Mark Kostabi

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."