Date of Birth: October 19, 1937
Zodiac Sign: Libra
Biography
Peter Max, born Peter Max Finkelstein, is a renowned American artist known for his vibrant use of color and psychedelic imagery. Born on October 19, 1937, in Berlin, Germany, Max’s family fled the rise of Nazism and settled in Shanghai, China, where he spent his early years. In 1948, the family moved to Israel and later to the United States in 1953, where they settled in Brooklyn, New York. Max studied art at the Art Students League of New York, where he developed a distinctive style that fused elements of pop art, surrealism, and graphic design. He rose to prominence in the 1960s with his bold, colorful works that captured the spirit of the counterculture movement. His art adorned everything from album covers to posters and even postage stamps. Throughout his career, Max has been an advocate for various social causes, including environmentalism and human rights. His works have been exhibited in museums and galleries worldwide, making him one of the most influential and commercially successful artists of his generation.
5 Interesting Facts about Peter Max
1. Peter Max designed the first 10-cent U.S. postage stamp, which was released in 1974 to celebrate the Expo ’74 World’s Fair in Spokane, Washington.
2. He was the official artist for the 1994 World Cup, the 2006 Winter Olympics, and the 2014 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
3. Max has painted portraits of six U.S. Presidents, including Ford, Carter, Reagan, and Clinton, and his art has been collected by numerous celebrities.
4. In 1989, he created a 600-foot-long stage for the Woodstock Music Festival’s 20th Anniversary.
5. Peter Max’s work was heavily influenced by his early life experiences in Shanghai and Israel, visible in the eclectic and multicultural themes present in his art.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Peter Max
1. “I never know what I’m going to put on the canvas. The canvas paints itself. I’m just the middleman.”
2. “The ’60s were an amazing time. Everywhere you looked there was inspiration.”
3. “My universe is my eyes and my ears. Anything else is hearsay.”
4. “With color one obtains an energy that seems to stem from witchcraft.”
5. “Art is an experience, not an object.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Peter Max achieved a highest net worth of approximately $50 million.
Children
Peter Max has one daughter, Libra Max, who has been actively involved in managing his art business, and one son, Adam Max.
Relevant Links
1. [Peter Max Official Website](https://www.petermax.com
2. [Peter Max on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Max
3. [Peter Max Art on Artnet](http://www.artnet.com/artists/peter-max/
4. [Interview with Peter Max on CBS News](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/peter-max-painting-the-dream/
5. [Peter Max’s Artwork on Artsy](https://www.artsy.net/artist/peter-max