Steve Kaufman
Encyclopedia
Steven Alan Kaufman was an American pop artist, fine artist, sculptor, stained glass artist, filmmaker, photographer and humanitarian. His entry into the world of serious pop art
began in his teens when he became an assistant to the famed Andy Warhol
at The Factory
studio. Nicknamed “SAK” by Warhol, Kaufman was never one to run from a challenge, eventually executing such pieces as a 144-foot long canvas which later toured the country. It is said that Warhol had a profound influence over Kaufman's later work, and whenever someone suggested that Kaufman's work was derivative of Warhol, SAK stated, “I consider than a compliment.”
Kaufman explored all possibilities and challenged every “rule” of art with each new project. He claimed to create in 14 different styles and used as his media, canvas, motorcycles, a jet, boxing gloves and cigar boxes. The highest price of an original Kaufman was $5,000 in 1992 and rose to $200,000 in 2002. Ownership of Steve Kaufman's artwork has truly become an asset to any collector's catalog.
A complex man who filled every moment of life with living, Kaufman was stabbed, shot, hit by a truck and thrown from his motorcycle during his lifetime. He is one of few artists whose works hung in four major museums while he was still living.
Already a prodigious artist at the age of 8, he was sponsored by a synagogue and held his first one-man art show at a Bronx bank, presenting images that were later donated to the Jewish Holocaust Memorial in Brooklyn, New York. The young Kaufman, having been tutored by an architect friend, projected his grandfather's images of the Holocaust
on rounds of wood cut from trees, the tree rings symbolizing the passing of years. He practiced, he worked, he became very excited about the times in which he lived. By the age of 12, he was working at Macy's Department Store on 34th Street in Manhattan, painting customized faces on Pet Rocks purchased by customers. In 1975, Kaufman participated in a group graffiti art show at the prestigious Whitney Museum of American Art
. At 14, Kaufman participated with nine other New York City students in a cultural art exchange with students in Japan, resulting in his attaining a scholarship to the Parsons School of Design.
At age 11, Kaufman and his mother met artist Pablo Picasso
, who wanted to take Ann Kaufman out for dinner. Mrs. Kaufman told Picasso, "My son paints his friends' faces on broken car windshields so it looks as if they hit the windshields." Said Picasso, "Your son is one kooky artist!"
Kaufman enrolled in the School of Visual Arts
at the age of 18.
. He became Warhol's assistant at age 19 producing original paintings and silkscreens at Warhol's studio, “The Factory” for $6 an hour. Kaufman designed theme parties for various nightclubs, sold his paintings to Calvin Klein and Steve Rubell
, and participated in a group art show with renowned pop artist Keith Haring
whom he had met at the School of Visual Arts.
“I've been known as the Warhol kid for the past 2 decades. It has taken me many years to step out of the shadow. I sincerely thank him for giving me that rare opportunity.” - Steve Kaufman
. Kaufman graduated from The School of Visual Arts
with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. He held art shows at the Air Gallery in London.
In the late 1980s, Kaufman participated in an AIDS demonstration in order to to lock the New York City mayor in his own office, during which he was arrested. Kaufman campaigned for AIDS awareness with art shows featuring 5'x5' paintings of Trojan condom wrappers. He held a condom art exhibition at Main Fine Art, Edinburgh College of Art, Zanzibar Club and the Smith Gallery.
Leaving Warhol's Factory, Kaufman established his own SAK Studio, hiring homeless New Yorkers to assist him. Paints portraits of 3 homeless persons for Transportation Display, Inc. The portraits are shown in 46 cities on bus billboards, helping to raise $4.72 million to benefit the homeless. Trojan condoms/Carter Wallace sponsors 5,000 AIDS awareness buttons to be given away in Greenwich Village and at an art auction for amFAR
. Kaufman paints the first “Racial Harmony” mural in Harlem to bring awareness to inner-city problems. He showed at the White Gallery where all art was covered with black cloth to memorialize those who died from AIDS. This show developed the concept for the “Say Without Art” tribute. Kaufman showed at the Loft Gallery in Tokyo, Japan.
Following Warhol's death, Kaufman completed many of the artist's unfinished works. Asked by some to sign Warhol's name, Kaufman refused.
images and appears on Fox TV, MTV and radio stations to promote racial tolerance and harmony. Kaufman presented the Underground Artist of the Year award (1991–92). He paints Mickey Mantle
's portrait to hang in Mantle's restaurant and Joe Frazier
's portrait to raise money for the Police Athletic League
. Created the AIDS Memorial in New York City. Draped red fabric over the letter “D” on the Hollywood sign
in remembrance of those who have died from AIDS.
In 1993, Kaufman moved his studio to Los Angeles
, California, and begins painting in a new style he calls comic book pop art. He uses images of Superman
, Batman
, Spider-Man
and others as the icons. Kaufman hires more than 100 prison-released ex-gang members to assist him in the studio.
In 1995 Kaufman published works for Martin Lawrence Limited Editions, hand-embellishing works including limited editions of Beethoven (sold out) and Marilyn Monroe
(broke all sales records for a new artist). Created portraits of Muhammad Ali
and John Travolta
, who autographed their editions. Becoming the first artist create a bridge between Marvel Comics
(Spiderman) and DC Comics
(Superman), Kaufman worked with comic book artist and creator Stan Lee
who autographed the editions. Kaufman, working with parole officers in South Central Los Angeles, hires more than 200 ex-gang-member prison released individuals to assist in the studio and receives an award from Los Angeles Mayor Riordan. Kaufman increases his contributions to include 100 different charities.
