The artwork titled “JFK” was created by artist Peter Max in 1989 and is categorised within the Pop Art movement as a portrait. The piece exemplifies the vibrant and impactful style typical of the genre and the period, capturing the essence of both the subject and the artistic trends of the late 20th century.
The artwork consists of four stylized portraits of the same subject, each set against a different bold background color—red, blue, green, and purple. These portraits are arranged in a 2×2 grid format. The subject, presumably President John F. Kennedy given the title, is depicted with a simplified and abstracted rendering that nonetheless captures a recognizable likeness with emphasis on facial features such as the hair, eyes, and characteristic smile. Each portrait features a dynamic application of paint with expressive brushstrokes that add a sense of movement and vitality. The colors are bright and contrasting, with outlines and highlights creating a striking visual effect that commands attention. It can be observed that the facial expression of the subject is contemplative, with the gaze directed slightly away from the viewer.
The composition of the artwork and the repetitive use of the subject’s portrait reflect the influence of mass media and popular culture, a hallmark of Pop Art. The repetition conveys a sense of the ubiquitous nature of the subject’s image during his life and after. The application of Peter Max’s characteristic bright color palette and loose, spontaneous brushwork imparts the artwork with an energetic quality that is both engaging and thought-provoking.
