Hyundai Card Storage, an exhibition space located in Itaewon, central Seoul will host a solo show of OSGEMEOS, a world renowned Brazilian artist duo. OSGEMEOS: You Are My Guest, their first solo show in Korea will take place from Wednesday, July 15 to Sunday, October 11.
Os Gemeos means "the twins" in Portuguese. The artists are twin brothers—Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo—whose works can be spotted not only in Brazil, but all around the world.
Spending their childhood in the 1980’s the brothers were able to absorb the explosive energy of hip-hop, break dance, and youth culture prevalent in Brazil during the era. This energy can be manifested in their mystical and dynamic artwork. Having begun their career as graffiti artists in São Paulo, the duo soon pioneered the new visual culture in the city, challenged conventional street art, and redefined it by applying many different practices.
The ethnic and folk elements of the traditional Brazilian culture, which coexists in the modernized yet still socially changing city, can be found in OSGEMEOS’ works. Such elements are symbolized in their artwork through modern methods, such as the use of bright colors and elaborate geometric patterns. The range of their artistic practice is extensive, including paintings, murals, site-specific installations, and videos.
Their works frequently feature cartoonish yellow-skinned figures with thin outlines, enlarged faces and exaggerated body ratios. They are the personas of the artists and, at the same time, signify human beings in general, transcending race or ethnicity. They represent not only Brazil, the artists’ multi-racial home country, but also all of humanity. These highly expressive characters convey the artists’ unique voice through their fairytale-like style, techniques, and narrative.
It is also noteworthy that symbolic visual languages inspired by their dreams is a key motif in the works of OSGEMEOS. The artists place an emotive installation in a fantastical surreal space, thereby exposing the gap between reality and dream. Their installations offer viewers the experience of walking through one’s dream, which can be reminiscent of certain people, experience, or emotion. The duo paints on objects such as discarded windows, door frames, and mirrors, rearranging them on canvases or installing them in the gallery to create a surreal aesthetics. This space serves as a gateway into the world of multifarious senses beyond reality.
OSGEMEOS: You Are My Guest features a wide spectrum of 14 works (consisting of 244 pieces) including paintings, sculptures, installations, and videos that showcase the artists’ unique style.
A ticket for OSGEMEOS: You Are My Guest costs 5,000 won and visitors may get 20% off on purchases with Hyundai Card. Due to COVID-19, visitors are strongly advised to reserve prior to the visit. Reservation can be made on both Hyundai Card DIVE app and “Melon Ticket,” a mobile ticketing platform.