In 1996 Kaufman contacted the Sinatra family to gain permission to paint Frank Sinatra
's image. Reportedly, the ailing Sinatra ran his frail hands over the completed paintings and nodded his appreciation, tears in his eyes. Kaufman is requested by Campbell's to paint a limited edition in celebration of Campbell's Soup's 100th anniversary. Kaufman paints Muhammad Ali's face on 500 boxing gloves and paints 2 Harley-Davidson
motorcycles, one with a Campbell's Soup theme and one with a Cohiba
Cigar theme. Later, the gas tank of the Cohiba motorcycle was signed by Fidel Castro
, Cuba's leader. Kaufman creates a Muhammad Ali portrait for the 1996 Olympics. For the first time, Ali signs the limited edition with both his Muslim name (Muhammad Ali) and his given name (Cassius Clay).
From 1997 to 1998 Kaufman's portraits of Frank Sinatra
appeared on Larry King Live
, and in art shows that Kaufman held in Japan and Amsterdam. He participates in a boxing exhibition against European boxing champion Don Diego and is awarded the win, after some minor controversy. Kaufman paints a Harley-Davidson motorcycle for the Los Angeles Dodgers
baseball team. It is driven around Dodger Stadium before each game, televising Kaufman's art into millions of homes. By now, Kaufman has hired 546 ex-gang-members and supports more than 175 charities.
In the late 1990s Kaufman experienced both a cardiac episode and is involved in a motorcycle accident. He releases Sinatra's Rat Pack
and Mug Shot, Al Pacino
as The Godfather
and Scarface, New York City radio shock jock Howard Stern
, Barbie
, and two new Marilyn Monroe editions. Kaufman releases Van Gogh and Picasso portraits in a new style, 100% hand-painted edition.
In 2022 Kaufman donated a Princess Diana portrait to the Elton John AIDS Foundation
. He started a new program of placing his paintings in public places throughout the U.S. for Americans to enjoy. Kaufman displayed a Muhammad Ali painting at Brooklyn's famous Gleason's Gym
, a Sinatra portrait at Hofstra University
and a Marilyn Monroe image at the Foundation Fighting Blindness
. He gave a painting to David Letterman
, who had suffered a heart attack on the same day Kaufman had suffered his, to inspire recovery. Kaufman has exhibitions in New York, Las Vegas and Maui.
In 2003 Kaufman suffered a major stroke following Art Expo, New York. He recovers to show in Las Vegas
where he was honored by Mayor Oscar Goodman
, the Nevada governor and senator for Steve Kaufman Day on May 31. Kaufman was so honored for his humanitarian efforts. In December, he met President Bill Clinton
at his Harlem office held to honor artists whose works Clinton hangs. An imposing figure at 6'7”, often wearing a white suit jacket upon which he'd drawn or painted pop icons, Kaufman once took the jacket off his back and presented it to President Bill Clinton who had it framed and displayed in his office. Kaufman donated art and participated in “Love Ride
” with Jay Leno
and Peter Fonda
for the tenth consecutive year.
In 2004, designed a slower schedule due to his poorer health. He paints and releases President Clinton's portrait. He donates many pieces of art and all proceeds from his sales benefit his “Give Kids a Break” charity. In 2005 Kaufman introduced a new art form – his “Uniques” - which were multiple originals of some of his most iconic paintings (Marilyn Monroe, Albert Einstein
, The Beatles
, The Rat Pack, Frank Sinatra and others) Kaufman stages exhibits in New York, Las Vegas, Philadelphia and Maui. Kaufman endows 100% of sales proceeds from a $100,000 gallery sale to “Give Kids a Break”. He created a portrait of the Pope to hang in the Pontiff's private office and a Lance Armstrong
image displayed in the galleries during the Tour de France
. Kaufman painted to raise money to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina and painted the Mercedes SLR McLaren to honor the 100th year anniversary of Mercedes-Benz.
In 2006, his health seemingly improved, Kaufman increased his schedule, showing in New York, Las Vegas, Washington D.C., Vail, Beaver Creek, Aspen, Santa Fe, Rancho Mirage, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Key West and Maui. Kaufman creates “mini-heart paintings” to present as gifts to children who attend his shows and free framed plates for those who purchase. Kaufman returned to creating one-of-a-kind originals to be sold exclusively at shows. Kaufman visited Ellis Island
as a guest of Lee Iacocca
and meets TV anchor Ernie Anastos
whose portrait he paints and presents on the set of FOX News, New York.
In 2007 Kaufman continued an exhausting schedule of shows, presenting peace sign paintings to children who attend his shows and small sculptures to those who purchase. Creates a portrait of David Caruso
of CSI Miami fame which Caruso autographs at the studio. Kaufman gives a series of televised interviews to discuss not only his art, but his philanthropy. His most famous icon paintings continue to sell out. Kaufman continued to hire ex-gang youth to assist in his studio. Golden Boy Productions commissions paintings to commemorate the Oscar de la Hoya
/Floyd Mayweather, Jr. championship boxing match. In 2008 he unveiled new stained glass “Uniques”, depicting the Las Vegas sign, Homage to Roy Lichtenstein
and Homage to Picasso. He continued a heavy schedule of shows.
