July 2009: Os Gêmeos in NYC

This weekend was completely surreal. After Will tipped me off to Os Gêmeos painting on E. Houston and Bowery, I literally ran down there to check it out. When I arrived, I was speechless (probably due to oxygen debt). In front of me, Otavio, Gustavo, and the rest of their crew shook cans of MTN 94 and picked out stencils. As I stared there gaping, I mustered the courage to ask Otavio if they'd be there the next day. He said yes.

On Friday, I spent a good two hours sitting on the curb watching them paint. The best part was being able to sit and chat with passersby. From little kids to grandparents, everyone thought that the mural was beautiful. Some were a bit concerned that the 'Keith Haring' mural was being destroyed, but I explained that it was actually a reproduction. Once their fears were assuaged, they were pleased with the replacement.
I also met some serious street art heads. I spoke with Mike, who told me about a school in SoHo that I need to photograph. He's been all over NYC photographing graffiti. Then there was Bob, an artist who loved Os Gêmeos and The Five Obstructions. People who knew the twins were thrilled. In between spraying and assessing the mural, they signed autographs and took photos with fans. A group of women invited them over to their apartment for dinner. ONE MORE.
Some heavy-hitters showed up, too. Jeffrey Deicht, the owner of Deicht Galleries, stopped by to say hi. He did the Haring reproduction and commissioned Os Gêmeos for this new project. In addition to the wall, he brought by a truck and had them tag it up. Some of their friends tried hanging off the back of the truck to tag the side facing traffic. Later on, legendary graffiti photographer Martha Cooper showed up to snag some shots. By this point, I was completely starstruck and incapable of speaking.
Today, I stopped by just to say hi. Yesterday, they tagged up the Bronx. Otavio and I had a chat. Apparently, they're enjoying their time in NYC (whenever they get a free minute). Gustavo offered me a water before I had to leave. Each time I visit, I see a new little facet that impresses me. From the patterns on the jackets and pants to the wisps of hair on the woman's head, their attention to detail is impeccable. Once they complete the mural, I'll post a full-length shot.
Watching the twins paint had such a calming effect on me. While I spent two hours sitting on a hot sidewalk, it didn't feel like that long at all. As other people obliviously passed by, I wanted to explain what was going on. I felt like I was in on a big secret. On the postcard I wrote to them, I said, "Even when you leave, your mural will remain. It will feel like you're still here." I'll miss them when they leave, but I'm beyond pleased that I spent a little time with them.

FRESH PAINT: Os Gêmeos on Houston

Normally, I don't post twice in one day. It's just me over here at Illicit, so one is usually all I have in me. But when Will texted me today, I felt compelled to double dose it. While he was out on Houston, he found some guys painting over the Keith Haring mural.

Turns out those guys are the dynamic duo Os Gêmeos. I was ready to run out of the building and across the Williamsburg Bridge when I heard the news. Will writes:
"I saw this on the northwest corner of East Houston and Bowery St. The state made the building owner paint over the previous mural which honored Keith Haring and said the twins could paint it."
"Apparently, the twins also have some murals in Coney Island, and some work up with the 'Deitch Project' Galleries in SoHo, or the Lower East Side (I'm not the best interviewer; I have a bad memory)."
"I'll take a picture with my wide angle from across the street when they're done, but I'm sure you'll get to it before I do."
I'm lacing up my running shoes right now. Will, you are the best interviewer ever because you are at the right place at the right time! Thank you!

In The Headlines

Well, that was a change of plans. I was all set to go to NYC when a wave of exhaustion overwhelmed me and changed my mind. Instead, I stayed home and didn't do any of the London prep that I should've. I'll get to it. On Thursday. It's the week before vacation, so we're going out in style with some heavy-hitters. You'll have to wait and see! Today's photo comes from my friend Lindsay. Last week, she had a week off from teaching in Baltimore. Fully capitalizing on her break, she took off for San Francisco and sent me this Os Gemeos on the side of a building. Merci! And now, headlines.

A staircase at Five Pointz collapsed, leaving a woman critically injured.

ABC Local News ran a piece on Pacific Art Collective. 

Street artist Ellis G. does firetagging? By the looks of these photos, he appears to be indoors. What gallery has that kind of insurance?  (Thanks for the tip, Beaks!)

Residents of Bristol are still reeling after the defacement of Banksy’s murals. 

When spring has sprung, gallery openings crop up all over the place. On May 1, Auckland’s Cut Collective presents “Paper, Scissors, Stock,” a show at CCHQ.

Caleb Neelon’s San Francisco show is in full effect at White Walls. He chats with Allan Hough about the past, present, and future of his work.

If you’re in Chicago on May 2, stop by Revolution Tattoo and Art Gallery for Toby Stanger’s and Matthew Ryan Sharp’s show opener. 

Remi/Rough’s friend Jaybo has a solo show coming up at the Nancy Victor Gallery on April 24 (I may actually be able to get to this one!) 

I’m jealous of all my Argentines in Buenos Aires. On April 21, head over to Hollywood in Cambodia for a one-night display of Michael De Feo’s work. Definitely worth the trip! 

In Worcester, England, an anonymous street artist created his or her own wall inscribed with doodles, drawings, and declarations. 

In the near future, L.A. muralist Kent Twitchell may be coming to a city near you. He speaks about his early days and discusses his future career plans. 

Citizens of Fall River, Mass., are unsure of what to make of the town’s recent street art sightings. 

Miami artist Roman Alvarez predicts a promising future for graffiti and street art in a Miami Herald interview. 

Finally, I'm really digging on Danish artist Bobsmade's designs. Give her a shoe, a set of headphones, or a tee and she'll cover it in her sweet and spicy critters. For more info, check out her MySpace page.

I should probably get packing, but I think I'll do that tomorrow.