Peter Max (October 19, 1937 – September 14, 2026) was a renowned German-American artist. He defined the vibrant, psychedelic pop art style of the 1960s counterculture movement.
Early Life and Studies
Born in Berlin: He was born Peter Max Finkelstein in 1937.
Fleeing the Nazis: His family fled Germany in 1938. They lived in Shanghai, Tibet, South Africa, and Israel.
Moving to New York: At age 16, he moved with his family to Brooklyn in 1953. He studied at the Art Students League, the Pratt Institute, and the School of Visual Arts.
Rise to Fame in the 1960s
Manhattan Studio: In 1962, he opened a graphic design studio in New York with friend Tom Daly.
Cosmic Style: His art used bright Day-Glo colors, flowers, butterflies, and cosmic planets.Cultural Impact: His posters became icons of the "flower power" and peace movements. Millions of young people bought his art, which was featured on television and the cover of LIFE magazine.
Iconic Projects and Later Work
High-Profile Events: He created art for the Super Bowl, the World Cup, the Grammy Awards, and the U.S. Olympic team.Presidential Portraits: He painted portraits of several U.S. presidents, including a famous series of the Statue of Liberty.Legacy: He passed away at age 88 on September 14, 2026, leaving behind a colorful legacy that defined an era.