Lehmann Maupin presents Portal of Dreams, the first solo exhibition in the gallery’s Seoul location by Brazilian artist duo OSGEMEOS. Featuring ten new and recent mixed-media paintings, the exhibition invites viewers into the whimsical world of Tritrez, a dreamworld created by the artists and developed throughout their decades-long career. Concurrent to the exhibition, the artists’ first museum survey in the United States OSGEMEOS: Endless Story is on view at the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden through August 3, 2025, and is accompanied by a fully-illustrated catalogue, published by Rizzoli. This is the artists’ second solo exhibition in Seoul, following OSGEMEOS: You are My Guest at the nearby Storage by Hyundai Card in 2020.
Growing up in the 1980s in Cambuci, a central district of São Paulo where the brothers still have their studio today, OSGEMEOS launched their careers at a time when the hip-hop movement was flourishing and urban graffiti was reshaping the streets of the city. Surrounded by this dynamic cultural landscape, they embraced the creative possibilities of their environment, setting the stage for their artistic evolution. The brothers immersed themselves in the vibrant hip-hop, breakdancing, and youth culture that thrived in Brazil during the 80's. Among the intricate patterns and vibrant colors that characterize their compositions, the color yellow stands out; it holds great significance for the artists, as they often dream in this vibrant hue. According to the duo, yellow has become a deeply spiritual color for them. While drawing at their parent’s house as young boys, sunlight would filter through the windows, casting a yellow glow over their home studio and creating a serene yet captivating ambiance.
The title Portal of Dreams derives from the twins’ perception of their work as a portal, gateway, or mirror; thus, exploration of dimensionality is central to their creations. For instance, in Oh my god! I love that (2023), one of the artists’ signature yellow figures spirals downwards across the picture plane, as if falling through a portal. Meanwhile, Sensation (2024) depicts a similar figure seemingly caught in an invisible web, attempting to break free of the composition and into the viewer's space.
Drawing inspiration from a rich tapestry of influences—including their mother’s embroidery, American hip-hop, breakdancing, graffiti, personal life experiences, nature, dreams, imagination, the supernatural, and music—OSGEMEOS infuse their work with vibrant energy. Their mystical and lively pieces incorporate objects that enhance the dreamlike quality and visual impact of their artistic scenes. The works on view in Portal of Dreams feature shared musical elements. Boogie Boys & Dog Boy (2024) features a boombox with dual heads trapped in speakers, while in Father and Son (2023), an acoustic guitar neck is transformed into a human arm amidst turntables adorned with parrot-shaped cartridges. These hybrid compositions blur the boundaries between bodies and objects, geometry and landscape, challenging perceptions of reality and fiction as often seen in their work.
Portal of Dreams offers a captivating glimpse into the imaginative world of OSGEMEOS, foregrounding their unique ability to blend personal stories with vibrant cultural influences. The exhibition immerses viewers in the dreamworld of Tritrez, where hybridity redefines the boundaries of reality.
Media Inquiries
Julie Niemi, Associate Director of Public Relations
julie@lehmannmaupin.com
McKenna Quatro Johnson, Communications & Research Associate
mckenna@lehmannmaupin.com