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.
Price Upon Request
Astrid State 2
By Michael Kalish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This dimensional wall sculpture is made of laser cut aluminum and enamel paint. The back panel is painted to look like a page torn out of an artist's sketch book...
Metal, Enamel
Price Upon Request
The Art of Finding Love - Brushed Gold
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...
Metal
Price Upon Request
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...
Metal
Price Upon Request
Crush - Rose on Coral
By Michael Kalish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
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 re...
Enamel, Metal
Price Upon Request
Crush- Rose on Gold
By Michael Kalish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
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 re...
Enamel, Metal
Price Upon Request
Crush - Rose on Red
By Michael Kalish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
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 re...
Enamel, Metal
Price Upon Request
Crush - Rose on Pink
By Michael Kalish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
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 re...
Enamel, Metal
Price Upon Request
Crush- Rose on Blue
By Michael Kalish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
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 re...
Enamel, Metal
Price Upon Request
Large Rose - Mirrored Stainless
By Michael Kalish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Signed and numbered limited edition of 18. Commission only, lead time is 4 - 6 weeks This is an incredibly dimensional wall sculpture made with multiple layers of layered laser cut chromed stainless steel. 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...
Stainless Steel
Price Upon Request
Ballerina - Red
By Michael Kalish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kalish Editions — "Ballerina" — layered laser cut aluminum and enamel — 34 x 36 x 4 inches. Edition of 35. THIS IS A COMMISSION-ONLY PIECE THAT IS MADE UPON REQUEST. PLEASE ALLOW 3-...
Enamel, Metal
Price Upon Request
For You!
By Michael Kalish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"For You!" — steel sculpture — 30 x 24 x 0.5 inches (base is 15" wide x 7" deep), this is edition #2 of 18. THIS IS A COMMISSION-ONLY PIECE THAT IS MADE UPON...
Stainless Steel
Price Upon Request
The Art of Finding Love - Monumental
By Michael Kalish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"The Art of Finding Love - Monumental" — mixed media with chrome and painted panels — 72 x 240 x 72 inches. Edition of 9. THIS IS A COMMISSION-ONLY PIEC...
Metal
Price Upon Request
Vase of Roses - Large Painted
By Michael Kalish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"Vase of Roses - Large Painted" layered laser cut aluminum and enamel on aluminum panels — 60 x 40 x 16 inches. Signed and numbered limited edition of 10. THIS IS A COMMISSION-ONLY...
Enamel, Metal
Price Upon Request
Rose - Red on Multicolor
By Michael Kalish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"Rose - Red on Multicolor" — layered laser cut aluminum and enamel on aluminum panel — 32 x 32 x 8 inches. Edition of 35. An incredibly dimensional wall sculpture made with multipl...
Enamel, Metal
Price Upon Request
Rose - Red on Magenta
By Michael Kalish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"Rose - Red on Magenta" — layered laser cut aluminum and enamel on aluminum panel — 32 x 32 x 7 inches. Edition of 35. THIS IS A COMMISSION-ONLY PIECE THAT IS MADE UPON REQUEST. PL...
Aluminum, Enamel
Price Upon Request
Rose - Blue on Red
By Michael Kalish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"Rose - Blue on Red" — layered laser cut aluminum and enamel on aluminum panel — 32 x 32 x 7 inches. Edition of 35. THIS IS A COMMISSION-ONLY PIECE THAT IS MADE UPON REQUEST. PLEASE ALLOW 3-4 WEEKS LEAD TIME. An incredibly dimensional wall sculpture made with multiple layers of enameled laser cut aluminum, a material that contrasts the delicate subject of many "Kalish Editions" works – roses. See the FP Contemporary website for more colors. 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...
Enamel, Metal
Price Upon Request
Astrid
By Michael Kalish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"Astrid", layered laser cut aluminum and enamel on aluminum panels — 35 x 42 x 8 inches. Edition of 18 which are sold out. There are two artist proofs available and then the edition...
Aluminum, Enamel
Price Upon Request
The Kiss
By Michael Kalish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"Kiss", Aluminum Wall Sculpture, layered laser cut aluminum panels painted with enamel — 41 x 39 x 12 inches — 2015. Edition of 35. THIS IS A COMMISSION-ONLY PIECE THAT IS MADE UPO...
Enamel, Metal
$2,625
H 21 in W 20 in
Turquoise Dots - Vibrant Yellow Contemporary Abstract Figurative Sculptural Art
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nebraka-based Jamie Burmeister is a sculptural artist known for his original artworks incorporating original small bronze figures, standing at just up to 4 inches tall. His unique fi...
Metal
$2,800
H 24 in W 18.5 in D 4 in
Blue Dots IV - Pink Tone Contemporary Abstract Figurative Sculptural Artwork
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nebraka-based Jamie Burmeister is a sculptural artist known for his original artworks incorporating original small bronze figures, standing at just up to 4 inches tall. His unique fi...
Metal
$1,136Sale Price|20% Off
H 16.93 in W 12.41 in D 0.6 in
Mid Century Sgraffito, Saltimbanque and the Card Player, Circle of Picasso.
Located in Cotignac, FR
Mid 20th Century sgraffito work on plaster by Jean Pierre de Cayeux. The work is signed and dated on the skirt of the card player, bottom right, and on the stretcher of the chair, bo...
Enamel
$3,850
H 18 in W 6 in D 6 in
"Experience №1 v.2" Bronze Sculpture 18 x 6 x 6 in Edition 1/5 by Sergii Shaulis
By Sergii Shaulis
Located in Culver City, CA
"Experience №1 v.2" Bronze Sculpture 18 x 6 x 6 in Edition 1/5 by Sergii Shaulis 2019 From the EXPERIENCE series Bronze Approximate weight 15lbs ABOUT ARTIST Born on 27 May 1985 ...
