In The News

Pop artist James Rizzi passes away

Pop artist James Rizzi passes away

THE pop artist James Rizzi has passed away. He was 61.

Mr. Rizzi will be best remembered for his 3D artworks (see below) which had a childlike quality and enjoyed an international following.

His work extended beyond art and into architecture. He designed the Happy Rizzi House — an office building in Germany (see below) which features a unique façade.

The New York-born artist was particularly popular in Germany where, in 2008, he became the first living artist to design stamps for the country. He also designed special graphics for a limited edition of the Volkswagen Beetle in 1999.

He was the official artist for the Summer Olympics in Atlanta in 1996 and for the Montreux Jazz Festival the following year.

Fifa commissioned him to produce posters for the World Cup in France in 1998.

In the early 80s he had designed the cover for the Tom Tom Club’s first album and went on to produce animation for the band’s music videos.

Mr. Rizzi is said to have developed his 3D technique at university when he had to meet a deadline for handing in course work for his painting, printmaking and sculpture. He had so little time left that he combined all three techniques, using wire to produce a three-dimensional artwork.

To view some of James Rizzi’s work click here.

To view footage featuring the Happy Rizzi House, click here.

 

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