Os Gemeos Houston NY Mural Exclusive
written by Patricia Thompson
The Brazilian duo Otavio and Gustavo known as “Os Gemeos” (The Twins) are a common reference for anyone with a basic understanding of urban art. They began to draw at the age of 4 and continued to develop their skills and style throughout their entire upbringing. In the 80’s, with the rise of the hip-hop culture the twins began to take matters more seriously. At the time, they were doing it all: fashion, break dancing and tagging. But it was during the 90’s they began to focus and develop the aesthetic they are most well known for today – bright colors, simple silhouettes with detailed shading and characters with angular eyes set apart. Otavio explains the art making process, “We plan the visual story before, then draw it on the wall. We each start at one end and we meet in the middle.” It is a very intuitive process between the two twin brothers because there is no talking involved.
Their most recent project was just completed, replacing a Keith Herring reproduction, land marking the corner of Bowery and Houston, in New York. It was a major attraction to passer byers to see them in their process. We caught up with the brother for a chat and some background. We even got to see some original sketches for this mural, and I wont lie – almost pulled it from Otavio’s hand and ran. lol!