Bronze
$2,425
H 20.5 in W 24 in D 1.5 in
Wood Drip - Color Drenched Contemporary Abstract Figurative Sculptural Artwork
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nebraka-based Jamie Burmeister is a sculptural artist known for his original artworks incorporating original small bronze figures, standing at just up to 4 inches tall. His unique fi...
Metal
$3,400
H 39 in W 24 in D 4 in
Green Stripes - Colorful Abstract Textured Figurative Sculptural Modern Artwork
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nebraka-based Jamie Burmeister is a sculptural artist known for his original artworks incorporating original small bronze figures, standing at just up to 4 inches tall. His unique fi...
Bronze
$2,375
H 21 in W 20.5 in D 3 in
Purple Iris Smudge - Color Drenched Abstract Figurative Sculptural Wall Artwork
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nebraka-based Jamie Burmeister is a sculptural artist known for his original artworks incorporating original small bronze figures, standing at just up to 4 inches tall. His unique fi...
Metal
$12,000
H 26 in W 20 in D 9 in
"The Man Without a Rod №3" Bronze Sculpture 26x20x9in Ed. 3/8 by Sergii Shaulis
By Sergii Shaulis
Located in Culver City, CA
"The Man Without a Rod №3" Bronze Sculpture 26x20x9in Ed. 3/8 by Sergii Shaulis Limited Edition 3/8 From "The man without a rod" series Approximate weight 77 lbs. The artist spent almost ten years of his life in the making of this eight-piece series. It is an introspective representation of what he calls absolute hopelessness. “It's about the emptiness of the soul, but it's also about starting anew; when you feel nothing but finding the power inside of you to stand up and move.” ABOUT ARTIST Born on 27 May 1985 in Kharkiv, Ukraine. From 2005 to 2011 studied at the Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts, at the Faculty of "Fine Arts" specialty "Easel and monumental sculpture." Now studying postgraduate at Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts. Works are in private collections in Ukraine, Israel, Germany, USA, Australia, Finland, Holland, Spain, Belgium, England. Education 2002‑2005 Faculty of Engineering and Physics (NTU KhPI) 2005‑2011 Easel and monumental sculpture (KSADA) 2012-2016 postgraduate education (KSADA) Exhibitions 2007-15 City exhibition HONSKHU. Kharkiv. 2007-14 Ukrainian Exhibition KONSKHU. Kyiv. 2008-11 "The maestro and his students", KSADA. Kharkiv (Audience Award 2009) 2008 11 International Triennial of sculpture. Kyiv . 2009 “Male portrait”, gallery KSADA. Kharkiv . 2009 "You get SMS ", Kharkiv ( Grand Prix "The best sculpture project "). 2009 “Gogol-fest”, Museum Arsenal. Kyiv. 2016 "Corpus", Come in gallery, Kharkiv. 2016 KSADA "Loft", Kharkiv. 2017 “Art seasons”, M17. Kyiv. 2017 Gallery "Semiradskiy", Kharkiv. 2017 "Mundi contraria", M17. Kyiv. 2018 "More than sculpture", ArtUkraineGallery. Kyiv. 2018 “Auguste Rodin. "Premonition of the future...
Bronze
$5,400
H 39 in W 48 in D 4 in
Yellow Smudge - Vibrant Yellow Tone Abstract Figurative Sculptural Wall Artwork
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nebraka-based Jamie Burmeister is a sculptural artist known for his original artworks incorporating original small bronze figures, standing at just up to 4 inches tall. His unique fi...
Metal
$2,400
H 22 in W 6 in D 10 in
Hi-Beam 1 - Modern Steel Geometric Sculpture, Abstract, Signed Art
By Granville Beals
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inspired by dance and weightlessness, Granville Beals' industrial metal sculptures are primarily about relationships. Concerned with form and abstraction, he does not merely manipula...
Metal, Steel
Pharrell Monumental Jar by Roberto Lugo (INV #NP4034)
By Roberto Lugo
Located in Morton Grove, IL
Amazing and rare vase from Roberto Lugo featuring the iconic artist Pharrell Williams! 14 x 9 x 9" clay and glaze Comes with Certificate of Authenticity. Rare. Bio- Roberto Lugo (b...
Clay
$8,000
H 34.5 in W 15 in D 9.5 in
"The man without a rod Nr.2" Aluminum Sculpture Edition of 5 by Sergii Shaulis
By Sergii Shaulis
Located in Culver City, CA
"The man without a rod Nr.2" Aluminum Sculpture Edition of 5 by Sergii Shaulis From "The man without a rod" series Edition of 5 Medium: aluminium, patina Aluminum. Approximate weigh...
Metal
Astrid State 2
By Michael Kalish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This dimensional wall sculpture is made of laser cut aluminum and enamel paint. The back panel is painted to look like a page torn out of an artist's sketch book. This is a signed ...
Metal, Enamel
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...
Metal, Enamel
Route 66
By Michael Kalish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"Route 66", mixed media metal wall sculpture — 32 x 32 x 3 inches. This is a mixed media metal wall sculpture made of vintage car parts and enamel on ste...
Enamel, Steel
Rose - Yellow on Blue
By Michael Kalish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"Rose - Yellow on Blue" — layered laser cut aluminum and enamel on aluminum panel — 32 x 32 x 7 inches. Edition of 35. Please contact gallery regarding availability. An incredibly...
Aluminum, Enamel
Vintage Rose on Red
By Michael Kalish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"Vintage Rose on Red", mixed media metal wall sculpture — 32 x 32 x 8 inches — 2008. This is a mixed media metal wall sculpture made of aluminum, enamel and vintage car parts in red, white and blue. Kalish makes use of the iconic tailgate from a vintage Chevy...
Aluminum, Enamel, Metal