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.
Vase of Roses - Mirrored Stainless 60
By Michael Kalish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a signed and numbered limited edition of 10. It is a stunning three dimensional sculpture made from layered laser cut chromed stainless steel with spaces giving it a beautif...
Stainless Steel
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
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
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
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
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
Bowl of fruit
By Dionisios Fragias
Located in New York, NY
Dionisios Fragias is a New York -based artist born on the Greek island of Kefalonia and raised in New York City. He is the protege of the artist Jeff Koons whose years-long mentorshi...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Curves
By David Hayes
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
David Hayes (1931 - 2013) Curves, 2009 Polychrome welded steel 15.50 x 14 x 12.50 in
Steel
British Contemporary Sculpture by Philip Hearsey - Dulas Bowl I
By Philip Hearsey
Located in Paris, IDF
Bronze Series of individual variations. Stamped with monogram signature and uniquely numbered 689B The natural bronze edge is rubbed and lacquered for protection against touch and t...
Bronze
Rhythm
By Steve Zaluski 1
Located in New York, NY
Painted Aluminum Sculpture. Blue and white. About the Artist: Studied engineering and sculpture at Stony Brook University. Steve has created sculptures of welded bronze or aluminum and have installed them around the world, including Hong Kong, Tokyo, England, France, Germany, Israel, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. Croix, Grand Cayman...
Mixed Media
Glass sculpture Assiduosly without words
By L.G.
Located in Paris, FR
Gorgeous One of a kind Blown and fused Glass Sculpture in brown/black, bluish black, opaque white and White sandblasted. Includes its black metal base ( about 32 cm X 10 cm X 18 c...
Blown Glass
APPLE OF PARADISE
By Yevgeniy Prokopov
Located in Edinburgh, GB
The sculpture "APPLE OF PARADISE" was created by Yevgeniy Prokopov in 1996, then it was repeatedly exhibited at his personal exhibitions both in Ukraine and abroad. The first time it was presented at the author's personal exhibition at the National Museum Taras Shevchenko...
Bronze
