Andre Miripolsky
Painter. Provocateur. The hand behind Elton John's most iconic stage suit.
Born in Paris and raised in California, Andre Miripolsky grew up obsessed with cartoons, comic books, and the loud joy of American pop culture. Trained as a painter, he turned that obsession into a career that has stretched across four decades, multiple continents, and just about every surface that will hold paint — canvas, clothing, guitars, cars, and pianos.
The Piano Suit, 1980
On September 13, 1980, Elton John walked onto the stage in Central Park in front of an estimated 400,000 people wearing a Donald Duck costume — and a few costume changes earlier, an electric black-and-white pop-art piano suit hand-painted by Andre. The piano-key jacket became one of the most photographed pieces of rock-and-roll wardrobe of the era and cemented Andre as one of Elton's go-to visual collaborators.
A career in technicolor
Andre's work has appeared on Hard Rock Cafe walls around the world, in gallery shows from Los Angeles to New York, and on countless guitars, murals, and limited-edition products. His style — high-contrast, comic-book-loud, unapologetically optimistic — has become a visual shorthand for celebration itself.
Fear No Art Initiative
"Fear No Art Initiative" started as a personal motto and grew into a movement. With Ray Williams, Andre is turning that ethos into a platform that puts emerging artists on real walls, real stages, and into real collectors' hands.
Biographical details compiled from public sources. Corrections and additions welcome — please reach out via the contact page.
A Life in Color
Seven decades. Six continents. One unstoppable kingdom of color.
Birth in Paris
Born in Paris, France, to artist father Bert Miripolsky, cultural advisor for the American Foreign Service.
Global Childhood
Raised across the world — Iran, Thailand, Austria, France, Indonesia, and Korea — absorbing diverse cultures and visual traditions.
CalArts Education
Studied at the California Institute of the Arts, honing his distinctive pop art style before briefly pursuing acting.
Elton John's Piano Suit
Career breakthrough designing the iconic piano keys suit for Elton John's legendary Central Park concert.
Fear No Art Initiative is Born
Following a near-fatal car accident, Andre creates the 'Fear No Art Initiative' series during his recovery at UCLA Medical Center.
LACMA Partnership
The 'Fear No Art Initiative' button becomes a permanent fixture at the LA County Museum of Art gift shop.
Japan Recognition
Major exhibitions in Japan backed by patron Osamu Horiba, beginning a deep connection with Japanese art lovers.
Absolut Vodka Campaign
Commissioned for Absolut Vodka illustrations, including the landmark 'Absolut Miripolsky' San Francisco billboard.
MTV Basketball Court
Painted a 6,000 sq. ft. mural on UCLA's basketball court for MTV's Rock and Jock B-Ball Jam.
Brewery Art Colony
Establishes his permanent studio at the legendary Brewery Art Colony in Los Angeles.
Tonight Show Sets
Created the vibrant scenic backdrops for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
LA Sharks Series
Develops his beloved 'LA Sharks' series, quirky characters embodying LA's energy and humor.
Kingdom of Color Tour
Launches the global Kingdom of Color World Tour, a 5-year celebration spanning six continents from 2026 to 2031.