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Mark Kostabi

Mark Kostabi (b. 1960)

Mark Kostabi is an American artist, composer, and cultural figure celebrated for his bold, provocative, and instantly recognizable paintings. Born in Los Angeles to Estonian immigrant parents, Kostabi studied drawing and painting at California State University, Fullerton, before moving to New York City in 1982, where he became a central figure in the East Village art scene.

Kostabi is best known for his faceless, mannequin-like figures set against surreal architectural backdrops—works that explore themes of alienation, power, love, and the complexities of modern society. His style fuses elements of Surrealism, Cubism, and Pop Art, resulting in striking, thought-provoking compositions.

In addition to his prolific painting career, Kostabi founded Kostabi World, an art studio in New York where he employs assistants to execute his concepts, a process that has sparked discussion about authorship and the role of the artist in contemporary art. His works have been exhibited worldwide and are held in the collections of major museums, including The Museum of Modern Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and The Guggenheim.

A multi-talented creator, Kostabi is also a composer, having released several classical and experimental music albums. Through his paintings, public persona, and media presence, Mark Kostabi has challenged conventions, making him one of the most talked-about and influential artists of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Mark Kostabi