The first batch of photos: Vincent Cornelli - 2nd batch: AKANYC
Allen Benedikt, founding Creative Director of AKANYC, has been coordinating the mural project with each of the three artists for close to a year now after the success of Os Gemeos' previous New York City mural on Bowery. Working directly with Robert Bender, the principal of P.S. 11 and and along with additional support from Nike and MTN Colors, the project finally began in the afternoon of Friday, August 6, 2010- dovetailing with Nike's World Basketball Festival. The overall theme of the mural is a message of international unity. Os Gemeos’ iconic yellow character (sometimes referred to as as ‘the giant’ or .gigante') will be seen adorned with flags representing countries around the globe in varying color patterns. Of the design, Os Gemeos says, "We are using different flags painted with non-traditional colors. The idea is ‘one world one voice’, no borders, no separation, just everything and everyone working together for a single cause that is a better world."
The hope from all parties involved is that the mural will serve as a gift for the neighboring community and the children of P.S. 11- which is why the public wall was chosen over a private or more commercial space- and to also help initiate a larger empowering art movement within New York. "We want to open a dialogue with the city of New York and work with local and international artists to create a regular mural series that we believe will inspire and enrich the creative communities throughout the city," says Benedikt.
Futura’s art will be seen within parts of Os Gemeos’ overall design, where he will add his signature style to the piece. Benedikt notes that bringing Futura into the project was something really important to him. "He [Futura] is a hometown hero for New York and it was important for us to have someone from the city working on the mural," says Benedikt. "There’s a great dynamic between Futura and Os Gemeos. They each have very distinct and respected styles. Coming together, they prove there is a symbiotic relationship between their aesthetics and that is the true essence of collaboration."
Photos below provided by AKANYC
About Os Gemeos
Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo aka Os Gemeos
Os Gemeos (pronounced "ose zhe'-mee-ose") are two artists from Sao Paulo, Brazil. Born in 1974, they are Otavio
and Gustavo Pandolfo, identical twin brothers whose pseudonym, Os Gemeos, translates to "the twins" in
Portuguese. In addition to painting, sculpture and installation work, in recent years Os Gemeos have gained
international notoriety for their incredible works created on the streets of Sao Paulo.
Os Gemeos's particular process has led to a unique vernacular very specific to Sao Paulo. Most works are created
using latex house paint, rollers and spray for the details. The artists championed this new style and mixed different
influences from the street to create their own distinctly recognizable aesthetic. Improvisation plays a big role, as the
work is shaped and formulated according to their surrounding environment.
Os Gemeos divide their painting mode in two, painting together, and starting and finishing each other's works. The works convey their vision of day-to-day life, simple scenes that are sensually rich. The artists are interested in what lies inside of people, beneath the surface. Characters are often rendered smelling the insides of their clothing as if to say, “it is only here, behind the clothing that a person's true essence can be found.” They are influenced by the folklore and people of Brazil, creating characters that are reflections of both indigenous customs and the urban sprawl mimicking the contradictions of the world around them.
About Futura
Futura, born Leonard Hilton McGurr in 1955, is an internationally acclaimed artist who got his start in the 1970's
painting graffiti on New York City subway trains. His abstract approach to painting with aerosol gained him
popularity amongst the art industry and in the early 80's his work was featured in galleries alongside peers including
Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Growing as a more serious artist, Futura began collaborating on music projects- first in 2000 with English rock band
The Clash when he helped to produce the sleeve artwork for their 7" single 'Radio Clash'. From there Futura went
on to do another collaboration with the band during their 'Combat Rock' tour by live-painting on stage during their
mu
About AKANYC
AKANYC is a boutique New York City-based creative agency that works with select clients to deliver online and
offline media relevant for urban art and lifestyle culture. The company's expertise includes graphic art, web design,
studio photography, video production, and custom book publishing all. AKANYC's client roster includes brands like
Nike, Supreme, ALife, DQM, and Deitch Projects.
AKANYC was established in 2005 by Allen Benedikt and is also branded under the alias ALSO KNOWN AS.
About 12ozProphet
12ozProphet is one of the premier online communities for street art and popular culture enthusiasts. Founded in
1993, the website began as a fan zine featuring photographs of street art, articles about the underground
movement, and selling art supplies like spray paint, caps, and other items including apparel and books.
After reaching cult status in the late 90's, 12oz moved business from it's humble catalog to grow into a website that,
still today, hosts forums where artists from all over the globe can congregate to discuss art and other musings. In
the years since it's move online, 12ozProphet has evolved to become a platform for many of the culture's most
authoritative voices by hosting blogs to a number of world-famous artists and photographers including Os Gemeos,
Todd James aka Reas, Cody Hudson aka Struggle Inc, Martha Cooper, Haze, and Jamil GS.
www.akanyc.om | 51 MacDougal Street #235 | New York, NY 10012
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