“As Warhol's assistant, I learned to silkscreen with oils that will last forever. That's the same process I use today. Andy Warhol never did glicees. Neither will I.” said Kaufman Glicee is a method of making fine art digital prints with an ink jet printer.
A prolific talent, Kaufman created 200-300 pieces per year, seen on E!
's The Girls Next Door
, The Tyra Banks Show
, MTV Cribs
, Larry King Live
, The Sopranos
, The Osbournes
, The Apprentice
and HBO's Oscar de la Hoya
vs. Floyd Mayweather boxing match.
Kaufman utilized many different art forms, creating some new ones, and relentlessly explored different forms of media upon which to create.
Following a series of major health problems, Kaufman discovered in himself a new freedom: “I dove into my art like never before. I gave up wondering what other artists might be working on. I walked into my studio and asked myself what I would like to create today.”
, B.B. King, Al Pacino, Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay), President Barack Obama
, Jay Leno, John Travolta, mobster John Gotti
, Beethoven, Napoleon and such icons of Americana as the $100 bill, Coca-Cola
images and Campbell's Soups art.
Kaufman's work collected is by Wolfgang Puck
, John Travolta
, Muhammad Ali
, Mickey Mantle
, Citibank
, Barclay's Bank, Frank Sinatra
, Whoopi Goldberg
and more.
Pop art
Pop art is an art movement that emerged in the mid 1950s in Britain and in the late 1950s in the United States. Pop art challenged tradition by asserting that an artist's use of the mass-produced visual commodities of popular culture is contiguous with the perspective of fine art...
began in his teens when he became an assistant to the famed Andy Warhol
Andy Warhol
Andrew Warhola , known as Andy Warhol, was an American painter, printmaker, and filmmaker who was a leading figure in the visual art movement known as pop art...
at The Factory
The Factory
The Factory was Andy Warhol's original New York City studio from 1962 to 1968, although his later studios were known as The Factory as well. The Factory was located on the fifth floor at 231 East 47th Street, in Midtown Manhattan. The rent was "only about one hundred dollars a year"...
studio. Nicknamed “SAK” by Warhol, Kaufman was never one to run from a challenge, eventually executing such pieces as a 144-foot long canvas which later toured the country. It is said that Warhol had a profound influence over Kaufman's later work, and whenever someone suggested that Kaufman's work was derivative of Warhol, SAK stated, “I consider than a compliment.”
Kaufman explored all possibilities and challenged every “rule” of art with each new project. He claimed to create in 14 different styles and used as his media, canvas, motorcycles, a jet, boxing gloves and cigar boxes. The highest price of an original Kaufman was $5,000 in 1992 and rose to $200,000 in 2002. Ownership of Steve Kaufman's artwork has truly become an asset to any collector's catalog.
A complex man who filled every moment of life with living, Kaufman was stabbed, shot, hit by a truck and thrown from his motorcycle during his lifetime. He is one of few artists whose works hung in four major museums while he was still living.
Early life
The middle child of Irving and Ann Kaufman, Steve Kaufman was born in 1960 in the Bronx, New York. His father, a lamp salesman, passed away at age 36 when Steve was 4 years old, leaving his mother to raise 3 children on her own.Already a prodigious artist at the age of 8, he was sponsored by a synagogue and held his first one-man art show at a Bronx bank, presenting images that were later donated to the Jewish Holocaust Memorial in Brooklyn, New York. The young Kaufman, having been tutored by an architect friend, projected his grandfather's images of the Holocaust
The Holocaust
The Holocaust , also known as the Shoah , was the genocide of approximately six million European Jews and millions of others during World War II, a programme of systematic state-sponsored murder by Nazi...
on rounds of wood cut from trees, the tree rings symbolizing the passing of years. He practiced, he worked, he became very excited about the times in which he lived. By the age of 12, he was working at Macy's Department Store on 34th Street in Manhattan, painting customized faces on Pet Rocks purchased by customers. In 1975, Kaufman participated in a group graffiti art show at the prestigious Whitney Museum of American Art
Whitney Museum of American Art
The Whitney Museum of American Art, often referred to simply as "the Whitney", is an art museum with a focus on 20th- and 21st-century American art. Located at 945 Madison Avenue at 75th Street in New York City, the Whitney's permanent collection contains more than 18,000 works in a wide variety of...
. At 14, Kaufman participated with nine other New York City students in a cultural art exchange with students in Japan, resulting in his attaining a scholarship to the Parsons School of Design.
At age 11, Kaufman and his mother met artist Pablo Picasso
Pablo Picasso
Pablo Diego José Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno María de los Remedios Cipriano de la Santísima Trinidad Ruiz y Picasso known as Pablo Ruiz Picasso was a Spanish expatriate painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramicist, and stage designer, one of the greatest and most influential artists of the...
, who wanted to take Ann Kaufman out for dinner. Mrs. Kaufman told Picasso, "My son paints his friends' faces on broken car windshields so it looks as if they hit the windshields." Said Picasso, "Your son is one kooky artist!"
Kaufman enrolled in the School of Visual Arts
School of Visual Arts
The School of Visual Arts , is a proprietary art school located in Manhattan, New York City, and is widely considered to be one of the leading art schools in the United States. It was established in 1947 by co-founders Silas H. Rhodes and Burne Hogarth as the Cartoonists and Illustrators School and...
at the age of 18.
