Minor Histories: Statements, Conversations, Proposals

by Mike Kelley

The second volume of writings by Los Angeles artist Mike Kelley, focusing on his own work.What John C. Welchman calls the "blazing network of focused conflations" from which Mike Kelley's styles are generated is on display in all its diversity in this second volume of the artist's writings. The first volume, Foul Perfection, contained thematic essays and writings about other artists; this collection concentrates on Kelley's own work, ranging from texts in "voices" that grew out of scripts for performance pieces to expository critical and autobiographical writings.Minor Histories organizes Kelley's writings into five sections. "Statements" consists of twenty pieces produced between 1984 and 2002 (most of which were written to accompany exhibitions), including "Ajax," which draws on Homer, Colgate- Palmolive, and Longinus to present its eponymous hero; "Some Aesthetic High Points," an exercise in autobiography that counters the standard artist bio included in catalogs and press releases; and a sequence of "creative writings" that use mass cultural tropes in concert with high art mannerisms—approximating in prose the visual styles that characterize Kelley's artwork. "Video Statements and Proposals" are introductions to videos made by Kelley and other artists, including Paul McCarthy and Bob Flanagan and Sheree Rose. "Image-Texts" offers writings that accompany or are part of artworks and installations. This section includes "A Stopgap Measure," Kelley's zestful millennial essay in social satire, and "Meet John Doe," a collage of appropriated texts. "Architecture" features an discussion of Kelley's Educational Complex (1995) and an interview in which he reflects on the role of architecture in his work. Finally, "Ufology" considers the aesthetics and sexuality of space as manifested by UFO sightings and abduction scenarios.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

458 pages, Paperback

First published February 6, 2004

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something so accessible about Mike's language that concisely conveys a very tender, authentic personality wanting to figure things out. (No alienated, evasive artspeak here!) His observations are relatable, funny, and even poetic:

Whenever you “rediscover” your old creations, isn’t it funny that you find them so satisfying? You’re as engrossed as baby is with his or her own poop. And, to top it off, it seems as if a hiatus from old ways sharpens your skills at those abandoned practices. Then you ask yourself: “Why did I ever stop doing this? How is it that I forgot myself? Why do I have to rediscover what I already know?"… A project is never truly over; but it may, sometimes, go into hibernation until the time is right for its reawakening. [p.78]

And, of course, the clarity of his writing is a charming contrast to the "weirdness" of his artwork.

[Ace Wall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book if you like mike Kelley. It's composed of the artist's writings. Some are proposals or artist statements. It's one of the things that made mike a great artist, his writing. From his catholic upbringing to his experiences during art school, it's a fine book that mike left behind. It can be found in many university and college libraries.

[Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book for artists-Mike Kelley can make complex works that are just absurd and weird and mysterious but then perfectly write about it making perfect sense. This is one of the best publications on his writing.
R.I.P. MIKE

[Tina]

need to find it used.....

[Al Matthews]

Based on (1) I want (2), or vice-versa, or whatever.