Harvey, have a happy day, have a happy life

UV printed mirror, epoxy resin.42 x 42 x 2 cm. A round mirror allows the viewer to contemplate their dazzling smile. The work alludes to the history of the smiley, a universal post-modern icon. The slogan of the Smiley World Company “Have a happy day, have a happy life” invites us to take another look at the story of Harvey Ross Ball, creator of the first smiley. It started off as a simple 45-dollar logo to improve the morale of employees working in an insurance company. The royalty-free image was imitated and filed for patent by Franklin Loufrani, while Harvey Ross was in Vietnam. By the time Harvey Ross returned, the trademark was already making 1000 times its original cost per day.