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Michael Kalish Figurative Paintings

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
Ava
By Michael Kalish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This dimensional wall sculpture is created with layered laser cut aluminum pieces painted with enamel then mounted on a hand-shaped aluminum back panel painted and sprayed with a mat...
Category

2010s Contemporary Michael Kalish Figurative Paintings

Materials

Metal, Enamel

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Michael Kalish figurative paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Michael Kalish figurative paintings available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Michael Kalish in enamel, metal, mixed media 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 figurative paintings, so small editions measuring 30 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Gee Gee Collins, Frank Shifreen, and Otis Huband. Michael Kalish figurative paintings prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $18,000 and tops out at $18,000, while the average work can sell for $18,000.

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