Mike Kelley Remembered, 1954 to 2012

People in South Pasadena—and around the world—were shocked Wednesday to hear that renowned contemporary artist Mike Kelley was found dead in an apparent suicide at his South Pasadena home. He was 57-years-old. 

A friend of Kelley's told officials that he had been depressed because of a break-up with his girlfriend, but no note was found, South Pasadena police Sgt. Robert Bartl told Pasadena Star-News.

His body was found in a bathtub, according to the paper.

Kelley was well-known for his arrangements of stuffed-animal sculptures, among other great works of art like wall-size drawings and multi-room installations.

He worked out of a studio space in Highland Park but resided in a green home  on Arroyo Vista Circle in South Pasadena. In an interview with the Italian magazine Mousse, Kelley referred to his home as “the sculpture”—an enclosure with a keen focus on form, meant to hold the space dedicated to daily life, the magazine said. 

And see the attached tweets to read what others are saying about Kelley's death. Check back with Patch for more details on this story.

Did you know Kelley—or are you a fan of his work? Share your memories in comments below.