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
+
Inspired by Comic books
+
Similar to Pop Art
=
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 colors
Multiple 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
Free Form Shapes
10 pts
10 pts
Cosmic elements are evident
10 pts
Three real life elements
Recognizable objects
30 pts
(10 pts each)
Tracing technique
10pts
Interesting Composition
Is it balanced?
Does the piece flow?
10 pts
(5 pts)
(5 pts)