Get a Glimpse Into the Inspirations Behind Romero Britto’s Optimistic Art
Romero Britto is one of the most popular artists on the globe. His iconic pop art style fused with a modern twist on cubism brings an entirely new dimension to the art world. His art is a result of his upbringing in Brazil and Miami, two places that are vibrant with color and culture.
Britto’s difficult childhood in Brazil not only influenced his positivity through art, but his charitable efforts as well.
“Growing up in Brazil was a little bit challenging,” said Britto. “My mom was a single mother and she took care of nine kids.”
Britto has worked in the past with the Best Buddies Foundation. The foundation, of which Britto is on the Board of Director, is a program that helps children with intellectual and developmental disabilities through one-to-one friendships, developing leadership and integrated employment. He says he does it to give others a support system he did not have growing up.
Park West VIP Art Auctioneer Jason Betteridge presents artist Romero Britto with a check to benefit Best Buddies.
Britto says that he first wanted to become an artist at the age of 8. Despite scarce resources and little time for painting – he says his mom told him to stop doodling in his notebooks because they didn’t have enough money to buy new ones – Britto still found inspiration in the art world. For instance, Francisco Brennand, a well-known muralist in Recife, displayed artwork in the town where Britto grew up.
“I loved to see that all over the city – he had art everywhere,” said Britto.
While he was still living in Brazil, Britto traveled to Paris, where he was exposed to the works of Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse; these were his early influences in cubism. He notes Picasso’s compositions and Matisse’s use of vibrant colors as two of his major inspirations. After his move to Miami in 1988, Britto was commissioned by Absolut Vodka to create a custom 25th anniversary bottle. Other artists commissioned to do this project were Keith Haring and Andy Warhol, two very important contemporary artists.
“Big Hug” (2019), Romero Britto
Warhol is one of Britto’s biggest influences. Warhol popularized the pop art style that Britto has embraced and made into his own.
“What I like about Andy Warhol is that he produced images that felt more accessible to people,” said Britto.
Britto notes other modern and contemporary artists as influences: Fernand Léger, Joan Miró, Keith Haring, Jasper Johns, Jim Dine, Robert Rauschenberg, Roy Lichtenstein and Salvador Dalí.
“Deeply In Love Too” (2014), Romero Britto
Britto’s works are scenes of pure joy and happiness manifested in art. The bright colors, warm aesthetics and abstract scenes of positivity reflect Britto’s attitude toward life despite the obstacles he had to overcome. Britto’s art is stunningly unique, but shows influences by cubists like Picasso and pop artists like Warhol. Britto’s art has a stunningly unique flavor to it. The creation and meaning of his art is simple, but beautiful.
“My paintings are of things that are positive and touch deeply in my heart,” Britto said. “I get to wake up every morning and do what I love.”
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