“Stop and examine this lively collage by Romero Britto, a colorful and playful artwork constructed from torn paper and cardboard, inviting you to discover its layered textures and vibrant forms.”
This vibrant collage, "Ray Yoshida Says Hi," bursts with a playful energy, inviting a closer look at its layered construction. The artist, Romero Britto, has assembled torn pieces of cardboard and watercolor paper, stapling them together to create a dynamic, almost patchwork surface. Bold, translucent, and opaque acrylic paints are applied in a style that blends elements of Cubism and Pop Art, creating a fragmented yet cohesive image. Bright colors and strong outlines define various shapes, including what appear to be abstract figures or perhaps architectural forms. The title itself, "Ray Yoshida Says Hi," suggests a personal connection or a lighthearted homage, adding an intriguing narrative layer to the visual complexity. This piece exemplifies Britto's signature approach of using everyday materials and a vivid palette to evoke feelings of happiness and optimism.
- Artist
- Romero Britto
- Date
- 2017
- Medium
- Translucent and opaque acrylic paint on torn cardboard and watercolor paper, stapled onto cardboard, stapled onto brown card
- Location
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Dimensions
- 50 × 55 cm (19 11/16 × 21 11/16 in.)
- Collection
- Prints and Drawings
- Culture
- United States
- Credit line
- Robert and Marlene G. Baumgarten Endowment Fund
What to Notice
Five details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.

Look closely at the edges of the paper and cardboard; you can see where they are torn.
Notice the visible staples holding the different layers together.
Observe the interplay of translucent and opaque acrylic paints on the surface.
Find the bold black outlines that define many of the shapes and forms.
1 more detail is waiting.
See all 5 in Art Whisper →Stand in front of it and listen
The full narration walks you through Ray Yoshida Says Hi — the story behind it, the details most visitors miss, and why it matters. Free in the Art Whisper app.
Romero Britto
1963 · BrazilRomero Britto, the Brazilian neo-pop artist, transforms cubism and graffiti into vibrant expressions of joy, famously designing for Absolut Vodka and Disney.
Further Works by Britto
Portrait of General José Manuel Romero
Art Institute of Chicago
A Torso / Toxic Drawing
2011 · Art Institute of Chicago
Jorge Romero Brest—Homenaje
1989 · Art Institute of Chicago
Jar with Chongo
1998 · Art Institute of Chicago
Pedro Romero killing the halted bull, plate 30 from The Art of Bullfighting
Art Institute of Chicago
More works to explore
Beyond Britto: works from the same years.
Same era · 2000s–2030s
Near the Lagoon
Jasper Johns · 2002 · Art Institute of Chicago
Same era · 2000s–2030s
Oonagh MacCumhail: The Case of the Entered Novitiate
Matthew Barney · 2002 · Art Institute of Chicago
Same era · 2000s–2030s
Buttercups
Michele Elizabeth Field · 2005 · Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Same era · 2000s–2030s
Untitled (Self-Portrait)
Matthew Monahan · 2007 · Art Institute of Chicago