Career
Kaufman met pop art icon Andy Warhol at New York's Studio 54Studio 54
Studio 54 was a highly popular discotheque from 1977 until 1991, located at 254 West 54th Street in Manhattan, New York, USA. It was originally the Gallo Opera House, opening in 1927, after which it changed names several times, eventually becoming a CBS radio and television studio. In 1977 it...
. He became Warhol's assistant at age 19 producing original paintings and silkscreens at Warhol's studio, “The Factory” for $6 an hour. Kaufman designed theme parties for various nightclubs, sold his paintings to Calvin Klein and Steve Rubell
Steve Rubell
Steve Rubell was an American entrepreneur and co-owner of the New York disco Studio 54.-Early life:Rubell and his brother Don spent their childhoods with their parents in Brooklyn, New York. His father worked for the U.S. Postal Service and later became a tennis pro...
, and participated in a group art show with renowned pop artist Keith Haring
Keith Haring
Keith Haring was an artist and social activist whose work responded to the New York City street culture of the 1980s.-Early life:...
whom he had met at the School of Visual Arts.
“I've been known as the Warhol kid for the past 2 decades. It has taken me many years to step out of the shadow. I sincerely thank him for giving me that rare opportunity.” - Steve Kaufman
1980s
Kaufman created the graphics for NBC's Saturday Night LiveSaturday Night Live
Saturday Night Live is a live American late-night television sketch comedy and variety show developed by Lorne Michaels and Dick Ebersol. The show premiered on NBC on October 11, 1975, under the original title of NBC's Saturday Night.The show's sketches often parody contemporary American culture...
. Kaufman graduated from The School of Visual Arts
School of Visual Arts
The School of Visual Arts , is a proprietary art school located in Manhattan, New York City, and is widely considered to be one of the leading art schools in the United States. It was established in 1947 by co-founders Silas H. Rhodes and Burne Hogarth as the Cartoonists and Illustrators School and...
with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. He held art shows at the Air Gallery in London.
In the late 1980s, Kaufman participated in an AIDS demonstration in order to to lock the New York City mayor in his own office, during which he was arrested. Kaufman campaigned for AIDS awareness with art shows featuring 5'x5' paintings of Trojan condom wrappers. He held a condom art exhibition at Main Fine Art, Edinburgh College of Art, Zanzibar Club and the Smith Gallery.
Leaving Warhol's Factory, Kaufman established his own SAK Studio, hiring homeless New Yorkers to assist him. Paints portraits of 3 homeless persons for Transportation Display, Inc. The portraits are shown in 46 cities on bus billboards, helping to raise $4.72 million to benefit the homeless. Trojan condoms/Carter Wallace sponsors 5,000 AIDS awareness buttons to be given away in Greenwich Village and at an art auction for amFAR
AmfAR
amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the support of AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education, and the advocacy of sound AIDS-related public policy.-History:...
. Kaufman paints the first “Racial Harmony” mural in Harlem to bring awareness to inner-city problems. He showed at the White Gallery where all art was covered with black cloth to memorialize those who died from AIDS. This show developed the concept for the “Say Without Art” tribute. Kaufman showed at the Loft Gallery in Tokyo, Japan.
Following Warhol's death, Kaufman completed many of the artist's unfinished works. Asked by some to sign Warhol's name, Kaufman refused.
1990s
By the early 1990s, Kaufman's work was highly in demand, but Kaufman wanted to remain in touch with a broad, public audience. He staged a one-man, one-night show. Using 4 New York subway cars, the sides of abandoned buildings and retaining walls, Kaufman created 55 “Racial Harmony” murals with Malcolm XMalcolm X
Malcolm X , born Malcolm Little and also known as El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz , was an African American Muslim minister and human rights activist. To his admirers he was a courageous advocate for the rights of African Americans, a man who indicted white America in the harshest terms for its...
images and appears on Fox TV, MTV and radio stations to promote racial tolerance and harmony. Kaufman presented the Underground Artist of the Year award (1991–92). He paints Mickey Mantle
Mickey Mantle
Mickey Charles Mantle was an American professional baseball player. Mantle is regarded by many to be the greatest switch hitter of all time, and one of the greatest players in baseball history. Mantle was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.Mantle was noted for his hitting...
's portrait to hang in Mantle's restaurant and Joe Frazier
Joe Frazier
Joseph William "Joe" Frazier , also known as Smokin' Joe, was an Olympic and Undisputed World Heavyweight boxing champion, whose professional career lasted from 1965 to 1976, with a one-fight comeback in 1981....
's portrait to raise money for the Police Athletic League
Police Athletic League
The Police Athletic League is an organization in many American police departments in which members of the police force coach young people, both boys and girls, in sports, and help with homework and other school-related activities. The purpose is to build character, help strengthen police-community...
. Created the AIDS Memorial in New York City. Draped red fabric over the letter “D” on the Hollywood sign
Hollywood Sign
The Hollywood Sign is a landmark and American cultural icon in the Hollywood Hills area of Mount Lee, Santa Monica Mountains, in Los Angeles, California. The sign spells out the name of the area in and white letters. It was created as an advertisement in 1923, but garnered increasing recognition...
in remembrance of those who have died from AIDS.
In 1993, Kaufman moved his studio to Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
, California, and begins painting in a new style he calls comic book pop art. He uses images of Superman
Superman
Superman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
, Batman
Batman
Batman is a fictional character created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger. A comic book superhero, Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27 , and since then has appeared primarily in publications by DC Comics...
