The “dead things” in Kelley’s lexicon refer to three distinct categories:

"Playing with Dead Things" is a seminal essay by the late American artist , originally written for the catalog of his 1993 exhibition, The Uncanny . In this text, Kelley explores the psychological concept of the "uncanny"—that eerie feeling of recognition when something familiar is rendered strange or "creepy". The Core of the Essay: Defining the Uncanny

Unlike modern digital releases, the is not widely distributed by major museum publishers. Here is why the digital artifact has become a rarity:

Much of the work addresses the "abject"—objects that are soiled, discarded, or physically "wrong"—which Kelley uses to challenge traditional ideas of art and purity. WordPress.com The "Uncanny" Collections

The essay served as the intellectual framework for an exhibition curated by Kelley, first staged in Arnhem for Sonsbeek '93 and later updated in 2004 for .

In the digital age, the PDF has become a ubiquitous format for sharing and disseminating information. However, for artists like Kelley, who frequently pushed the boundaries of traditional mediums, the PDF offers a unique opportunity for experimentation and creative expression. By publishing "Playing with Dead Things" as a PDF, Kelley's work becomes accessible to a wider audience, allowing viewers to engage with the piece in a more intimate and interactive way.