Steve Kaufman was born in the Bronx, New York, in 1960. He had his first exhibition when he was just eight years old. He worked as assistant to Andy Warhol at the Factory until 1989 when he opened his own studio in New York. He soon began to employ homeless and old gang members from Los Angeles and intended part of the proceeds he receives to these causes through his foundation Give Kids A Break. Some of his limited editions were created by Kaufman to devote one hundred percent of its revenue to charity, these pieces include in their back the inscription: "Give Kids A Break" and the anagram of the artist.
Kaufman is particularly interested in the effect produced by the biggest stars in the society, as it can be seen in his work on Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, Elvis, Kennedy, etc. But he also makes a speech about fame turning to historical figures such as Beethoven, Mozart or Shakespeare, and presents them like stars of today. Kaufman works his limited editions in an innovative way that endows each print with a unique design through embellishment.
Kaufman's work has gained in recent years, a significant number of adherents worldwide. He has been recognized as the new pop artist or as some may say: the prince of Pop Art.
Today major collections include works by Kaufman, these are some examples: Amsterdam Museum, Andy Warhol Foundation, Campbell Soup Co., Citibank, Coca-Cola Inc., Los Angeles AIDS Foundation, Marilyn Monroe Estate, Picasso Estate, Saatchi and Saatchi, The White House, Van Gogh State.