Photograph courtesy of Peter Max and Studio magazine
Peter Max returns to Los Gatos and the Virtual Gallery on April 23 and 24.
Peter Max will be on hand to introduce his latest exhibit at the Virtual Gallery
Artist made mark with 'cosmic' style
By Shari Kaplan
For those art aficionados who missed him last October, Peter Max--one of this century's most visionary international artists--is coming back to town April 23 and 24 for the unveiling of a new exhibition at the Virtual Gallery, 105 N. Santa Cruz Ave. Max will be present from 6 to 9 p.m. both nights to visit with the public and discuss his artwork.
The exhibit, scheduled to run through May and possibly longer, is made up of some 100 pieces, ranging in size from small to large. According to Virtual Gallery director Mary McCarthy, these are highly collectible images and include still lifes, flowers, objects, 1960s retro-type themes and celebrity icons and other people. She likens the exhibit to something of a "museum show," meaning that the pieces have all been carefully selected for their significance, variety and dollar value.
Max was born in Europe and spent his childhood and teen years in Shanghai, Tibet, South Africa, Israel and France. This cross-cultural upbringing gave him the eclectic background that would later come to influence his artistic career.
Among the creative influences Max names as significant in his life are popular comic books, classical Western art, European expressionism, American jazz and the ancient traditions of China.
Known for his "cosmic" style in the 1960s, which involved bold, linear paintings, juxtaposed colors and transcendental themes, Max later developed a more expressionistic style and uses brighter colors and more symbolic and sensuous themes on his canvases.
He also enjoys patriotic imagery and has created many works that celebrate the United States' principles of freedom and democracy. Among these are his Statue of Liberty paintings, a series of American flags and paintings done for five U.S. presidents. He has also served as the official artist for one Super Bowl, one New Orleans Jazz Festival, two World Cup Soccer games and five years of the Grammy Awards.
For Virtual Gallery hours or more information, call 399-3456. For more information on Peter Max, visit petermax.com on the Internet.
Los Gatos, California Since 1881
