A yellow smiley face balloon slowly deflating against a rich purple background—the universal symbol of happiness losing its air. This piece explores the pressure to maintain appearances, to smile even when struggling, to project success while navigating internal challenges.
My helium balloon series represents the punishing pursuit to achieve wealth and success, the cultural facade where prosperity is linked to our external image. The smiley face—perhaps the most recognizable symbol of forced cheerfulness—now deflates, revealing the gap between what we show the world and what we actually feel.
"Smile like you mean it" captures the immigrant experience of performing happiness and success while facing obstacles invisible to others. The bright yellow against deep purple creates visual tension, mirroring the emotional complexity of living between two cultures, two languages, two sets of expectations.
✦ ARTWORK DETAILS
- Original oil painting (one-of-a-kind)
- Oil on cradled wood panel
- 17" × 22"
- Created 2024
- Signed and dated by artist
- Ready to hang
- Includes certificate of authenticity
✦ ABOUT THE SERIES
My deflating balloon paintings explore internal struggles of living in a cultural facade, where we're expected to maintain an image of success regardless of our actual circumstances. Each balloon represents aspirations slowly losing their air.
✦ PERFECT FOR
- Collectors of contemporary social commentary art
- Examining authenticity vs. performance
- Celebrating honest emotional expression
- Statement pieces about cultural expectations
- Supporting contemporary Chicano art
ORIGINAL ARTWORK - Only one available
Price: $1,100
Ships carefully packaged with insurance within 5-7 business days
Francisco Palomares is a contemporary artist from East Los Angeles whose work is deeply rooted in his Mexican-American heritage and inspired by the Chicano Movement.
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
- The Billboard Creative - "Fabuloso" Billboard (2025)
- San Diego International Airport - "Espacios & Lines" (2024)
- The Cheech Museum - "Anniversary Edition" (2023)
- Mingei International Museum (2022)
- Craft in America (2021)
- Solo Show: "No Parking on PalomaresBLVD," Bermudez Projects (2023)
RECOGNITION & PRESS
- LA Lakers "In the Paint" Winner (2021)
- Quinn Emmanuel Artist in Residence (2022)
- Featured: LA Times, Telemundo, Spectrum News, PBS's Craft in America
- Walmart x Francisco Palomares Collaboration (2024)
Francisco's deflating balloon series examines the emotional toll of cultural expectations and the immigrant experience.
Smile Like You Mean It
Smile Like You Mean It
Smile Like You Mean It
A yellow smiley face balloon slowly deflating against a rich purple background—the universal symbol of happiness losing its air. This piece explores the pressure to maintain appearances, to smile even when struggling, to project success while navigating internal challenges.
My helium balloon series represents the punishing pursuit to achieve wealth and success, the cultural facade where prosperity is linked to our external image. The smiley face—perhaps the most recognizable symbol of forced cheerfulness—now deflates, revealing the gap between what we show the world and what we actually feel.
"Smile like you mean it" captures the immigrant experience of performing happiness and success while facing obstacles invisible to others. The bright yellow against deep purple creates visual tension, mirroring the emotional complexity of living between two cultures, two languages, two sets of expectations.
✦ ARTWORK DETAILS
- Original oil painting (one-of-a-kind)
- Oil on cradled wood panel
- 17" × 22"
- Created 2024
- Signed and dated by artist
- Ready to hang
- Includes certificate of authenticity
✦ ABOUT THE SERIES
My deflating balloon paintings explore internal struggles of living in a cultural facade, where we're expected to maintain an image of success regardless of our actual circumstances. Each balloon represents aspirations slowly losing their air.
✦ PERFECT FOR
- Collectors of contemporary social commentary art
- Examining authenticity vs. performance
- Celebrating honest emotional expression
- Statement pieces about cultural expectations
- Supporting contemporary Chicano art
ORIGINAL ARTWORK - Only one available
Price: $1,100
Ships carefully packaged with insurance within 5-7 business days
FREE shipping included to all U.S. states
PayPal installment plans available
Questions? info@palomaresblvd.com
SHIPPING
- FREE shipping included to all U.S. states
- Ships via UPS with tracking number
- Carefully packaged in custom box
- Fully insured during transit
- Ships within 5-7 business days
- International shipping: DHL available, email info@palomaresblvd.com (additional fees apply)
INSTALLATION & CARE
- Oil on cradled wood panel, ready to hang
- Can be displayed on easel or hung on wall
- Avoid direct sunlight to preserve colors
- Dust gently with soft, dry cloth
- Avoid high humidity areas
PAYMENT OPTIONS
- Installment plans available to all PayPal users
- Pay over time at checkout
- All major credit cards accepted
RETURNS
- All sales are final
- Contact info@palomaresblvd.com with questions before purchasing
ABOUT FRANCISCO PALOMARES
Francisco Palomares is a contemporary artist from East Los Angeles whose work is deeply rooted in his Mexican-American heritage and inspired by the Chicano Movement.
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
- The Billboard Creative - "Fabuloso" Billboard (2025)
- San Diego International Airport - "Espacios & Lines" (2024)
- The Cheech Museum - "Anniversary Edition" (2023)
- Mingei International Museum (2022)
- Craft in America (2021)
- Solo Show: "No Parking on PalomaresBLVD," Bermudez Projects (2023)
RECOGNITION & PRESS
- LA Lakers "In the Paint" Winner (2021)
- Quinn Emmanuel Artist in Residence (2022)
- Featured: LA Times, Telemundo, Spectrum News, PBS's Craft in America
- Walmart x Francisco Palomares Collaboration (2024)
Francisco's deflating balloon series examines the emotional toll of cultural expectations and the immigrant experience.
Follow @palomaresblvd on Instagram
Visit www.palomaresblvd.com
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