Prism Gallery, Los Angeles Acquired from the above by the present owner
Exhibited
Los Angeles, Prism Gallery, Miss You, February 25 - March 24, 2012
Catalogue Essay
The present lot by the Brazilian born, identical twins Os Gêmeos is an iconic work that is both enigmatic and intriguing. Like many of their paintings, this piece is set in an ambiguous, dreamlike setting inhabited by a figure easily identified by his bright yellow hue. What separates this piece from their greater body of work is how it makes reference to the history of Brazilian art. While Os Gêmeos are best known for their graffiti art in the streets of São Paulo, the hard-edge geometric pattern and vibrant colors in this artwork could be read as an ode to Neo-Concrete painting from the 1960s or 1970s. However, Os Gêmeos bring this painting to life by integrating one of their characteristic figures with the surface of the work. His body emerges from the canvas along with a few brightly colored sculptural shapes that mimic the composition of the background yet cleverly add a third dimension to a flat artwork. This lyrical and whimsical interpretation of something so typically identified with Brazilian art defines these artists and underscores their deep understanding of both their own national identity and the development of urban art on an international scale.
Born Otavio and Gustavo Pandolfo, Os Gêmeos ('The Twins') are graffiti artists from São Paulo whose style is influenced by both Brazilian tradition and hip hop culture. Their work often features yellow-skinned figures but is otherwise diverse, ranging from interpretations of Brazilian folklore to social and political commentary. With the advent of American hip hop culture in Brazil in the late 1980s, the identical twins became interested in breakdancing. This led them to begin emulating New York graffiti art they had seen in photos before starting to consciously incorporate elements of Brazilian culture into their art and develop their own style. Their creative output graces walls across the world, from Scotland to Los Angeles, and also includes sculptures and installations.