ABOUT
“I believe my work can create a dialogue about what it means to make things. That it can engage through its presence in a space, that otherwise might be left to chance. It has purposeful and intelligent thought behind it.”
Ken Kelleher, also known as "Anchorball," has sculpted a distinctive niche in the realm of contemporary sculpture by blending classical sculpture principles with vibrant pop art influences. His works are a dialogue between the historical gravitas of traditional forms and the vivid immediacy of modern cultural icons, making each piece a dynamic interaction between the viewer and the environment.
Influenced by formal sculptors like David Smith and Tony Caro, Kelleher’s sculptures draw on Smith’s expertise in creating large-scale steel abstract sculptures that emphasize structural dynamics and the intrinsic narrative quality of materials. Tony Caro’s abstract, assemblage-based approach using industrial metals without traditional pedestals has also deeply influenced Kelleher’s exploration of form and space, encouraging a break from conventional sculpture displays.
Parallel to these classical influences, Kelleher’s alias "Anchorball" is deeply entrenched in the ethos of pop art. He draws inspiration from artists such as Ron English, known for his surreal and often subversive visual puns that blend high and low cultural phenomena. Robert Crumb's sharp satirical critiques of contemporary society echo in Kelleher’s work, which sometimes weaves subtle social commentaries into its narratives. Additionally, Takashi Murakami’s fusion of classical Japanese art with contemporary anime elements inspires Kelleher to blend Eastern and Western artistic traditions, enriching the cultural dialogue initiated by his pieces.
These eclectic influences converge in Kelleher’s playful yet provocative installations that engage viewers by invoking shared cultural memories and icons. His works are not merely observed but interacted with, transforming public spaces into arenas of cultural exchange and reflection. This engagement is central to Kelleher’s belief in the transformative power of art—its ability to alter perceptions, provoke conversations, and enrich the communal and personal spaces it inhabits.
Through his innovative approach and multidisciplinary practice, Ken Kelleher invites us to reimagine the role of sculpture in contemporary culture. His works challenge the boundaries of traditional sculpture, inviting us to explore a world where art is an active, integral part of our environmental and cultural landscape. Whether known as Ken Kelleher or "Anchorball," his sculptures continue to inspire and provoke, bridging the gap between the art of the past and the vibrant, ever-evolving culture of today.
BIO
Ken Kelleher is an American sculptor. He studied art at Alfred University under sculptors Glenn Zweygardt and William Parry. After college he worked at Hudson Studio, Fine Art Foundry in Niverville, NY where he did finishing work on cast bronze pieces by William Tucker and Anthony Caro, as well as other artists. Hudson Studio was in a shared space at the time with sculptor Jon Isherwood and is in close proximity to Triangle Workshop. Before becoming a Creative Director in Advertising he produced several series of large abstract sculptures, some of which were sold into private collections. Now twenty years later, Ken has returned to having a full time studio practice. He lives and works with his wife of 25 years at Rehoboth in NH.
Ken Kelleher has pieces installed in Buffalo and Alfred NY, Doha, Qatar, China and one in production for Indonesia. Small pieces will be available soon through J Steven Manolis Gallery in Miami soon as well as large commissions for private estates and public spaces.
Purchase/ Commissions / Sales
If you are interested in purchasing or commissioning a sculpture you can contact the studio here or call 603.957.0484.
In Collections
Massive Reach, Private collection, Buffalo NY
Mysterious Connection, Private Collection, Alfred NY
Papillon, Three meter bronze public sculpture, in the permanent collection of Al Khaliji Bank, Doha, Qatar: 2019
Madrigal, Seven meter public sculpture, Kushan, China Sculpture Park: 2020
Becoming, Private collection, Surabaya, Indonesia (in production): 2020 - 2021
Scribble, Four meter stainless steal sculpture, Doha, Qatar: 2021
Inner Child, Set of four three meter stainless steel sculptures, Krasnodar Park, Russia: 2021
Boundless Sea of Stars, Six meter mirror finish stainless, Hangzhou, China: 2021-2022
Velocity Variation, Ten meter mirror finish stainless, Mongolia, China: 2021
Back in the Saddle, Six meter mirror finish stainless, Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas: 2022
OOLALA, Three meter stainless with blue mirror finish: 2021-2023
Hand Drawn Sculpture, Five meter blue stainless, San Diego: 2023
Cosmos Deluxe
Spiral Vortex, 7.5 meter mirror finish stainless, Regis Maya Resorts, Cancun, Mexico: 2023
Year of the Dragon, Inflatable, Bangkok, Thailand: 2024
Flower Dream, Hyundai Mall: 2024
Collection for Boulevard City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: 2024
Ellie, Six meter public sculpture
Magmus, Six meter public sculpture
Elio, Six meter public sculpture
Fine Feathered Friends, Six meter public sculpture
Iridessa, Six meter public sculpture
Garden Sasquatch, Six meter public sculpture
Shows / Activations
1991
7 Sculptures, Wood & Steel Explorations, Alfred, NY
2001
Outside In, Group Sculpture Show, Kent Moses Museum, Exeter, NH
2019
Off the Charts, Group Show for Art Basel, Manolis Projects, Miami, FL
2020
Art Palm Beach, Miami, FL
2023
7 Six meter sculptures installed for Boulevard City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Opening and ongoing show at the Trove Gallery in Dubai, Dubai Mall
ROTOR Ricardo Fernandes Gallery x London Art Collective group show at Le Carousel Du Louvre Feb 21st to 22nd
Spiral Vortex opening, 7.5 meter mirror finish stainless, Regis Maya Resorts, Cancun, Mexico
Custom pieces including a custom velvet skull couch and Mariachi sculpture for Mijo Restaurant Las Vegas, with opening by Mark Wahlburg
2024
Airside x Anchorball, Hong Kong, China - 3 month activation including 7 large scale inflatables, 5 2 meter plush sculptures, a food truck and licensed merchandise
Greatest Year of the Dragon, Siam Paragon Mall - Inflatables & Assets as part of a one month New Years activation, Bangkok, Thailand: Jan 1st to Feb 15th with opening on Feb 8-11, 2024
Garden of Dreams, Large scale paper flower installation and retail activation, including an 8 meter tall flower sculpture, Hyundai Department Store, Pangyo, South Korea
Permanent collection for Boulevard City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Some featured articles on my work.
PRESS
MyModernMet - The US based art & culture magazine that celebrates creativity and promotes a positive culture.
Fubiz - A Paris based art & culture magazine.
Ideel Art - A London based site focusing on contemporary art
Gessato - A NYC based magazine that celebrates exceptional art, architecture, and style.
Designboom - The first and most popular digital magazine for architecture & design culture. daily news for a professional and creative audience.
Ignant - A Berlin based interdisciplinary online magazine featuring the finest in art, design photography fashion and architecture.
Collater.al - An Italian online magazine, focused on the contemporary creative culture: illustration, design, music, trends and street cultures.
Feel Desain - An art & culture magazine based in Turin, Italy.
AD Magazine - Magazine on architecture, culture and art. (Russian site)
WhiteHot Magazine - Off the Charts, Group show review, Anthony Haden-Guest
