Peter Max

1937 -

Peter Max’s unusual childhood contributed to his vision and artwork.

Max was born in Europe but grew up in China. After adventures with his family through the Tibetin Mountains, India, Africa, and Israel, Peter’s family moved to America.

As a child Peter dreamed of the America he imagined, made up of comic books, radio broadcasts, swing, jazz, freedom, and creativity.

After completing high school and art school, Peter was interested in commercial illustration and graphic arts.

Peter rose to prominence with his COSMIC 60’s style work, which featured strong lines and bold color combinations.

Pan Am Airlines

1969

Poster Art in the 1960’s

Influenced by Art Nouveau

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Inspired by Comic books

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Similar to Pop Art

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Psychedelic Poster Art

What kind of shapes do you see?

Geometric and Free Form

What kind of Lines do you see?

Fluid Organic Lines

Subject Matter

“Love” Poster

1970

Most Famous Image of Max’s

Later work features Radial Symmetry

CAPTAIN MIDNIGHT

1968

KALEIDESCOPIC LIPS

1967

“Peace” 1970

Peace Corps 1970

The Beatles film Yellow Submarine may have been inspired by Peter Max’s Psychedelic style

Assignment:

Create a 8.5”x11” Design using Radial Symmetry based on the cosmic work of Peter Max.

Your piece should include

Bright colorsMultiple geometric and free-form shapes along with other cosmic elements.Real Life elements (at least 3) One element should be created from the tracing technique.

Peter Max Radial Symmetry Design

Uses radial symmetry 10 pts

Features Bright Colors 10 pts

Geometric Shapes 10 pts

Free Form Shapes 10 pts

Cosmic elements are evident 10 pts

Three real life elements 30 ptsRecognizable objects (10 pts each)

Tracing technique 10pts Interesting Composition 10 pts

Is it balanced? (5 pts)Does the piece flow? (5 pts)