Romero Britto: Entrepreneurial artist combines philosophy and art with a strong sense of business

Romero Britto, founder of the Happy Art Movement, is an internationally renowned artist who has created an iconic visual language of happiness, fun, love, and hope that millions know worldwide.

Brazilian-born and Miami-made, Mr. Britto has made it to the top and is considered one of the most famous and celebrated living visual artists. His appreciation of the masters Pablo Picasso, Henry Matisse, Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, and Roy Lichtenstein influenced him to create a new artistic style by using vibrant, bold, and colorful patterns to reflect his optimistic view of the world around him. 

He combines elements of cubism, pop art, and graffiti painting in his work, using vibrant colors and bold patterns as a visual expression of hope, dreams, and happiness.

His work has been exhibited in prestigious galleries and museums in over 120 countries, including the Carrousel Du Louvre, and he was the first living visual artist to present his work at the Soumaya Museum. He has also created public and private art installations that include the largest in the history of London’s Hyde Park, the O2 Arena in Berlin, and the John F. Kennedy Airport.

His sculptures and fine artwork designs have been used by corporate giants like Disney, BMW, IBM, Apple Computers, Grand Marnier, Pepsi, and Royal Caribbean Cruises. Mr. Britto’s art has also been featured on a variety of consumer goods, such as Barbie.

He did the opening of the Super Bowl XLI in collaboration with the Cirque Du Soleil, was the official artist for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa, ambassador to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil, and was the honorary torch bearer and ambassador for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Living in Miami for over 40 years, Mr. Britto has established his trademark beginning with Romero Britto Fine Art, which is the exclusive publisher for all of Romero Britto’s artworks (original acrylic and oil paintings, mixed media original paintings, original sculptures, mixed media original sculptures, limited edition sculptures, limited edition prints and serigraphs) worldwide. His art can be acquired in over 200 authorized galleries around the globe.

Mr. Britto said his 60,000-square-foot headquarters, located in the heart of Miami, has hosted dignitaries, celebrities, innovators and art patrons from all over the world. It is the largest art studio in the world and in history, Mr. Britto says.

Heading into the new year, Mr. Britto is embarking in the skincare industry with his own brand and is in the process of opening more Britto art collection and merchandise stores across the US. 

“With the belief that art is too important not to share, we hope to create happiness in the world through it,” he said, “Our brand is synonymous of both fun and happiness, blending my artwork with innovative design, creativity, and quality.”

In his new documentary “The Britto Doc,” Mr. Britto is considered the most licensed artist in history, is a frequent speaker at the World Economic Forum (Davos, Switzerland) and is an activist for more than 250 charitable organizations. But most of all, he is an artist who says he believes that “art is too important not to share” and that he has a role as an agent of positive change.

Mr. Britto spoke with Miami Today reporter Abraham Galvan.

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