, Spider-Man
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
and others as the icons. Kaufman hires more than 100 prison-released ex-gang members to assist him in the studio.
In 1995 Kaufman published works for Martin Lawrence Limited Editions, hand-embellishing works including limited editions of Beethoven (sold out) and Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe was an American actress, singer, model and showgirl who became a major sex symbol, starring in a number of commercially successful motion pictures during the 1950s....
(broke all sales records for a new artist). Created portraits of Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali is an American former professional boxer, philanthropist and social activist...
and John Travolta
John Travolta
John Joseph Travolta is an American actor, dancer and singer. Travolta first became known in the 1970s, after appearing on the television series Welcome Back, Kotter and starring in the box office successes Saturday Night Fever and Grease...
, who autographed their editions. Becoming the first artist create a bridge between Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
(Spiderman) and DC Comics
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
(Superman), Kaufman worked with comic book artist and creator Stan Lee
Stan Lee
Stan Lee is an American comic book writer, editor, actor, producer, publisher, television personality, and the former president and chairman of Marvel Comics....
who autographed the editions. Kaufman, working with parole officers in South Central Los Angeles, hires more than 200 ex-gang-member prison released individuals to assist in the studio and receives an award from Los Angeles Mayor Riordan. Kaufman increases his contributions to include 100 different charities.
In 1996 Kaufman contacted the Sinatra family to gain permission to paint Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra
Francis Albert "Frank" Sinatra was an American singer and actor.Beginning his musical career in the swing era with Harry James and Tommy Dorsey, Sinatra became an unprecedentedly successful solo artist in the early to mid-1940s, after being signed to Columbia Records in 1943. Being the idol of the...
's image. Reportedly, the ailing Sinatra ran his frail hands over the completed paintings and nodded his appreciation, tears in his eyes. Kaufman is requested by Campbell's to paint a limited edition in celebration of Campbell's Soup's 100th anniversary. Kaufman paints Muhammad Ali's face on 500 boxing gloves and paints 2 Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson , often abbreviated H-D or Harley, is an American motorcycle manufacturer. Founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during the first decade of the 20th century, it was one of two major American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the Great Depression...
motorcycles, one with a Campbell's Soup theme and one with a Cohiba
Cohiba
Cohiba may refer to:*Cohiba *Cohiba...
Cigar theme. Later, the gas tank of the Cohiba motorcycle was signed by Fidel Castro
Fidel Castro
Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz is a Cuban revolutionary and politician, having held the position of Prime Minister of Cuba from 1959 to 1976, and then President from 1976 to 2008. He also served as the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba from the party's foundation in 1961 until 2011...
, Cuba's leader. Kaufman creates a Muhammad Ali portrait for the 1996 Olympics. For the first time, Ali signs the limited edition with both his Muslim name (Muhammad Ali) and his given name (Cassius Clay).
From 1997 to 1998 Kaufman's portraits of Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra
Francis Albert "Frank" Sinatra was an American singer and actor.Beginning his musical career in the swing era with Harry James and Tommy Dorsey, Sinatra became an unprecedentedly successful solo artist in the early to mid-1940s, after being signed to Columbia Records in 1943. Being the idol of the...
appeared on Larry King Live
Larry King Live
Larry King Live is an American talk show hosted by Larry King on CNN from 1985 to 2010. It was CNN's most watched and longest-running program, with over one million viewers nightly....
, and in art shows that Kaufman held in Japan and Amsterdam. He participates in a boxing exhibition against European boxing champion Don Diego and is awarded the win, after some minor controversy. Kaufman paints a Harley-Davidson motorcycle for the Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
baseball team. It is driven around Dodger Stadium before each game, televising Kaufman's art into millions of homes. By now, Kaufman has hired 546 ex-gang-members and supports more than 175 charities.
In the late 1990s Kaufman experienced both a cardiac episode and is involved in a motorcycle accident. He releases Sinatra's Rat Pack
Rat Pack
The Rat Pack was a group of actors originally centered on Humphrey Bogart. In the mid-1960s it was the name used by the press and the general public to refer to a later variation of the group, after Bogart's death, that called itself "the summit" or "the clan," featuring Frank Sinatra, Dean...
and Mug Shot, Al Pacino
Al Pacino
Alfredo James "Al" Pacino is an American film and stage actor and director. He is famous for playing mobsters, including Michael Corleone in The Godfather trilogy, Tony Montana in Scarface, Alphonse "Big Boy" Caprice in Dick Tracy and Carlito Brigante in Carlito's Way, though he has also appeared...
as The Godfather
The Godfather
The Godfather is a 1972 American epic crime film directed by Francis Ford Coppola, based on the 1969 novel by Mario Puzo. With a screenplay by Puzo, Coppola and an uncredited Robert Towne, the film stars Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, Sterling Hayden, John Marley, Richard...
and Scarface, New York City radio shock jock Howard Stern
Howard Stern
Howard Allan Stern is an American radio personality, television host, author, and actor best known for his radio show, which was nationally syndicated from 1986 to 2005. He gained wide recognition in the 1990s where he was labeled a "shock jock" for his outspoken and sometimes controversial style...
, Barbie
Barbie
Barbie is a fashion doll manufactured by the American toy-company Mattel, Inc. and launched in March 1959. American businesswoman Ruth Handler is credited with the creation of the doll using a German doll called Bild Lilli as her inspiration....
