Mike Kelley

Little Friend (2007)

Limited edition talking plush toy. 800 units.

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Little Friend is a limited-edition plush toy conceived by American artist Mike Kelley in 2007, produced in collaboration with Medicom Toy and Perks and Mini. At first glance playful and familiar, the work subverts the comforting language of childhood objects through unexpected and often unsettling spoken phrases activated when squeezed. By transforming a toy into a conceptual artwork, Kelley explores themes of nostalgia, trauma, humor, and emotional conditioning—central concerns throughout his practice. Both collectible object and critical gesture, Little Friend exemplifies Kelley’s ability to turn innocence into ambiguity.

Mike Kelley (1954–2012) was a major American artist known for his provocative and deeply influential work across sculpture, installation, performance, video, and drawing. Using everyday materials such as stuffed toys, craft objects, and pop-cultural references, Kelley explored themes of childhood, memory, trauma, and social conditioning. His work is held in major museum collections worldwide and continues to shape contemporary art and culture.