From visionary pop artist of the 1960s to master of dynamic neo-Expressionism, Peter Max and his vibrant colors have become part of the fabric of contemporary American culture. His childhood stretched across six countries after he was born in Europe. His hallmark works incorporate many aspects of this journey. From the calligraphy of Buddhist monks to the classical statuary in Parisian gardens, Max was inspired by the elegance of line, which gives birth to form. Equally impactful were the influences of American comic book art and the European Expressionists and Fauves. His late twenties were formative and defined his career style. Max's style—a bold, linear type of painting that employs shocking color juxtapositions and depicts transcendental themes—is internationally recognized in fine art today.Peter Max is an activist through his art. He has celebrated American icons and principles: freedom and democracy are synonymous with his famous Liberty paintings from the '70s and '80s, and with his American flags, which he affectionately calls "Flag with a Heart," for a country with a heart. Max has been selected for national campaigns and prominently displayed in the White House. In 1981, he was invited by President and Mrs. Reagan to paint six Liberty portraits at the White House. Max has painted for five U.S. presidents—Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush, and Clinton. His talents have been commissioned by the U.S. Postal Service, the United Nations, the U.S. National Park Service, the World's Fair, and Woodstock 1994, to name a few.