Best known for his colourful, bold psychedelic art, Peter Max is a renowned graphic designer and Illustrator who inspired many generations in America with his work.

Peter Max Returns to Austin In New Exhibition - Austin Monthly Magazine
Peter Max (2019)

Peter Max was born in 1937 in Berlin, Germany. By 1938, at the age of 1, his family moved to Shanghai, China, to escape the Nazis. They would spend 10 years here which helped Max discover Chinese traditions and art that would go on to influence his work later on. His family continued to move to many different countries before finally settling in Brooklyn, New York, in 1953.

Without Borders by Max – CV Art and Frame
Without Borders (2019)

Soon after his arrival to the US, Max began studying at the Art Student’s League of New York, exploring traditional mediums. He would often go to museums to observe the works of the great masters, including Rembrandt, Valesques and Sargent, examining their paintings and learning their techniques. By 1962, Max created an art studio by the name of “The Daly Max Studio” with his friend. Here he started designing album covers, most notably for Meade Lux Lewis. This particular piece went on to win numerous awards that helped Max rise to fame.

The Blues Piano Artistry Of Meade Lux Lewis (1961, Vinyl) - Discogs
The Blues Piano Artistry of Meade Lux Lewis Album Cover (1961)

As the years progressed, Peter went on to create many notable pieces throughout his career. This included paintings of US presidents that are now hung in the US embassies, numerous works for the Grammys, and even creating artwork for celebrities such as Taylor Swift in 2010.

Artist Peter Max still brings peace, love and lots of color to his work
Fearless Album Cover Painting (2010)
Peter Max: Champion of Pop and Psychedelic Art
Psychedelic Man (1971)
Peter Max | DISCOVERY (1992) | Artsy
Discovery (1992)

Sources:

Artnet.com, http://www.artnet.com/artists/peter-max/biography.

Park West Gallery. “Pop Artist Peter Max Paints Taylor Swift.” Park West Gallery, Park West Gallery, 31 Mar. 2010, https://www.parkwestgallery.com/pop-artist-peter-max-paints-taylor-swift-2/#:~:text=Image%20courtesy%20of%20Tampa%20Bay,country%20music%20star%20Taylor%20Swift.&text=Excited%20about%20being%20immortalized%20in,award%2Dwinning%20album%2C%20Fearless.

“Peter Max Biography.” Peter Max Store, https://petermax.com/pages/peter-max-biography.

“Who Is Peter Max? Everything You Need to Know.” Childhood, Life Achievements & Timeline, https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/peter-max-4062.php.