Fantasy Painting 1978

Ken Kelly's "Fantasy Painting" is made with acrylic, likely on illustration board. Kelly's art is rooted in the visual language of pulp magazines and comic books, a realm where swift production and eye-catching imagery reign supreme. Acrylic paints, favored for their quick-drying nature and vibrant colors, are perfect for artists working to meet deadlines in the publishing industry. The materiality of acrylic contributes significantly to the artwork's appearance, allowing for bold, saturated colors and smooth gradations that give the figures a muscular definition. The choice of acrylic reflects a shift from traditional oil painting to more accessible materials aligned with mass culture, but there is also a great deal of skillful labor involved. Kelly's painting shows the intersection of fantasy illustration and commercial art, challenging the division between high art and popular culture. It invites us to see the value and skill present in genres often overlooked by traditional art history.