BERLIN (AP) — James Rizzi, a New York-born and based pop artist best known for his playful and childlike three-dimensional sculptures, has died. He was 61.
Rizzi's managers, Art 28 GmbH & Co. KG, based in Stuttgart, Germany, said in a statement on its website that the artist died peacefully at his studio in New York's SoHo district on Monday. They gave no cause of death.
Rizzi was born in Brooklyn and studied art at the University of Florida. He returned to New York in 1974 and first made his name as a street artist.
He became known for his bright, cartoon-like drawings and 3-D constructions. In 1996 Lufthansa commissioned him to decorate a jet with pastel stars, birds and travelers.
Rizzi developed a large international following, especially in Germany. Last year a school in Duisburg was named for him.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We met James once at an Art Showing in Safety Harbor, FL along with his sister, Roberta and you his mother and father. He was so kind to us when we introduced ourselves as his 2nd cousins. You are in our prayers. Our deepest sympathy.
David & Sandra Rizzi
April 14, 2012 | Tampa, FL
To his Mom and Chickie this is Pamela. I can say to this day, Jimmy was and will remain forever, as one of the great loves of My life...a best friend, and very special person -as brilliant man. I believe his true mission in life was to make people smile -and he left that for everyone and the future in his Art. So please don't cry..think of Jimmy and smile..he would have wanted you to.
My heart felt and deepest sympathies.
Baybi Day
March 25, 2012 | NYC, NY
To the Rizzi family:
We too have the honor of having a collection of James' work, two of which he generously signed for us at a gallery in Dallas. Please know that everyone who sees any of his work will always smile. What a gift to leave the world! May love bring you comfort and time bring you peace.
Lynn and Don First
January 08, 2012 | Plano, TX
thank you james for the art inspiration you gave, and will be giving for many many generations to come also. hans from popartshop.com
hans hazes
January 04, 2012 | Amsterdam, NY
To my good friend, Roberta (Chickie)Rizi and her family:
My heartfelt condolences go out to all of you. I wish there were words to ease your pain, but only God can heal your hearts. I pray that he is with all of you during this hard time. As for the rest of the world, James left behind so much artwork that he will live with us forever. Im so honored to have a small piece of his legacy hanging in my home. May he rest peace. He is going to be greatly missed by many. If you need...
Lori Chezem
January 03, 2012 | St Cloud, FL
To the Rizzi Family:
In your time of sorrow, may you be comforted by God's word, recorded at James 4:8; "Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you."
My condolences,
SJB.
January 02, 2012 | Forest Park, GA
My condolences goes to the family of James Rizzi; May you take comfort in knowing that the LORD GOD is healing the brokenhearted ones. Psalm 147:3
Cathy
January 02, 2012 | GA
To the the family of James Rizzi - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many.
January 02, 2012 | ID
Condolences to the Rizzi family. I had the pleasure of working with James, and he was always kind, gentle, generous and full of life. His art reflected this with passion. He will be greatly missed.
Patricia Olshan
January 01, 2012 | Boston, MA