James Rizzi American (1950-2011) Never Alone, 1988 3D lithograph Signed lower left. Titled lower center. Numbered 293/300 and dated lower right. Biography from the Archives of askART Following is the obituary of the artist from SculptSite.com, dated 12/16/2011: It's with great distress and sorrow that we have to announce the death of James Rizzi. The world famous pop artist died peacefully in his sleep in his studio in SoHo, New York, the night after Christmas. His sudden and unexpected death comes as a shock to family, friends, and collectors alike James Rizzi became famous for the 3D paper sculptures he invented, the playful and childlike forms and bright colors of which were to become his artistic trademark. Thus he acquired a large international following across all age groups and classes. Another claim to fame came through the application of his distinctive style to a large variety of everyday objects - from Rizzi stamps to the Rizzi house, from Rizzi puzzles to the Rizzi jet plane, from Rizzi chinaware to Rizzi cars and trains. Throughout his life, Rizzi contributed to a number of charities, the wellbeing of children being particularly close to his heart. This is one of the reasons why a public school in Duisburg, Germany, bears his name since this year. James Rizzi died in the city he was born in, New York, which influenced his life as well as his work greatly. He was in the middle of preparing for new projects when death struck him. In James Rizzi the art world loses one of the last great pop artists, and we lose a good friend and a wonderful human being. 3" x 4" (sight), 14" x 15" (frame), Pop artist James Rizzi is best known for the happiness he portrayed in his subject matter by using bright bursts of color to create his pieces. James Rizzi portraits were images of the joy of everyday living and he liked to show the lighter side of life. He began his career selling his paintings outside of major arts venues including MOMA and several Washington Square galleries in New York.After his first commissioned job in 1976 for the Brooklyn Museum, interest in artist James Rizzi increased and he was hired to do artwork for record album covers. James Rizzi prints began to catch the attention of art lovers worldwide as they were attracted to his talent and love for the brighter side of life. When searching for your next masterpiece, you can find plenty of contemporary lithographs for sale at Invaluable.