1963-
It is difficult to travel anywhere without encountering the unparalleled art of Romero Britto. Through his use of vibrant colors and eye-catching patterns, the artist spreads a message of optimism and love around the globe. Britto’s unique fusion of Pop Art and Cubism has been commissioned by the Super Bowl, the Olympics, the World Cup, and Disney. His art hangs in galleries and museums around the world, and he has had more of his artwork licensed than any other artist in history. Britto is an activist for charitable organizations worldwide and has donated his time, art, and resources to more than 250 charities.
READ MORE +Born in 1963 in Recife, Brazil, Romero Britto was one of nine children growing up in an impoverished home. Despite a lack of resources, he expressed a desire to become an artist at the age of 8. His mom chastised him for doodling in his notebooks because they didn’t have the money to continually buy new ones. As an alternative, Britto painted on scraps of cardboard and newspaper, often using his fingers when he didn’t have brushes.
At the age of 14, Britto revealed his art to the public for the first time in an exhibition held by the Organization of American States. He received honors for his works, but was unsure of developing a career in art. He instead pursued an academic path at the Catholic University of Pernambuco on a scholarship.
When starting his third semester, Britto realized his true passion was for art, but waited another two years before traveling to Europe to study art and painting. In 1983 he visited Paris, where he caught his first glimpse of artwork by Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso. The techniques of both Matisse and Picasso would forever shape Britto’s artistic career.
In 1988, Britto immigrated to the United States, settling in Miami. Becoming an international artist was life-altering for Britto. In 1989 he was selected by Absolut Vodka, following in the footsteps of notable artists like Andy Warhol and Keith Haring, to create custom 25th-anniversary bottles for the Absolute Art Ad Campaign. This incredible opportunity catapulted Britto into the limelight.
Throughout the years, Britto has loaned his talent, energy, and time to more than 250 philanthropic causes, such as the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education, Best Buddies International, the World Economic and Development Fund, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
In 2007, the artist also established the Britto Foundation, which provides support to those who work to create, promote, and encourage humanitarian-based initiatives that benefit children around the world. Britto states that it is a tremendous personal reward to know that his art can make a difference and inspire others to give.
“Art can really be an agent of change,” Britto says. “It can be inspiring and bring people together. I am blessed, because I have this gift where I can create art and bring people together with my art.”
Britto continues to paint and reside in Miami, with his studio located in the city’s Wynwood Arts district.
Romero Britto’s self-taught style is a combination of Cubism, Pop Art, and graffiti. His vivid color palette, bold lines, and imaginative patterns are instantly recognizable.
Although he calls himself a Pop artist, the Cubist elements in Britto’s work should hardly surprise viewers—few artists in modern times have escaped the long shadows cast by Picasso and Georges Braque. Britto’s style emerged from these influences in the form of dazzling colors, pop imagery, playful themes, and an inventive signature within his paintings.
Optimism is vital to the essence of Britto’s art. His unique visual language encourages hope, positivity, and happiness.
“I hope when people see my art they have a big smile on their face and a huge one in their heart,” Britto says.
Britto works in a variety of mediums, including watercolor, lithography, acrylic, sculpture, and three-dimensional serigraphy.
for breaking news, artist updates, and special sale offers
