Happy place: BRITTO opens at SouthPark Mall
December 10, 2024
BRITTO, the lifestyle brand featuring contemporary pop artist Romero Britto’s bold, colorful work, opens a store at SouthPark Mall.
by Michael J. Solender
They say money can’t buy happiness, but a new retail store at SouthPark Mall aims to challenge that notion. BRITTO, a collection of home goods, décor, apparel and gifts featuring the stylings of artist Romero Britto, opens Saturday, Dec. 14.
The Brazilian-born, Miami-based founder of the Happy Art Movement, Britto, 61, considers it his mission to “inspire happiness, fun, love and optimism around the globe through unique art and vibrant colors.”
It’s the tenth retail store for the renowned artist and only the third location outside of his home base in Florida. (He recently opened stores in Atlanta and New Jersey.) At about 4,000 square feet, the store located near Belk is one of BRITTO’s larger footprints.
Artist Romero Britto, left; image courtesy Britto Central Inc. The new BRITTO store at SouthPark Mall, right.
Britto’s work is immediately recognizable for his use of bold primary and pastel colors; his cubist, graffiti-esque style; and thick black borders framing elements within his work. His everyday scenes depict people, plants, animals and shapes, from butterflies and flowers to marine life and intriguing geometric patterns.
“I came from an impoverished family in Brazil,” Britto said in an interview with SouthPark Magazine. (“The Britto Doc,” a star-studded documentary film about his life, debuted this month.) “As I traveled the world with my exhibitions, I met thousands of people who kept telling me how happy my work made them feel. Teachers told me they used my work to inspire children with art projects. I never thought my art could spark such a feeling. I created the Happy Art Movement to carry this feeling forward.”
His commissions and collaborations stretch across a broad corporate and nonprofit landscape and include work for and licensing arrangements with Disney, PepsiCo, Apple, Mattel, Hasbro, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, the NFL and FIFA World Cup.
Britto’s art has been showcased in museums, galleries and other venues in more than 100 countries, including The Museum of Contemporary Art in Sao Paulo, The Miami Children’s Museum, and the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris.
Pet gear, home decor and apparel from BRITTO. Images courtesy Britto Central Inc.
Though original Britto paintings and sculptures can command tens of thousands of dollars, the artist is intent on making his work accessible to as many people as possible. He says that’s why he collaborates with so many brands and creates a wide variety of collectibles, with many objects in his stores priced below $50.
Curious shoppers and devoted Britto enthusiasts alike will find apparel such as T-shirts, socks, hoodies and ties and home décor items such as place mats, blankets, candles and coasters. The dizzying line of collectibles includes pet items, pins, puzzles, toys and umbrellas. The store will also feature prints, drawings and original paintings.
“Art is too important not to share,” Britto says. “Not everyone can visit a museum or gallery. For me, to bring my art to those who might not otherwise have access is inspiring.”
Britto characterizes the vibe of his stores as high energy, with a feel that will make an impression on his guests. “The sense here is electric and amazing,” he says. “It’s fun and gives a feeling people will find memorable.”
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BRITTO at SouthPark Mall will hold its grand opening with a DJ Saturday, Dec. 14, from 2-4 p.m. Artist Romero Britto will be on-site to greet fans and sign autographs.
Featured image courtesy Britto Central Inc.
