 1973 in Atlanta, Georgia. Kalish gained recognition for transforming everyday objects such as license plates and tailgates into meaningful works of art that reference a broad spectrum of American culture, from political issues to cultural icons. In 2014, Kalish began working on a series of wall and standing sculptures. He creates these multi-dimensional wall sculptures with layered laser-cut aluminum or colored acrylic with depths ranging from 5 to 12 inches. Kalish designs these pieces so that the viewer must find the exact vantage point where the sculpture is no longer abstract, and the true image comes into focus. Kalish has been featured in the NY Times, Time Magazine, The LA Times, Art in America, and USA Today. Kalish has had several museum exhibitions, and countless prominent public and private art collections worldwide own his work, including the US Embassy in Moscow, Ford Motor...
Category

2010s Abstract Michael Kalish Mixed Media

Materials

Acrylic

Vase of Roses - Mirrored Stainless 60
By Michael Kalish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a signed and numbered limited edition of 10. It is a stunning three dimensional sculpture made from layered laser cut chromed stainless steel with spaces giving it a beautif...
Category

2010s Contemporary Michael Kalish Mixed Media

Materials

Stainless Steel

Geisha
By Michael Kalish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a signed and numbered limited edition of 18. Commission Only, lead time is apx. 6 weeks. This dimensional wall sculpture is created with layered laser cut aluminum pieces ei...
Category

2010s Contemporary Michael Kalish Mixed Media

Materials

Metal

The Art of Finding Love vertical - red and chrome
By Michael Kalish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stunning sculpture standing at just over seven feet tall is on a swivel base. It is quite an engineering feat to create each sculpture. This sculpture can go indoors or outdoors as well. The title "The Art of Finding Love" is because you can look at all sides of this sculpture and it looks like a beautiful abstract sculpture until you get to one vantage point where LOVE comes into focus. Just like the art of finding Love in life. All sides and angles of this sculpture are surfaced with chrome panels except for the one side that spells out the word LOVE, which is surfaced with bright red panels. Commission only, limited edition of 10, editions 2 - 10 available, 8-10 week lead time to create. Michael Kalish is an internationally acclaimed mixed-media artist based in Los Angeles. His passion for metal started with vintage car parts and license plates and evolved to more refined laser cut aluminum and mirrored stainless steel sculptures, with references to American culture. In his most daring and bold expression of the force of nature known as love, the renowned sculptor unveiled his own artistic sonnet in sculpture form – "THE ART OF FINDING LOVE", a 20 foot x 6 foot x 6 foot interactive sculpture...
Category

2010s Abstract Michael Kalish Mixed Media

Materials

Steel

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Michael Kalish mixed media for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Michael Kalish mixed media available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Michael Kalish in metal, mixed media, paint and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 21st century and contemporary and is mostly associated with the contemporary style. Not every interior allows for large Michael Kalish mixed media, so small editions measuring 16 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Charles Clary, Kelly Bugden + Van Wifvat, and Kurt Herrmann. Michael Kalish mixed media prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $8,000 and tops out at $62,000, while the average work can sell for $20,000.

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