Posted on 09/17/2026 3:24:31 AM PDT by Libloather
Peter Max, whose colorful, psychedelic pop art expressed the optimism of the “flower power” movement of the 1960s and graced everything from postage stamps to a cruise ship, has died at 88, his son said in a written statement Wednesday.
Max died on Monday, the statement said. No cause was given, but he had been suffering from advanced dementia.
Max began his career in graphic design in the 1960s, and his swirly, colorful, instantly recognizable designs epitomized the era’s “flower power” art. But thanks to his prolific output and fun, accessible style, Max’s work remained popular well into the 21st century.
Max was the official artist for the Olympics, the Super Bowl, the Indianapolis 500, the World Cup, the World Series and many other events. His art appeared on a Boeing 777 airplane and a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. His portrait subjects ranged from U.S. presidents to Taylor Swift.
But in his first flush of success in the late 1960s and early 1970s, his mural-like tableaus of flowers, the cosmos and cartoonish figures — all in vivid colors like turquoise, orange and neon green — seemed to be everywhere. Dorm room walls were plastered with his posters. Household furnishings like clocks and bedspreads sported his designs.
He even created covers for the Manhattan Yellow Pages, a business phone directory distributed to millions of people. Max himself was featured on the cover of Life magazine in 1969, his trademark dark, bushy mustache framing a hearty grin.
(Excerpt) Read more at pagesix.com ...
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I never liked it but I can’t say It wasn’t iconic art that really defined an entire era.
Poor sad Peter had severe dementia. was kept a virtual housed prisoner by his two Conservators for the last 15 years of his life. His daughter was prevented from spending much time alone with him. I frequently read about the resistance she encountered when checking on her Dad.
Peter is better off now.
I wonder whether hallucinogenics use contributed to dementia?
Dementia patients are normally locked in. Either with locks or with ankle moniters.
Second best porn screen name after Magic Johnson.
Roger Dean is still with us.
Thanks for posting. Unique artwork. Sad. Condolences to family and friends of Peter Max.
I prefer the art of David Mann.
LOL!!
If Peter Max could see how bad his ideas ended up.
They weren’t called Psychodelics just for the hell of it. They cause disassociative states and Schizophrenia.
Roger Dean’s Yessongs cover is my iPad wallpaper.
I miss the canvas that a 12” LP album cover provided.
Peter Max reportedly never used drugs or alcohol.
Dementia patients that are flight risks. Non-flight risks I’ve seen in general assisted living for quite a long time.
True.
But a number are.
You know you’re getting old when articles have to explain what Yellow Pages are.
Peter Max used LSD during the 1960s, though he stopped using drugs and alcohol entirely by 1966. - Washington Post
He once lightheartedly referred to acid as “about the strongest drug I ever did”.
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