Mikey Kelly creates drawings and paintings through a repetitious network of hand-drawn lines. A mathematical framework provides the basis for each piece, while a quiver or smudge belies its human touch. Eye-bending patterns recall op artists like Heinz Mack and Bridget Riley, while process-driven constructions nod to minimalists like Sol LeWitt.

Kelly’s monochromatic ink drawings of countless fine lines appear woven like fabric or metal mesh. Overlapping marks within angular geometric compositions create moiré patterns, illusory shifts in value, and other engaging optical effects. In his enamel paintings, multicolored lines are densely layered, recalling the tight weave of tapestries. Straight lines superimposed at slight angles appear rippled and intertwined. While a viewer’s first assumption may be that these works are achieved with the aid of modern technology, they are, in fact, fastidious and patient handwork.

Kelly’s work has been shown nationally and is included in several public and corporate collections. He was born in Mill Valley, California, and lives and works in Napa, California.

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