Elite Warriors 

Ken Kelly painted “Elite Warriors” at an unknown date using, it seems, oil on board. This image presents a vision of future combat, where soldiers are encased in protective armor, evoking an imagined military-industrial complex. The soldiers’ dehumanized appearance underscores the potential alienation of the individual within an increasingly technological and militarized society. Kelly made his name creating the images for the Conan novels and heavy metal album covers. Both these cultural forms explore themes of power, conflict, and the struggle for survival. His paintings were often commissioned, and so he needed to fulfill his client's expectations and reflect popular taste. As a visual historian, I am interested in how the art reflects broader anxieties about technological advancement, warfare, and the changing nature of human experience. We can learn more about those anxieties by researching science fiction and military history.