Os Gêmeos

By LatAm ARTE

Os Gêmeos (Portuguese for “The Twins”) are identical twin brothers, Otavio and Gustavo Pandolfo, born in São Paulo in 1974. They began painting graffiti in their São Paulo neighborhood of Cambuci in the late 1980s, blending hip-hop aesthetics with local Brazilian culture to develop a truly unique street art style. Over time, their work evolved from spray-painted tags to complex murals featuring vibrant, yellow-skinned characters, surreal narratives, and reflections on social, political, and folkloric themes. Their breakthrough came after a pivotal encounter with artist Barry McGee in 1993, which propelled them toward international recognition and full-time artistic careers. They have since become celebrated worldwide—transforming cityscapes in public and institutional spaces, including iconic venues like Tate Modern and producing monumental works such as their towering silos murals in Vancouver. Beyond graffiti, Os Gêmeos have expanded into fine art—creating paintings, sculptures, installations, and even designs for high-profile brands. Their work continues to captivate through its rich visual storytelling, blending urban realities with imaginative dreamscapes.