Robert Kelly (artist)

Robert Kelly (born 1946, Santa Fe, New Mexico; died 2024, Santa Fe, New Mexico) was an American abstract painter known for his minimalist compositions, often featuring subtle color variations and geometric forms.

Kelly's work is characterized by its focus on color, light, and the relationship between forms. He often employed rectangular shapes and a limited palette, creating paintings that invite contemplation and visual exploration. His approach to painting emphasized the process of layering and refining colors to achieve a sense of depth and luminosity.

Kelly studied at the San Francisco Art Institute and the University of California, Santa Barbara. He exhibited extensively throughout his career, with his work held in the collections of major museums, including the Museum of Modern Art, New York; the Los Angeles County Museum of Art; and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

While rooted in the traditions of Minimalism, Kelly's work also displayed a sensitivity to the nuances of color and light, differentiating him from some of his contemporaries. His paintings aimed to create a visual experience that was both meditative and stimulating. He was influenced by artists such as Agnes Martin and Mark Rothko, but developed his own distinct visual language.

Kelly lived and worked in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for much of his life. He continued to create and exhibit work until his death in 2024. His legacy lies in his contribution to abstract painting, particularly his exploration of color and form in minimalist compositions.