Installation view. All images courtesy of Os Gemeos.
Os Gemeos (Portugese for ‘the twins’) are Brazilian identical twin brothers Otávio and Gustavo Pandolfo. Fermata, their latest exhibition in Vila Velha, Brazil, is a graffiti-minded colorful world of both fantasy and reality. The show consists entirely of new works, most of which were developed on site at the Museu Vale, which is an old train station now converted into a museum. The show’s name ‘fermata’ has musical roots and is defined as the interlude between musical tempos in an opera, inspiring the new paintings, interactive works, sculpture, and video. “Fermata, in this case, symbolizes the intervals needed to create the right mood for every action that will follow,” said artist Gustavo Pandolfo.
One of the show’s highlights is a converted caravan that acts as a sculptural music box with a carved woman’s face. The highly detailed piece takes center stage in the exhibition, the face reminiscent of the brothers’ signature yellow figures, which are also found throughout the exhibition painted onto walls or sneaked in between.
Another room mimics living quarters with an interactive projection taking up an entire wall.
Although the paintings are distinct from the brothers’ usual street art, some keep their urban edge with bolt cutters welded onto their frames while depicting a group of graffiti artists preparing to paint trains. Another innovative painting crosses over from the wall, spilling into the installation.
Running parallel to the exhibition is “Wholetrain” a graffiti project produced by the brothers on the longest passenger train running daily on Brazil’s Vitória-Minas Railroad. The train project will take Os Gemeos’ art into the far corners of Brazil, places not often visited by artists or art exhibitions. Along with the visual experience of the graffitied trains, teachers and students will participate in art workshops with Os Gemeos.
The Pandolfo brothers were born in São Paulo and have always created and produced art works together. Their works are typically both playful and serious, creating fantastical worlds while integrating social commentary. Os Gemeos’ work has been on display internationally on the streets and in museums from New York to Japan, including a Scottish castle. Fermata marks their first show in almost two years since “Nos Braços de um Anjo†in Milan.
-J.Schwartz
Related Links:
Exhibition Site [Museu Vale]
Artist Site [Os Gemeos]