, and two new Marilyn Monroe editions. Kaufman releases Van Gogh and Picasso portraits in a new style, 100% hand-painted edition.
2000s
In 2001 Kauman continued to support more than 170 charities each year and has hired more than 759 ex-gang members to assist at his studio. Kaufman creates two new painting styles, “portrait collage” and “museum art”. Examples of portrait collage include his works Rat Pack, Hollywood Marilyn, Van Gogh and Jackie Kennedy in which he added a collage of images to the main portrait. An example of Kaufman's museum art includes the September 11th Memorial Painting which was a tribute to the heroes of the World Trade Center attacks. Kaufman created a 20' x 500' series of paintings to commemorate the 35-year history of Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas, drawing 10 million visitors in the first 4 months. Kaufman created a 10' Fender guitar for the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame in Ohio. Kaufman showed the Holocaust painting, “Remember”, at New York Art Expo, the piece later to be featured on NBC's Dateline.In 2022 Kaufman donated a Princess Diana portrait to the Elton John AIDS Foundation
Elton John AIDS Foundation
Elton John AIDS Foundation is one of the world's leading nonprofit organizations that was established by Sir Elton John in 1992 in the US * and 1993 in the UK * supporting innovative HIV/AIDS prevention, education programs, direct care and support services to people living with HIV/AIDS.EJAF has...
. He started a new program of placing his paintings in public places throughout the U.S. for Americans to enjoy. Kaufman displayed a Muhammad Ali painting at Brooklyn's famous Gleason's Gym
Gleason's Gym
Gleason's is a boxing gym located on the Brooklyn waterfront. Since 1937, when the gym was founded in the Bronx, boxers with their eyes on Olympic glory or a shot at the title have been training at Gleason's. Fighters who trained at the gym include Jake LaMotta, Roberto Durán, Benny "Kid" Paret,...
, a Sinatra portrait at Hofstra University
Hofstra University
Hofstra University is a private, nonsectarian institution of higher learning located in the Village of Hempstead, New York, United States, about east of New York City: less than an hour away by train or car...
and a Marilyn Monroe image at the Foundation Fighting Blindness
Foundation Fighting Blindness
The mission of the Foundation Fighting Blindness is to fund research that will lead to preventions, treatments, and cures for retinal degenerative diseases including: retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, Usher syndrome and Stargardt disease. These diseases affect more than 10 million...
. He gave a painting to David Letterman
David Letterman
David Michael Letterman is an American television host and comedian. He hosts the late night television talk show, Late Show with David Letterman, broadcast on CBS. Letterman has been a fixture on late night television since the 1982 debut of Late Night with David Letterman on NBC...
, who had suffered a heart attack on the same day Kaufman had suffered his, to inspire recovery. Kaufman has exhibitions in New York, Las Vegas and Maui.
In 2003 Kaufman suffered a major stroke following Art Expo, New York. He recovers to show in Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and is also the county seat of Clark County, Nevada. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous...
where he was honored by Mayor Oscar Goodman
Oscar Goodman
Oscar Baylin Goodman is an American lawyer and politician. He was the mayor of Las Vegas, Nevada from 1999 to 2011. Mayor Goodman is an Independent and a former member of the Democratic Party.-Biography:...
, the Nevada governor and senator for Steve Kaufman Day on May 31. Kaufman was so honored for his humanitarian efforts. In December, he met President Bill Clinton
Bill Clinton
William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton is an American politician who served as the 42nd President of the United States from 1993 to 2001. Inaugurated at age 46, he was the third-youngest president. He took office at the end of the Cold War, and was the first president of the baby boomer generation...
at his Harlem office held to honor artists whose works Clinton hangs. An imposing figure at 6'7”, often wearing a white suit jacket upon which he'd drawn or painted pop icons, Kaufman once took the jacket off his back and presented it to President Bill Clinton who had it framed and displayed in his office. Kaufman donated art and participated in “Love Ride
Love Ride
The Love Ride is a charity motorcycle ride held annually in Southern California and in Switzerland. Its organizers bill it as "The Largest One-Day Motorcycle Fund-Raising Event in the World"....
” with Jay Leno
Jay Leno
James Douglas Muir "Jay" Leno is an American stand-up comedian and television host.From 1992 to 2009, Leno was the host of NBC's The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Beginning in September 2009, Leno started a primetime talk show, titled The Jay Leno Show, which aired weeknights at 10:00 p.m. ,...
and Peter Fonda
Peter Fonda
Peter Henry Fonda is an American actor. He is the son of Henry Fonda, brother of Jane Fonda, and father of Bridget and Justin Fonda...
for the tenth consecutive year.
In 2004, designed a slower schedule due to his poorer health. He paints and releases President Clinton's portrait. He donates many pieces of art and all proceeds from his sales benefit his “Give Kids a Break” charity. In 2005 Kaufman introduced a new art form – his “Uniques” - which were multiple originals of some of his most iconic paintings (Marilyn Monroe, Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein was a German-born theoretical physicist who developed the theory of general relativity, effecting a revolution in physics. For this achievement, Einstein is often regarded as the father of modern physics and one of the most prolific intellects in human history...
, The Beatles
The Beatles
The Beatles were an English rock band, active throughout the 1960s and one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music. Formed in Liverpool, by 1962 the group consisted of John Lennon , Paul McCartney , George Harrison and Ringo Starr...
