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Couple in the Surf

Description of Art: Couple in the Surf captures a romantic, seaside moment distilled through Britto’s unmistakable visual language of color, pattern, and form. The figures—likely lovers or companions—are rendered in bold, stylized contour, with their shapes set against a simplified oceanic backdrop. The surf, suggested by rhythmic lines or shapes, becomes both setting and metaphor for the ebb and flow of relationships.

Britto’s palette is vibrant—primary hues and saturated tones interlock with patterning and decorative fills, infusing warmth and energy into what might otherwise be a quiet scene. The use of cut-outs in this “construction” format introduces dimension: shapes may lift from the surface or cast subtle shadows, creating playful tension between flatness and depth. This sculptural element reinforces the tactile, joyful quality of the piece.

Through Couple in the Surf, Britto blends emblematic simplicity with emotional resonance. The composition doesn’t overstate the narrative—instead it offers a luminous, optimistic reflection on love, togetherness, and the timeless appeal of the sea.

Painting Title: Couple in the Surf

Artist: Romero Britto
Year Published: 2020
Size of painting: 13” x 15 3/4”

Collection #: BB-1006

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