Born in Detroit, Michigan, Mike Kelley emerged from the West Coast art scene in the 1970s and 1980s. He studied at the University of Michigan and later at the California Institute of the Arts, where he developed a practice that spanned performance, drawing, and assemblage. His early work was deeply influenced by his involvement in the noise music scene and his interest in the psychological underpinnings of American subcultures.

Kelley is best recognized for his large-scale installations featuring discarded toys and thrift-store textiles, which he utilized to critique societal norms and childhood trauma. His work frequently incorporated video, photography, and critical writing, often produced in collaboration with peers such as Paul McCarthy and Tony Oursler. His practice challenged traditional boundaries between high art and vernacular culture.

His influence continues to resonate in contemporary discourse, as evidenced by his inclusion in major institutional surveys examining the evolution of masculinity and cultural identity. His legacy remains a cornerstone of late 20th-century American conceptual art, with his works held in the permanent collections of major museums worldwide.