, The Rat Pack, Frank Sinatra and others) Kaufman stages exhibits in New York, Las Vegas, Philadelphia and Maui. Kaufman endows 100% of sales proceeds from a $100,000 gallery sale to “Give Kids a Break”. He created a portrait of the Pope to hang in the Pontiff's private office and a Lance Armstrong
Lance Armstrong
Lance Edward Armstrong is an American former professional road racing cyclist who won the Tour de France a record seven consecutive times, after having survived testicular cancer. He is also the founder and chairman of the Lance Armstrong Foundation for cancer research and support...
image displayed in the galleries during the Tour de France
Tour de France
The Tour de France is an annual bicycle race held in France and nearby countries. First staged in 1903, the race covers more than and lasts three weeks. As the best known and most prestigious of cycling's three "Grand Tours", the Tour de France attracts riders and teams from around the world. The...
. Kaufman painted to raise money to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina and painted the Mercedes SLR McLaren to honor the 100th year anniversary of Mercedes-Benz.
In 2006, his health seemingly improved, Kaufman increased his schedule, showing in New York, Las Vegas, Washington D.C., Vail, Beaver Creek, Aspen, Santa Fe, Rancho Mirage, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Key West and Maui. Kaufman creates “mini-heart paintings” to present as gifts to children who attend his shows and free framed plates for those who purchase. Kaufman returned to creating one-of-a-kind originals to be sold exclusively at shows. Kaufman visited Ellis Island
Ellis Island
Ellis Island in New York Harbor was the gateway for millions of immigrants to the United States. It was the nation's busiest immigrant inspection station from 1892 until 1954. The island was greatly expanded with landfill between 1892 and 1934. Before that, the much smaller original island was the...
as a guest of Lee Iacocca
Lee Iacocca
Lido Anthony "Lee" Iacocca is an American businessman known for engineering the Mustang, the unsuccessful Ford Pinto, being fired from Ford Motor Company, and his revival of the Chrysler Corporation in the 1980s...
and meets TV anchor Ernie Anastos
Ernie Anastos
Ernie Anastos is an American Emmy Award-winning New York City television news anchor. He was born in Nashua, New Hampshire, and has worked for several television stations in New York City during his career.-Career:...
whose portrait he paints and presents on the set of FOX News, New York.
In 2007 Kaufman continued an exhausting schedule of shows, presenting peace sign paintings to children who attend his shows and small sculptures to those who purchase. Creates a portrait of David Caruso
David Caruso
David Stephen Caruso is an American film and television actor and producer, best known for his role of Lieutenant Horatio Caine on the TV series CSI: Miami. The role that gained him initial significant recognition was the role of Det...
of CSI Miami fame which Caruso autographs at the studio. Kaufman gives a series of televised interviews to discuss not only his art, but his philanthropy. His most famous icon paintings continue to sell out. Kaufman continued to hire ex-gang youth to assist in his studio. Golden Boy Productions commissions paintings to commemorate the Oscar de la Hoya
Oscar de la Hoya
Oscar De La Hoya is a retired American boxer of Mexican descent. Nicknamed "The Golden Boy", De La Hoya won a gold medal at the Barcelona Olympic Games shortly after graduating from Garfield High School. De La Hoya comes from a boxing family. His grandfather Vicente, father Joel Sr., and brother...
/Floyd Mayweather, Jr. championship boxing match. In 2008 he unveiled new stained glass “Uniques”, depicting the Las Vegas sign, Homage to Roy Lichtenstein
Roy Lichtenstein
Roy Lichtenstein was a prominent American pop artist. During the 1960s his paintings were exhibited at the Leo Castelli Gallery in New York City and along with Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, James Rosenquist and others he became a leading figure in the new art movement...
and Homage to Picasso. He continued a heavy schedule of shows.
Declining health and death
Kaufman suffered a series of debilitating strokes beginning in 2004, dying of a heart attack in Vail, Colorado, on February 12, 2010, as he prepared for an art show. “If I stop doing shows, I might as well stop living. This is what I live for,” Kaufman had once stated. “I had a great life, so please don't cry for me. I've had the life of 100 men,” he wrote.His art
Kaufman's works often featured the faces of artists, musicians, actors and athletes, stemming from his fascination with the impact celebrity has on contemporary culture. DC and Marvel characters reflect his early dream of being a comic book creator. He was intrigued by images, including those of iconic American products, that caused an immediate response of recognition and considered himself an artistic journalist commenting on both history and current events. The use of electrifying pigment, crisp geometric shapes and broad swaths of color make his works unmistakable.“As Warhol's assistant, I learned to silkscreen with oils that will last forever. That's the same process I use today. Andy Warhol never did glicees. Neither will I.” said Kaufman Glicee is a method of making fine art digital prints with an ink jet printer.
A prolific talent, Kaufman created 200-300 pieces per year, seen on E!
E!
E! Entertainment Television is an American basic cable and satellite television network, owned by NBCUniversal. It features entertainment-related programming, reality television, feature films and occasionally series and specials unrelated to the entertainment industry.E! has an audience reach of...
's The Girls Next Door
The Girls Next Door
The Girls Next Door, also known as The Girls of the Playboy Mansion, is an American reality television series broadcast on the E! cable television network...
, The Tyra Banks Show
The Tyra Banks Show
The Tyra Banks Show, also known as and shortened to Tyra or The Tyra Show, is an American talk show hosted by Tyra Banks. The last new episode aired on Friday, May 28, 2010.-2005-2009: Syndication:...
