Daniel Kelly (born 1947) is an American-born artist who has lived and worked in Kyoto, Japan, since 1977. He is recognized for his contributions to contemporary printmaking and mixed media art, often blending traditional Japanese techniques with modern experimental methods.
Born in Great Falls, Montana, Kelly attended the University of Idaho before relocating to Japan. In Kyoto, he studied traditional ukiyo-e woodblock printing under the master Tokuriki Tomikichiro. While his foundational training was in traditional methods, Kelly's later work expanded to incorporate various media, including lithography, painting, and collage.
Kelly’s artistic style is characterized by the use of unconventional materials and layered textures. He frequently prints and paints on thick, handmade Nepalese paper or vintage Japanese ledger books. His techniques often involve applying woodblock prints onto varied surfaces, which may include cement or repurposed packaging. His subject matter typically focuses on large-scale portraits, botanical studies, and traditional Japanese objects, such as tea bowls.
His work is represented in numerous permanent museum collections worldwide, including:
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York)
- The British Museum (London)
- The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) (New York)
- The Smithsonian American Art Museum (Washington, D.C.)
- The Cleveland Museum of Art (Ohio)
Kelly remains an active figure in the international art community, frequently exhibiting his work in both Japan and the United States.
