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When we heard the sad news today at the studio about contemporary American artist Mike Kelley’s apparent suicide, we started discussing his achievements.Being in the noise band Destroy All Monsters with fellow contemporary artist Niagra and Ron Asheton of The Stooges fame. Studying under one of my personal favorites, conceptual artist John Baldessari. The artwork he created for noise-experimentalists Sonic Youth’s 1992 album Dirty.

We then went off on a tangent on all the great artist to be featured on Sonic Youth album over the years. Some of the artists, such as Mike Kelley were good friends of the band. Others were not so happy to find their work on Sonic Youth album covers, as in the case of Richard Avedon whom threatened to use legal action.

I’ve put together a gallery of artwork created for, or appropriated by, Sonic Youth album covers.

Enjoy!

Evol (1986) film still from “Submit to Me” by underground filmmaker Richard Kern.

Sister (1987) originally featuring a photograph by Richard Avedon titled “Sandra Bennett, twelve year old, Rocky Ford, Colorado, August 23, 1980.”

subsequent pressing of the album have the photo blacked out.

Daydream Nation (1988) featuring Kerze (“Candle”) an example of German artist Gerhard Richter’s “blur” paintings.

Goo (1990) illustration by Raymond Pettibon, based on a paparazzi photo of “Moors Murders” witnesses Maureen Hindley and David Smith. I have an old t-shirt with this image, and ironically nothing makes me feel older than wearing a Sonic Youth t-shirt.

the photo that inspired Pettibon’s illustration.

Dirty (1992). RIP Mike Kelley.

Washing Machine (1995), image by Mike Mills. Chicken and egg? Were the shirts created to promote the album, or was the album created to promote the shirts?

NYC Ghosts & Flowers (2000) artwork by William S. Burroughs.

Sonic Nurse (2004) artwork by Richard Prince from his Nurse Paintings series.

Rather Ripped (2006) featuring what appears to be an amalgamation of several works by Christopher Wool.

The Destroyed Room: B-Sides and Rarities (2006) photograph by Jeff Wall.

Mike Kelley you were in good company. You will be missed.