James Rizzi
HOME AWAY FROM HOME
Colorful, playful, unmistakable
James Rizzi (1950–2011), born in Brooklyn, is considered one of the most popular representatives of Pop Art. His comic-like, intricate cityscapes, inhabited by laughing houses, cheerful people, and the famous Rizzi Birds, radiate pure joy of life.
The exhibition at the NKT is designed for discovery and experience, featuring new themed worlds that open up fresh perspectives. It explores the question of how one can find a home in a foreign land and invites visitors to discover the many facets of Rizzi's artistic world: from early impulses and developments to the deep connection to his hometown of New York and his travels—especially to Germany, where his work met with a particularly strong response.
On display are early works, major masterpieces, rarely shown unique pieces, and a reconstructed 3D construction designed to be touched. The exhibits come from the extensive collection of Art 28, whose close partnership with the artist laid the foundation for this exhibition. Brought together in this form for the first time, Rizzi's work has now found its place in our museum.
A new home for the SoHo studio
With the detailed reconstruction of James Rizzi's New York studio, a piece of SoHo is coming to Tübingen. Original furniture, personal items, and the artworks with which Rizzi surrounded himself bring to life the special atmosphere of the place where Rizzi lived and worked for around three decades.
The city between the Hudson and East River and its inhabitants had a lasting influence on the artist and his visual language. He spent only four years, from 1970 to 1974, outside the "Big Apple"—in Florida, where he studied art.
In 1981, he acquired his loft at 284 Lafayette Street in the heart of SoHo. Not only were many of his most famous works created here, but it also became the center of his life.
Now, this studio has found a new home at the Neues Kunstmuseum Tübingen. As a permanent exhibition, it offers visitors the opportunity to dive deep into Rizzi's creative cosmos and directly experience the energy of his work and living space. Enjoy!