Romero Britto
In the past decade, Romero Britto has established himself as an artistic entity in South Florida, as well as maintained significant presence in the US, Europe, and Asia. The natural inclination, however, for Britto to express himself visually, became apparent to those around him while he was a young child. Born in 1963 in Recife, Brazil, Britto often painted images from his active imagination on scraps of cardboard and newspaper. Britto's large family nurtured his developing skills by providing art books for him to study. I would sit and copy Toulouse and other masters out of the books day after day.

By the age of 14, Britto received honors at his first public exhibition by the Organization of American States. Although encouraged by this early success, the modest circumstances of Britto's life as well as his strong respect for discipline led him toward more practical academic pursuits. Britto received a scholarship and studied law at the Catholic University of Pernambuco. However, law and government created a lifestyle that seemed too pessimistic for this Artist who seeks happiness in everyday life. Thus, after two years, Britto made a life defining choice to explore his natural inclinations for art.

Immediately, Britto traveled to Europe and found success at one man shows in both Germany and England. However, the works of American Pop Artists, captivating in their candid displays of popular culture, drew Britto to the United States. Thus, by 1989, Britto made Miami, Florida his permanent home. Here, the diverse cultural landscape and tropical beauty reminded him of his native Brazil.

While unmistakably modern, Britto's work provides a glimpse of his personal life experiences. In a multitude of mediums and endless themes, Britto's work seems inspired by the primitive ideas of the early modern masters combined with the approach of his pop contemporaries. Simultaneously present are the exotic flavors of rhythm and culture gifted to Britto from his Brazilian homeland. Thus, Britto's style today has become well known for his unabashed representation of life celebrated through vibrant colors and hard-edged compositions.

Revealed in peaceful or sometimes playful creations, Britto's daring combinations of colors, pattern, and heavy outline impart a sense of whimsy. These elements are a seemingly spontaneous and uncorrupted vision of human nature that reminds us of a freedom found only in true innocence. In this way, Britto has the ability to describe people and animals with a genuine affection for their individual strengths. Moreover, Britto characterizes the potential of everyday experiences with an approach, which conveys an enthusiasm for life.

This truly contemporary vision continues to grow and develop. The colors are always rich and layered with brightly stylized patterns, which vibrate off the canvas. Most distinctively, one of the patterns found is Britto's whimsical signature. Britto's work also includes limited edition, grand sculptures. The dynamics of three dimensions allows him to further explore his talent and communicate to his audience. At his studio, Britto Central, Britto demonstrates new artistic ideas on man made objects of plastic, glass, aluminum, and ceramic.

Consistently reinterpreting the meaning of art and its role in contemporary life, Britto's work involves corporate campaigns like those for Absolut Vodka, Pepsi Cola, Movado and Disney. His creations for private collectors are in such demand that limited edition prints supplement the original works that are available. Similarly, some of Britto's work is translated into fine art collectibles that allow the artist to reach the masses. Britto also shares his talent with worthwhile international charitable organizations such as St. Jude's, the American Red Cross and Best Buddies. In the artist's words, For me, art can reflect the celebration of the simple and good things in life. This is most important to me!