An American icon has left us. Peter Max, the legendary artist closely linked to the “flower power” movement in the 1960s, has died at age 88.
Peter Max’s son, Adam Max, confirmed his father’s passing in a statement on Monday. No cause of death was given at the time.
Born Peter Max Finkelstein in Berlin in 1937, Max and his family fled Nazi Germany when he was still a baby. When he was 16, they moved to New York and settled there.
There, Max explored and refined his artistic expression, later becoming one of America’s most recognizable artists. His style, often filled with flowers, planets, swirling colors, and playful figures, became instantly recognizable. This was especially true during the 1960s “flower power” movement.
Peter’s incredible talent made him a vital part of American pop culture. In fact, his art even appeared on household products – such as mugs, bedsheets, dresses, and ties – as well as postage stamps.
Moreover, Peter Max was the official artist for several major events, including the Olympics, the Super Bowl, the World Cup, the World Series, and the Indianapolis 500. His designs even appeared on a Boeing 777 and a Norwegian Cruise Line ship.
With his talent, he was also a part of what could be called a “top inner circle.” He was great friends with The Beatles, but even though he had an incredible style, he did not design any of their album covers.
Legendary artist Peter Max dies at 88
However, he has often been miscredited for doing the art for the Beatles’ Yellow Submarine album, which is officially credited to the late Heinz Edelmann.
At the height of his fame in 1969, Max was so well known that he even appeared on the cover of Life magazine.
While Peter Max was an incredible artist, he was much more than that to his family. But for his family, Max was much more than the famous artist the world knew.
“We will remember his extraordinary creativity, his warmth, his curiosity, and the way he saw beauty and possibility everywhere,” his son wrote in the statement, per The Guardian.
“His art became part of American culture, but the man behind that art – the father we knew and loved – is the person we will miss most.”
Painted at The White House
Peter Max will be remembered for his positive, colorful, and uplifting art. And that was something he spoke about many times.
“I don’t discuss in my paintings negative things,” he once said. “I don’t dwell on it in my mind and don’t dwell on it in my canvases.”
Peter Max also reached the very center of government, as he, at the invitation of First Lady Nancy Reagan in 1981, painted several portraits of the Statue of Liberty at the White House. Max is survived by his son, Adam, and daughter, Libra.
Even decades after his breakthrough, his colorful artwork continued to reach new generations. Rest in peace, Peter, and thank you for everything.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.
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