Iconic psychedelic pop artist Peter Max dies at 88

Peter Max, the vibrant psychedelic pop artist whose swirling, neon-colored works captured the optimism of the 1960s flower-power era, died on Monday at 88, his son Adam Max announced. Born Peter Max Finkelstein in Berlin in 1937, he escaped Nazi Germany as an infant, living in Shanghai, Tibet, Israel and Paris before moving to New York at 16, where he studied at the Art Students League, the School of Visual Arts and Pratt Institute.

Launching a graphic-design studio in 1961, Max quickly became the go-to creator for major events, serving as the official artist for the Olympics, Super Bowl, Indianapolis 500, World Cup and World Series, and his designs appeared on postage stamps, a Boeing 777 and a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. He also produced commercial lines of mugs, clothing and home décor, though he later paused his business to refocus on painting.

Max’s personal life included a 1997 tax-fraud conviction and later family disputes involving his second wife Mary Max and his son Adam. Despite controversies, his work is held by the Museum of Modern Art and continues to be exhibited worldwide. He is survived by his second wife Mary, son Adam, and daughter Libra Astro.