LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Robert De Niro’s grandson Leandro De Niro Rodriguez tragically passed away at the age of 19. In the wake of his shocking demise, Rodriguez’s father Carlos Mare took to Instagram to mourn the loss of his son. The New York-based artist shared a black blank post devoid of any caption to grieve the death of the youngster.
The same post was shared on both of his Instagram accounts, @/carlosmare and @/mare139. The news of Rodriguez’s sudden death was shared by his mother, Drena De Niro, on Instagram, who also tagged Mare in her post. “I’m so sorry my baby, I’m so sorry @carlosmare. Rest in Peace and Eternal Paradise my darling boy,” De Niro’s adopted daughter, 51, wrote in part.
What is known about Carlos Mare Rodriguez?
Carlos is a New York-based artist, best known as subway graffiti writer Mare 139. He was born in 1965 in Spanish Harlem, New York City and was a recognized prominent member of the Golden Age of graffiti in the Big Apple in the 1970s, Art Republic reported. Carlos is known for adapting graffiti lettering styles to metal sculpture in the fine art and also for creating websites related to graffiti art.
Between 1975 and 1985, Carlos painted under the moniker “Mare” which was short for “nightmare.” He earned his breakthrough as a sculptor with his popular ‘K’ sculpture in 1985. Several of Carlos’ sculptures have been exhibited at the international level. As per Art Republic, Carlos was deemed pioneer of a new version of graffiti known as modern sculpture for successfully making an unique combination of abstract sculpture and graffiti lettering.
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Carlos’ artwork has reportedly appeared in exhibitions like “Art in the Streets” at MOCA in Los Angeles and “Breaking Abstractions'” at the Artgang Gallery in Montreal. He also designed awards for the BET Awards, the Red Bull Beat Battle Award and the SPY Award. In addition to his successful career in the fine arts industry, Carlos also launched Style Wars, the Hip Hop documentary website, which earned him the prestigious 2006 Webby Award.
Carlos worked with actor De Niro in 2006 and 2007, as a documenter for the making of ‘The Good Shepherd’ and as a member of De Niro's editing team. The former’s writings have also been published in Martha Coopers’ photo book ‘Street Play.’ Carlos shared son Leandro with De Niro’s adopter daughter, Drena.
‘Deepest condolences Carlos’
Several well-wishers flocked to Carlos’ Instagram account in the wake of his son’s death and shared their condolences under the artist’s posts. “I’m very sorry Sir. Your Beloved Son will be with you always… please believe this,” one wrote. “My deepest condolences Carlos,” added another. “Soooooo sorry dear dear Carlos and @drenadeniro. Your lion was the very best from the start. Thee are no words. Just know we all are here for you both. And love. Only love. Prayers,” one said. “I just heard carlos. I am so heartbroken. He was such a great kid,” a fourth commented.
One said, “Dear Carlos. My heart is with you and Drena at this oh so difficult time. I pray that you find the strength that lies deep within when you think its not there. It’s there. I’m going to pray relentlessly for you. We’re here for you whatever you need our hearts bleed for you. Love you,” while another mentioned, “My Thoughts and Prayers with You and all the Family @carlosmare Much Love.”
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