ifestyle Art as an Agent of Positive Change

An Interview with Romero Britto, Britto Central Romero Britto’s Deep Love (above), Always in Black (below) andSummer Bear (lower left)

EDITORS’ NOTE Romero Britto sculpture in Hyde Park () his- mix of ups and downs, but at the end I have (britto.com) has created a com- tory. He served as an offi cial artist for been very lucky. pletely new expression that refl ects the 2010 World Cup and was appointed You have had the opportunity to work his optimistic faith in the world Ambassador to the 2014 FIFA World with leading corporations and brands around him. Alluding to infl uences Cup . Britto’s pop sensibility has around the world. Will you discuss these of early and modern masters, Britto’s since lent itself to many collabora- partnerships? pulsating colors, pop themes, and tions with such brands as Audi, Today’s art world is not just about muse- commanding compositions have led Bentley, Coca-Cola, Disney, Evian, ums or galleries, it also includes huge corpo- to his becoming one of the premier Hublot, Mattel, and Technomarine. rations that have access to millions of people, contemporary artists of his genera- He is an artistic activist for charitable such as Coca-Cola or Mattel, that I have had the tion. Britto lived an extremely mod- organizations worldwide and, most pleasure of working with. They have an incred- est lifestyle while growing up among of all, an artist who believes “art is too ible history and heritage, and people believe in eight brothers and sisters in Recife, Romero Britto important not to share.” He serves as what they do. Brazil. However, his innate creativ- a benefactor, donating time, art, and ity allowed him to fi ll his life with vibrant color resources to over 250 charitable organizations and images of a beautiful world. He traveled to and sits on several boards, such as Best Buddies in 1983 to examine fi rsthand the art of International and St. Jude’s Children’s Research the masters. After exhibiting in a few galleries and Hospital. Britto was named an inaugural found- private shows, Britto was encouraged to travel to ing benefactor of the Harvard International the U.S., where pop art was fl ourishing. He moved Negotiation Program by Daniel Shapiro, a pro- to and set up a studio that was open to the gram that seeks peaceful resolution to modern public. Britto spent the next few years exhibiting confl ict. Britto has been selected several times to and attracting the attention of many. In 1988, he be a speaker for the arts at the World Economic was selected alongside Andy Warhol and Keith Forum in Davos, Switzerland. A fi rm believer in Haring for Absolut Vodka’s “Absolut Art” cam- the role of an artist as an agent of positive change, paign. Romero Britto has since been exhibited he is committed to developing and supporting the in galleries and museums in over 100 countries, powerful role art plays in world issues. including the Salon de la Société Nationale des Beaux Arts exhibition at the Carrousel du Louvre How do you describe your work? in 2008 and 2010. In December 2013, Maria I create images that are very pleasing to my Elena and Carlos Slim Domit invited Britto to be eyes and to my heart and I share these with peo- the fi rst living artist to exhibit at Museo Soumaya. ple out there. One thing I realized through the He has created public art installations for the 02 years was that people are drawn to something Dome (), John F. Kennedy Airport (New that’s positive and happy, and that describes the York), Cirque du Soleil at Super Bowl XLI, and art that I create. has been credited with the largest monumental Are there certain characteristics that are a part of every Britto piece of art? I put lots of love in my work. Maybe that is I treasure these relationships because they what it is, seeing love. I think that is one thing bring my art to millions of people. It would be that is constantly in my work. I realized this very hard for an artist to get this type of exposure after years of listening to people ask me about without working with a company that reaches mil- the love that I put in my art, the hope that my lions of people so quickly and so effectively. art conveys. This is displayed through colors Are you able to find time to visit and shapes. schools and mentor young artists? How did growing up in Brazil impact I used to visit many schools and colleges. I your art? still try to do this as much as I can, but it is hard Growing up in Brazil, my universe was to fi nd the time with the demand for my work. very small. It was not very hopeful or full of I enjoy sharing my life story to someone who dreams or full of encouragement. is starting out in their career or thinking about So moving to U.S. had a very big impact being an artist. on my life and it has been really amazing see- I try as often as possible to be out there ing everything unfold. Many people think my to share my story and I hope as I get much success has been fast and easy, but the truth older that I am going to be able to do this is that it was very challenging. It has been a even more.• 204 LEADERS POSTED WITH PERMISSION. COPYRIGHT © 2019 LEADERS MAGAZINE, LLC VOLUME 42, NUMBER 4