The world lost an artistic icon last week with the Sept. 14 death of legendary artist Peter Max, who died in Manhattan at age 88.
Key West Gallery, 601 Duval St., has long featured Max’s bright and optimistic artwork, and posted the following tribute to the gallery’s social media pages last week:
“Peter Max built a legacy that has stood the test of time, and his work will continue to influence generations of artists, collectors and art lovers around the world. We send our condolences to his family and dear friends and join the art community in remembering an extraordinary and influential career.
“Peter will, of course, be remembered for his art. His bright colors and bold brushstrokes became unmistakably his own. But there was much more to Peter than what he created on canvas. He was an environmentalist and a patriot who used his art to support causes that mattered to him. He helped raise money for the restoration of the Statue of Liberty and supported the families of firefighters who lost their lives on Sept. 11.
“We were fortunate to host Peter at our gallery in Key West several times over the years, and we have wonderful memories of visiting with him at his beloved studio in New York City. Those are memories we will always treasure. We feel privileged to have known Peter and to have been a small part of his incredible story. We are equally honored to continue working with his family and team, sharing his artwork with collectors and helping carry his legacy forward.
“Peter Max created art that makes people feel something. It is joyful, colorful, optimistic and completely his own. His influence will live on through his work and through the countless people he inspired.”
Key West Gallery is featuring a tribute show of Max’s work through Oct. 15.
More information is at keywestgallery.com.
