MARK
KOSTABI (1960 - )
Born in California in 1960, Mark Kostabi
has lived, worked and made waves in New York since 1982. His
numerous exhibitions, outspoken artistic and business philosophy,
along with his arresting painting style, have led to wide - spread
critical attention and placed him in the limelight of public
interest. His works now hang in major private and public collections,
including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim and
the Museum of Modern Art.
Of all the ways to describe Kostabi, the
one that most people will agree with is "controversial."
It is also the way the artist himself likes to be known. "All
publicity is good, says Kostabi, "especially bad publicity.
Bad publicity creates controversy, and nothing attracts people's
attention like controversy." Why the controversy? Why has
Kostabi made so many friends ... and so many enemies? He's blazing
a new trail in the art world. Like Warhol before him, Kostabi
is turning the art world on its end, challenging the traditional
view of the artist. Kostabi is the mastermind, creator and director
of his personal art industry, all resting on a broad base of
appeal and support for his artwork and style. His techniques
have earned him an amazing reputation, the status of an international
multimedia celebrity.
In addition to his many collectors, Kostabi
also has many supporters, including art museum curators and art
dealers. They argue that Kostabi is making a 'valid statement'
about the contemporary art scene. One thing is undeniable: the
demand for Kostabi's works. He succeeds because of, not in spite
off, his style, technique and working methods.
Daring to challenge the traditional view
of the artist, Kostabi has revealed himself as the mastermind,
creator and director of his personal art industry. The broad
base of Kostabi's appeal and impact in the contemporary art market
has led to a large following of collectors for his works.
People are talking about Mark Kostabi:
Interviews and articles were featured in Vogue, the New York
Times, Los Angeles Times, Advertising Age, The Village Voice,
Columbia Art Review, and People magazine.
"Within a very short time, through
his work and actions, Mark Kostabi has made the art world take
notice. Clever, streetwise, armchair philosopher, he has received
a good deal of attention from dealers, the press, collectors
and his contemporaries, not to mention the over 90 exhibitions
held in his young, ambitious career."
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