Kostabi is most known for his paintings of faceless figures which often comment on contemporary political, social and psychological issues, and which have visual stylistic roots in the work of Giorgio de Chirico and Fernand Léger.

[5] Beyond traditional art world exposure, Kostabi has designed album covers for Guns N' Roses (Use Your Illusion) and The Ramones (¡Adios Amigos!

), Seether (Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray),[6] Jimmy Scott (Holding Back The Years), Glint (Sound in Silence), RK: Roman Klun (Kingsway), Psychotica (Espina) and numerous products including a Swatch watch,[2] Alessi vases, Rosenthal espresso cups, Ritzenhoff milk glasses, and a Giro d'Italia pink jersey.

[citation needed] In 1988, inspiring extensive international press coverage, he founded Kostabi World, his large New York studio known for openly employing numerous painting assistants and idea people.

[citation needed] In 1996 he began dividing his time between New York and Rome and consequently his work's already strong presence in the Italian art scene became much more prominent.

[9] His compositions have also been performed independently by Kathleen Supové, Rein Rannap, Kristjan Järvi, Mark Berman, Michael Wolff (musician), Marko Martin, Peter Jarvis, Kai Schumacher and the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra.

Produced by Dale Ashley and Charles Coleman, the album features original compositions by Kostabi, and was recorded at Merkin Concert Hall in New York City.

In print he has been featured in various publications such as The New York Times, People, Vogue, Architectural Digest, The Face, The Sunday Telegraph and Tema Celeste.

[12] Kostabi has a prominent role in the Emmy award-winning documentary The Art of Failure: Chuck Connelly Not for Sale directed by Jeff Stimmel.