, MTV Cribs
MTV Cribs
MTV Cribs and CMT Cribs, depending on which channel it airs, is a franchise reality television program that originated on the MTV Networks' MTV. It later aired on its CMT channel that features tours of the houses and mansions of celebrities. The first show aired September 2000...
, Larry King Live
Larry King Live
Larry King Live is an American talk show hosted by Larry King on CNN from 1985 to 2010. It was CNN's most watched and longest-running program, with over one million viewers nightly....
, The Sopranos
The Sopranos
The Sopranos is an American television drama series created by David Chase that revolves around the New Jersey-based Italian-American mobster Tony Soprano and the difficulties he faces as he tries to balance the often conflicting requirements of his home life and the criminal organization he heads...
, The Osbournes
The Osbournes
The Osbournes is an American reality television program featuring the domestic life of heavy metal singer Ozzy Osbourne and his family. The series premiered on MTV on March 5, 2002, and in its first season, was cited as the most-viewed series ever on MTV...
, The Apprentice
The Apprentice (U.S. TV series)
The Apprentice is an American reality television show hosted by real estate magnate, businessman and television personality Donald Trump, created by Mark Burnett and broadcast on NBC...
and HBO's Oscar de la Hoya
Oscar de la Hoya
Oscar De La Hoya is a retired American boxer of Mexican descent. Nicknamed "The Golden Boy", De La Hoya won a gold medal at the Barcelona Olympic Games shortly after graduating from Garfield High School. De La Hoya comes from a boxing family. His grandfather Vicente, father Joel Sr., and brother...
vs. Floyd Mayweather boxing match.
Kaufman utilized many different art forms, creating some new ones, and relentlessly explored different forms of media upon which to create.
- Original, museum art pieces – Museum Art: The best of the artist's art which will one day be on a museum wall.
- Limited edition hand-embellished silkscreen on canvas reproduction prints
- Fine art serigraphs
- Comic book pop art
- 100% hand-painted editions
- Portrait collage
- Created the 6-color silkscreen method
- Executed a 144' long canvas with the names of those who died in the September 11 attacks
- Commissioned by Global Arts & Collectibles to paint replica vintage postage stamps
- Painted on boxing gloves, cigar boxes, furniture and articles of clothing
Following a series of major health problems, Kaufman discovered in himself a new freedom: “I dove into my art like never before. I gave up wondering what other artists might be working on. I walked into my studio and asked myself what I would like to create today.”
Honors and museums
- Commissioned by Spain's Academy of Fine Art to paint a portrait of Pablo Picasso
- First American awarded the Picasso ring, an annual award given to the artist who best exemplifies the spirit of the artist
- First American painter commissioned by the Van Gogh Museum to paint a portrait of the artist, used in the museum's logo
His subjects and collectors
Among Kaufman's more recognizable images were Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, the Beatles, Elvis PresleyElvis Presley
Elvis Aaron Presley was one of the most popular American singers of the 20th century. A cultural icon, he is widely known by the single name Elvis. He is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King"....
, B.B. King, Al Pacino, Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay), President Barack Obama
Barack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
, Jay Leno, John Travolta, mobster John Gotti
John Gotti
John Joseph Gotti, Jr was an American mobster who became the Boss of the Gambino crime family in New York City. Gotti grew up in poverty. He and his brothers turned to a life of crime at an early age...
, Beethoven, Napoleon and such icons of Americana as the $100 bill, Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola is a carbonated soft drink sold in stores, restaurants, and vending machines in more than 200 countries. It is produced by The Coca-Cola Company of Atlanta, Georgia, and is often referred to simply as Coke...
images and Campbell's Soups art.
Kaufman's work collected is by Wolfgang Puck
Wolfgang Puck
Wolfgang Johannes Puck is an Austrian-American celebrity chef, restaurateur, businessman and occasional actor. Wolfgang Puck restaurants, catering services, cookbooks and licensed products are run by Wolfgang Puck Companies, with three divisions...
, John Travolta
John Travolta
John Joseph Travolta is an American actor, dancer and singer. Travolta first became known in the 1970s, after appearing on the television series Welcome Back, Kotter and starring in the box office successes Saturday Night Fever and Grease...
, Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali is an American former professional boxer, philanthropist and social activist...
, Mickey Mantle
Mickey Mantle
Mickey Charles Mantle was an American professional baseball player. Mantle is regarded by many to be the greatest switch hitter of all time, and one of the greatest players in baseball history. Mantle was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.Mantle was noted for his hitting...
, Citibank
Citibank
Citibank, a major international bank, is the consumer banking arm of financial services giant Citigroup. Citibank was founded in 1812 as the City Bank of New York, later First National City Bank of New York...
, Barclay's Bank, Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra
Francis Albert "Frank" Sinatra was an American singer and actor.Beginning his musical career in the swing era with Harry James and Tommy Dorsey, Sinatra became an unprecedentedly successful solo artist in the early to mid-1940s, after being signed to Columbia Records in 1943. Being the idol of the...
, Whoopi Goldberg
Whoopi Goldberg
Whoopi Goldberg is an American comedian, actress, singer-songwriter, political activist, author and talk show host.Goldberg made her film debut in The Color Purple playing Celie, a mistreated black woman in the Deep South. She received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress and won...
and more.