Your Happiness Is My Happiness 2012

Paulo Tercio made "Your Happiness Is My Happiness," a 76 by 61cm painting, and it's just a trip! The palette is really interesting, muted and dark in the background, but then BAM! - bursts of color in the foreground. It's the kind of color that screams "process," like Tercio wasn't afraid to just go for it. I love how the surface of the painting feels almost sculptural. You can practically see the texture; it is not just flat. It feels like Tercio piled the paint on, especially around those dark archways in the background. But then, the fruit hat! So smooth and vibrant. I am drawn to those two red shapes in the middle, like cartoon eyes. It's such a simple gesture, but it brings the whole piece to life. Tercio reminds me a bit of Elizabeth Murray, someone who wasn't afraid to get messy and playful with their materials. Ultimately, this piece is about opening up a space for possibility and experimentation. It says art doesn't have to be so serious all the time.