Born in New Jersey, Steve Kelly is a dynamic artist whose work spans from bold, abstract collages to large-scale figurative oil paintings, both styles resonating with deep emotional undertones. In 2012, Kelly earned his B.F.A. from the Fashion Institute of Technology, setting the stage for a vibrant career marked by a keen eye for color and a fascination with the absurdities of everyday life and modern culture.
In 2015, Kelly co-founded Art & Prozak, an artist collective that has become a staple in the art scenes of New Jersey and New York. As head curator and featured “house artist,” Kelly has played a pivotal role in producing and curating numerous exhibitions annually, providing a platform for emerging and established artists. A significant milestone for the collective was its participation in the Newark Arts Festival in 2018, where it curated a four-day exhibition showcasing works from eighteen artists across various mediums.
Kelly’s first solo exhibition came in 2019 at Clerestory Fine Art in Montclair, NJ, where he presented twelve of his large-scale paintings, further cementing his reputation as a prominent figure in the contemporary art world. During the 2020 pandemic, he contributed to Montclair’s initiative to promote art by transforming a vacant storefront into an immersive installation titled It’s Over, captivating passersby and offering a creative response to the challenging times.
In 2022, Kelly relocated to Los Angeles, expanding his artistic reach. His work in L.A. includes a dual exhibition at Surr Gallery in 2024, in collaboration with photographer Kyle Seagraves, demonstrating his continual evolution as an artist. Alongside his exhibition work, Kelly also produces commissioned pieces for private clients, ensuring his art remains both accessible and impactful.
Kelly’s diverse body of work, coupled with his commitment to fostering artistic communities, underscores his dedication to pushing creative boundaries and engaging audiences in meaningful, thought-provoking ways.