The Banana Man

This project is Mike Kelley's only truly solo video endeavor. It serves as an exploration of character, created in response to his performance work at the time, which he described as characterless. The video format allowed Kelley to approach the concept of character and psychological motivation without the constraints of real-time performance.

Kelley reflects on The Banana Man, a minor figure from his youth, and constructs a narrative around the psychology of this character. The work is particularly interesting because it is based on second-hand accounts from friends, rather than Kelley’s personal experience. This meta-narrative challenges the viewer’s perception of character and authenticity in storytelling, making it a thought-provoking piece for those interested in video art and performance.