My fascination (...or maybe fixation is a much better word) with Peter Max and his artwork began when I was in high school. My art teacher was giving us a lecture on how the art of Peter Max wasn't really "that good" and that we should strive for being so much better.
Of course, that peaked my curiosity and thus began the fascination. Since that time I have slowly built up a collection of pieces. Some are posters, others prints, yet others originals.
My first Peter Max was a poster that I purchased at the Washington DC celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Moon Landing in 1989. I waited in the rain for his signature and after what seemed like hours, I finally got it.
The poster hung in my elementary classrooms for many years ... until we moved! Years passed before I found it ... my daughter had taken it, framed it, and still has it now.
My next Max was from the Liberty series and was quite a bit more pricey than my $10 poster. It was originally in a black frame, but, I had it reframed when I purchased the second one (below and right) from the series so that the two would match.
You might not think about Peter Max artwork and the bungalow style in terms of decorating. You know, with the neon colors and what some consider to be the one-dimensionality of his work. ... but, here's the result--different, quirky, and very "conversational!"
About three years ago, a traveling Max exhibit was scheduled for the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. I told myself NOT to even go to the reception--where there were pieces for sale and yes, Peter Max would be on hand to signed purchased pieces. ... of course, I did go and this was the result:
This piece is from the Hearts series. Do you see the lips with pink gloss?! It now sits on top of a bookshelf in my home office. ... and this is what Peter Max wrote on the back:
After purchasing the Hearts piece, we also purchased the commemorative poster of the event and had it framed. The poster hangs next to another commemorative poster from the last time that Peter Max exhibited at the Tennessee Museum at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center in the 1990s. Both pieces are in the loft.
The last Max we purchased was found among a bunch of other posters and framed pieces at a local art gallery, The Arts Company. We absolutely love this old poster because it is a commemoration of the Clinton/Gore gala in 1993--which we attended!!!
As a New Yorker living in Nashville, I found something that may be of interest to fellow N'villians...it seems that Peter will be unveiling a portrait of none other than Taylor Swift--this weekend! Here's a rendition (awesomely psychedelic, don't you think?) as well as a few news posts for your interest:
Taylor Swift Goes Pop Art With Peter Max
Celebrated Artist to Unveil Portrait of Taylor Swift
For more Max extravaganza and his glorious explosion and use of color, visit the web site at: http://www.petermax.com/
Taylor Swift Goes Pop Art With Peter Max
Celebrated Artist to Unveil Portrait of Taylor Swift
For more Max extravaganza and his glorious explosion and use of color, visit the web site at: http://www.petermax.com/
... you'll want to break out in ...all you need is love...
...in search of another Max--somewhere, somehow!
0 comments:
Post a Comment