RONNIE CUTRONE (1948-2013)

Known for his large-scale, vibrant paintings depicting America’s favorite cartoon characters, Ronnie Cutrone was a well-respected artist involved in the post-Pop art movement of the 1980s, as well as a notable assistant to Andy Warhol from 1972-1982. Cutrone's work has been exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art, the Brooklyn Museum and elsewhere.

In both his work and personal life, Cutrone is also known for bridging the gap between pop and punk, and was also an important and guiding figure in the emerging street art scene in the 1980s. As graffiti artist Chris "Daze" recalls, “As an older artist, he was always ready to dish out good advice and direction. He was very supportive of me in this way, unlike some of his contemporaries who were too caught up in their own careers to really care. Ronnie was someone who realized the importance of being there for the younger generation.”