324 - JAMES RIZZI (New York, 1950-2011).

JAMES RIZZI (New York, 1950-2011). "It's so hard to be a saint in the city", 1983. Color print. Signed in ink on Bristol paper. Limited edition by John Szoke Graphics, USA, 1983. Measurements: 45 x 57 cm; 66 x 77 cm (frame). James Rizzi was an American visual artist, exponent of pop art, known for his colorful works. He studied Fine Arts at the University of Florida in Gainesville, where he developed, in his last year of studies, the idea of three-dimensional sculptures on paper. An experimental artist and student of different branches of design and art, he sought to embrace different manifestations and movements. In 1976 he participated in the exhibition "Thirty Years of American Printmarking" and in 1980 he designed the cover of the first album of the band Tom Tom Club. His designs also appeared in CowParade, an exhibition of fiberglass sculptures in public spaces in New York City. In Europe he also showed his work, designing the cover of the first edition of a Hamburg newspaper and three versions of the Volkswagen New Beetle automobile. In 1996, the German airline Lufthansa commissioned him to decorate one of its jets. He also designed postage stamps for the German government.