It made be months until the Kentucky Derby but with the release of the 2023 “Official Art of the Kentucky Derby” by international artist, Romero Britto, Churchill Downs has set the stage for this most iconic of races.Known for his vibrant colors and bold patterns that evoke joy and fun, Britto is one of the most celebrated living artists in the world. From his roots growing up in Brazil to his current home in Miami, Britto brings a unique flavor to this year’s Kentucky Derby celebration. His art features subtle details that bring the racetrack scene to life, combining elements from cubism, pop art and graffiti.
What do you think of the new artwork?
To be bloody honest, I don’t like it at all. IM not so HO, It’s more suitable for a kid’s coloring book than ‘art’. He has the horses racing counter clockwise, for instance.
My immediate response was, Huh? To me it doesn’t show the respect such an important race deserves. But maybe they’re trying to attact a younger crowd?
I don’t know. I didn’t know there was such a thing as “Official Art of the KD”. It looks like something from the acid/LSD suffused works popular with the hippies of the late 60’s. What amazes me is that the Staff at Churchill Downs actually bought it. Or is selling it. Whether they’ll make any money from it is doubtful, in my mind. There are still a lot of blue bloods in the racing world, especially in Kentucky, and their choice of horse racing themed art is solidly in the vein of Munnings or Richard Stone Reeves. I smell nepotism of some sort, but whatever.