Romero Britto is a vivid pop artist and the founder of what he calls the Happy Art Movement. He…read morebelieves the purpose of art is to radiate happiness, fun, love, and hope while inspiring people. The New York Times has said Britto's art, "exudes warmth, optimism and love".
Britto was born in poverty in Brazil in 1963. In 1983 he made his way to Europe where he was inspired by artists such as Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso. In 1988 he moved to Miami where he still maintains a studio. Britto's earliest work was done on newspaper which was all he could afford and he sold it on the sidewalk.
Influenced by the sunshine of Miami Britto began working in bright palates which attracted people to his work. He received his first major commission to design artwork for Absolut Vodka for a 1989 campaign that also had bottles that featured art by Andy Warhol and Keith Haring. Corporate partnerships and licensing deals followed. His designs have been used by companies like Disney, BMW, IBM, Apple Computers, Grand Marnier, Pepsi, and Royal Caribbean Cruises and his art has been featured on cruise ships, cars, Barbie dolls, and pet collars. His art has even made it to the World Cup, Superbowl, and Olympics. Britto art has been exhibited art galleries and museums in over 120 countries but his brightly colored artwork has become synonymous with Miami where you can find it everywhere from city vehicles, hospitals, parking meters, and lottery tickets. Britto Inc. generates 250 million dollars of sales annually. He has become the most collected and licensed artist in history.
Britto works out of art gallery dubbed the Britto Palace in Wynwood. You have to win your way in for a tour through charities or Britto picks one person a week with a golden ticket to visit from anyone that spends $250 or more with him. Everyone however is free to visit and shop his flagship gallery on Lincoln Road which opened on 1993 or any of his stores.
I discovered this Britto gallery in the Dolphin Mall by entrance 5. The grand opening was on May 10th and this is his 14th store. In development are over 180 U.S. stores across the U.S. and more than 2,000 globally.
Inside the Britto store you will find paintings and sculptures for many thousands of dollars but there is also much more affordable art on T-shirts, plushies, tea pots, socks, ties, bags, hats, mugs, keychains, and candles. I especially loved the pet items and his collaboration with Disney. Everyone can afford to leave with a piece of Britto art from here or perhaps with just a smile on your face.