Kelly Moore is a self-taught, renegade folk artist based in Santa Fe, known for his distinctive and original creations that merge elements of outsider art, art brut, and folk art. Originally from the Ozarks of Arkansas, Moore’s colorful paintings are marked by a variety of strange figures and beasts, often depicted in carnival-like processions or set within distant landscapes. His compositions are characterized by lettering, swirling colors, thick impasto, and a dark surrounding atmosphere, showcasing series of unusual figures such as ghosts and ornamental beasts lined up in rows.
Moore’s work has been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions across the US and Europe and is held in many public and private collections. An impressive documentation of his work is available in a published book. Moore’s art reflects his unique vision and originality, establishing him as a notable figure in American Folk Art.