Taking It to the Max

Psychedelic Wonder Artist Roars Into Houston — Will Bill Clinton Follow?

BY Faith Nguyen // Sep 25, 2015

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Simon Russell's photo of Peter Max in his studio, standing with portraits of celebrities and his interpretations of the Mona Lisa.

Max was commissioned by Continental Airlines to paint this Boeing 777-200ER jet.

A painting from Max's "Statue of Liberty" collection, which embodies the American spirit.

Peter Max's "100 Clintons," which was displayed for Bill Clinton's first inauguration.

Max's "Cosmic Houston," a poster that highlights the Houston skyline and culture.

Cristopher Kane's Spring 2016 RTW look possesses a color palette similar to Peter Max's creations.

Another look at Christopher Kane's Spring 2016 RTW collection, which was influenced by pop artists such as Warhol and Max.

This bright suit designed by Gucci is composed of different textures and patterns, which are often seen in Peter Max's designs.

Simon Russell's photo of Peter Max in his studio, standing with portraits of celebrities and his interpretations of the Mona Lisa.

The iconic Peter Max is making two special appearances for his upcoming exhibition at Off the Wall Gallery in the Houston Galleria.

The gallery will showcase seminal works from the past four decades, including Max’s recent Masters series featuring Max’s take on Picasso and Renoir. Other creations include his celebrated Statue of Liberty, canvases from the Flag series and the celestial Cosmic Runner. All of the artist’s artwork at the gallery is for sale.

Max was born in Berlin in 1937. In the late 1950s, he attended the distinguished Art Students League of New York, where talents such as Lichtenstein, Pollock and Rothko studied. There he learned “the gift of observation — the purity of seeing a thing clearly as it was,” the artist says.

The Pop art icon is known for his psychedelic paintings and posters featuring vibrant bursts of color. Some of the works contain iconic American tropes, and Max himself has played a prominent role in American culture. Moreover, he was commissioned to create portraits of several U.S. presidents, including the 100 Clintons, designed for Bill Clinton’s inauguration. He was also appointed as the official artist for five Super Bowls, the 1994 World Cup and a psychedelic exterior for a Boeing 777.

His presence in the art world and American psyche continues to inspire both artists and designers. In conjunction with Max’s exhibition, PaperCity compiled several Spring 2016 ready-to-wear looks that are very Peter Max.

The receptions with Peter Max take place this weekend: Saturday, September 26, 6 to 9 pm, and Sunday, September 27, 1 to 4 pm. Both events are open and gratis to the public, but RSVP is required. To be on the guest list, call Off the Wall Gallery at 713.871.0940.