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Pop Art Icon Peter Max Dies at 88
17 Sep
Summary
- Artist Peter Max, known for his 1960s psychedelic art, has died.
- His vibrant, colorful style defined an era and appeared on numerous products.
- Max's art graced postage stamps, aircraft, and major global events.
Artist Peter Max, renowned for his bright, psychedelic pop art that symbolized the optimism of the 1960s, has passed away at 88. His son confirmed his death on Monday. Max's distinctive swirling, colorful style extended far beyond the "flower power" era. His artwork was featured on postage stamps, posters, a Boeing 777, and a cruise ship, underscoring his widespread influence.
Born Peter Max Finkelstein in Berlin in 1937, Max's family fled Nazi Germany, later residing in Shanghai, Tibet, Israel, and Paris before settling in New York City. He studied art in New York and by 1961 opened a graphic design studio. His bold aesthetic quickly gained favor, adorning dorm walls and household items.
Max's commercial success was vast, leading to over 70 product lines, though he later took time to return to his artistic roots. He created a series of Statue of Liberty portraits in 1981 and depicted subjects from U.S. presidents to celebrities. Despite controversies, including a 2015 family dispute and a 1997 tax fraud conviction, Max's art remained popular.
His work, characterized by strong, positive imagery and "rainbow eyes," was displayed globally, with the Museum of Modern Art holding seven of his pieces. While sometimes mistakenly associated with The Beatles' "Yellow Submarine," his prolific output and accessible style cemented his legacy as a significant figure in American art.
