Romero Britto is a self-taught artist from Brazil whose colorful, giant sculptures were seen by 140 million viewers when the Super Bowl was broadcast from Miami in February. Theatrical acrobats from Montreal's Cirque du Soleil tumbled and leaped around Britto's sculptures, which were spread out on the field at Dolphin Stadium.

A dozen of Mr. Britto's sculptures will be installed at the Waterfront, Homestead, on Friday and stay through Oct. 19 as part of Britto Tours America.

"They are like icons," is how the artist describes the works coming here. "One is like a huge beach ball. I grew up in an area of Brazil that is very tropical. I grew up on the beach. I see the beach every day in Florida. There's a dog and a cat. I have one that I did that's called 'Flying fish.' Another one is about my son. It's called 'Brendan dancing.' He's 19."

The 44-year-old artist, who settled in Miami in 1986, said he plans to visit The Andy Warhol Museum when he comes to Pittsburgh. We talked with him this week as he also prepared for trips to Germany and Italy.

Q. At age 8, you began painting on newspapers and cardboard. What got you interested in painting?

A. I don't paint on newspaper anymore. It was just very spontaneous. I kept doing these drawings and paintings. I started realizing that this was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life when I was 14."

Q. Your art features polka dots, stripes and vivid colors. Where do you find inspiration?

A. In the whole universe of things I see every day. When I'm in a bookstore or a park, at my home, with my family, from music, a chair in my house, the bicycle my son rides. Only good things.

Q. Are there any artists whose work you admire?

A. Picasso I like very much. I like the work of Henri Matisse, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Keith Haring.

Q. When Curt Nycander, president of Absolut Vodka, offered you the chance to design a liquor label, did you have any idea that would be your big break?

A. No. I thought it would be a great opportunity. I never thought it would take me so many places. I thought it would be a good thing.

Q. How did your life change after you became famous?

A. It was a gradual change. I was able to hire more people and think bigger things.

Q. You've painted the portraits of many celebrities, including Gloria and Emilio Estefan and Michael Jackson. What celebrity portrait did you enjoy painting most and why?

A. I loved to do the portrait of Madonna. That was for her 50th birthday. I listen to her music all the time. She's such an icon in America.

Q. You've been commissioned to create art for Disney, Pepsi, Grand Marnier and Movado. Do you have a favorite ad campaign?

A. The one I really enjoyed so much was Absolut Vodka. There were so many artists. There was this whole prestige about doing that collection.

Q. What would you say to the people who have dismissed your art as derivative fluff or wall decor?

A. Everything has changed in the world. I think art should change, too, and should be art for the people.

A VIP OPENING reception for Britto Tours America will be held 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Waterfront Town Center. The event will feature live Brazilian music and the Nego Gato Brazilian Dance Ensemble, along with cocktails and food from PF Chang and Mitchell's Fish Market. Proceeds benefit ProYouth Brazil, an organization founded in Pittsburgh that works to improve the quality of organizations in Brazil that serve at-risk youth through training and education.

Tickets are $50 at www.proartstickets.org or at the door. For information about ProYouth Brazil: www.proyouthbrazil.org.