When speaking with artist , his recollections of all the famous people he became friends with seems like a magical journey that became the essence of his Cosmic ‘X’ art. He met Warren Buffett, when he was still in his teens in Omaha, Nebraska. That was only the beginning. The two richest women of their time, Doris Duke and Alice Walton of Walmart Fame were early collectors of his paintings.
While living in NYC in the 1980’s, Freddy Mercury, David Bowie and Michael Jackson purchased his work and became friends. Luciano Pavarotti, Liza Minnelli and movie stars Steve McQueen, Burt Reynolds, Farrah Fawcett and Elizabeth Taylor were his pals. Jack met Andy Warhol, who was speaking with Ralph Lauren, Estee Lauder and Oscar de la Renta in Bloomingdale’s Flagship Store in NYC. As they say, the rest is history. All became his friends.
Armstrong recalls, “I took Basquiat to ‘Odeon’ Restaurant in 1980 for a lunch with Andy. He had previously spoken with Andy on the street at St. Mark’s Square (Lower East Side, NYC) but Andy didn’t remember him.
In 1982, Art Dealer Bruno Bischofberger officially introduced them as he was representing both artists in Europe. Andy then introduced me to his powerful NYC Dealer Leo Castelli. Two years later, I turned down a solo exhibition at Castelli Gallery.”
Jack Armstrong and Liza Minnelli
Dancing every night at Studio 54, Limelight, CBGB’s, The Mud Club and later Club Area, Palladium and the Tunnel, Armstrong understood that nothing but the newest and most pure form of art would stand the test of time. So in 1994, he repurchased his art, burned every painting and left NYC after living 15 amazing years there.
Resurfacing in Los Angeles in 1999, Jack created his first Cosmic ‘X’ painting, which he says: “Comes from the feeling of reconnecting with our ‘inner star power.’ This is our true lifepath if we’re left to discover a free – Cosmic Way of Life – that our own magic creates.”
Priscilla Presley with Jack Armstrong – Beverly Hills.
Jack states, “There are only 100 Cosmic ‘X’ Paintings in the world. In the future when I’m gone, they will each sell for $1 Billion dollars.”
He goes on to say: “All magic on earth is created by simply believing in yourself. I watched Basquiat paint his heart out. First doing graffiti and running from the police. Then painting with Andy and watching all the art fans chase them both. It was surreal. Basquiat’s record price is now $110 Million and Warhol’s is almost $200 Million.”
Warhol Naked – $300 Million
Jack’s currently creating a $200 Million Bugatti. It will be a “One Off’ Cosmic ‘X’ Art Car, for a head of State in the Middle East.
He calls it the “Armstrong Art Trifecta” and says “As I’ve already painted the most expensive Art Bicycle and Motorcycle in the world.”
Lorenzo Lamas and Jack Armstrong, L.A. Red Carpet (World Premiere – Cosmic Starship Harley Motorcycle)
The World’s Most Expensive Handbag
Armstrong’s “Cosmic Firebird” painting, became the subject of his “Cosmic Firebird Ballet.” It was both the mascot and centerpiece for the ballet, held at The Rose Centre Theatre on April 2, 2011.
Cosmic Firebird – $120 Million
Armstrong says, “being related to Astronaut Neil Armstrong was destiny, as Cosmic ‘X’ Art also took me to distant world’s I’ve reconnected with.”
Jack’s Cosmic ‘X’ Starcruiser Art Bicycle was featured in Dubai on CNN Middle East, selling for $3 Million.
His $6 Million Cosmic Cowboy Boots hold the world record as most expensive.
The Tony Lama, ”Cosmic Cowboy Boots” were featured in Times Square, NYC for 2 years on a giant screen. The Digital Art – Retrospective ran 24/7.
Cosmic ‘X’ Art: ‘Esquire’ Magazine, Saudi Arabia Nov. 2023. In Arabic.
Jack was featured on the two covers of the famous Beverly Hills Magazine.
Armstrong & NBA Superstar Magic Johnson
Jack Armstrong & Jennifer Lopez
Armstrong states, “My Painting Space ‘X’ was created in 2002 and actually seen by Elon Musk before he named his company SpaceX. He later named Twitter ‘X’ and now calls his rockets ‘Starships’ – several years after he spoke to me about my Cosmic ‘Starship’ Motorcycle.”
Space ‘X’ – $220 Million
In closing, Jack Armstrong states, “It has been an amazing 50 Years in Art. A true Magical Experience. I feel honored to actually meet 7 US Presidents – Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Clinton, Bush and Trump. In 2025, the last few original paintings in my ‘private’ collection will be offered for sale. The collectors who purchase them will be fortunate to own a Cosmic ‘X’ original, as there are only 100 in the world.”
Artwork Price List: Only 28 paintings remain for sale
Photos Courtesy: Jack Armstrong
