"The Apprentice" goes artistic

NEW YORK--NBC's hit series, "The Apprentice," starring Donald Trump, recently featured two award-winning pop artists, Romero Britto and Burton Morris, who worked with the four remaining candidates on the show (at press time). Their assignment was "The Art Task," which involved creating an original design to "commemorate 50 years of t-shirts being cool" for the company Hanes.

"Britto and I have been friends for the past eight years," says Morris. "Our styles are very different, yet they complement each other nicely because we both are pop artists that use bold colors and upbeat designs."

Britto paints with vibrant colors, playful themes and hard-edged compositions, making his work bold, modern and colorful.

"This was a great opportunity for Britto to incorporate his highly recognizable pop style on a TV show that dominates pop culture," says Melissa Murphy, director of communications for Britto Central.

Britto has created for many corporate companies, such as Absolut, Royal Carribean, Pepsi, Volvo and Nicole Miller. However, he did find the task quite challenging as he is not used to such tight deadlines and working in an office.

"For me, it was a great experience being associated with the show," says Britto. "You learn a lot of things--how to conduct business and how you can succeed in a world where only a few [reach] the top."

Britto exhibits his work in more than 150 galleries, including his own gallery in Miami Beach, FL, and San Paulo, Brazil.

Burton Morris, the official pop artist of the 76th Academy Awards, also competed on the smash hit. The artist's work appeared for years on "Friends," behind the couch at Central Perk and in Laura San Giacomo's office on "Just Shoot Me." An NBC television pilot, "Dante," will also include the artist's work. Morris' work is recognizable by its bold, brilliant color, iconic subject matter and his use of black energy lines. His works can be found in the private collections of many Hollywood stars, as well as corporate companies, such as Heinz, Perrier and Absolut Vodka.

"For me, it was a great honor to be chosen to appear on 'The Apprentice,'" says Morris. "It was important to have my pop style exposed to the masses of a popular culture television show."

Though both designs were pop and appropriate styles for Hanes t-shirts, Britto's design was on the winning team, Magna, which out-smarted the opposing team, Net Worth, by using Britto's art collectors' list. The winning contestants, Kendra and Craig, sold 101 shirts, while Mex and Tana's team, with Burton as their designer, only sold 30. And a contestant on the opposing team, Alex, heard those famous words directed towards him ... "You're Fired."

"The Apprentice" is produced by Mark Burnett Productions, in association with Trump Productions LLC. Together, the artists Romero Britto and Burton Morris hosted a joint show at Britto Central on May 12th. For more information, visit www.burtonmorris.com; www.britto.com.