Giants by OSGEMEOS

Posted byRebecca BuddPosted inAround Vancouver, Granville Island, LadyBudd, Public Art, Sunday Evening ReflectionTags:, , , , , , ,

“Every city needs art, and art has to be in the middle of the people.”

OSGEMEOS

Every year, Ocean Concrete welcomes visitors to an open house, which grants close access to the six towers, each measuring 70 feet tall.   The Giants, once drab gray silos, now feature colorful giants painted on them.  Three of the silos face the Ocean Concrete plant while the other half faces False Creek and the boats that pass by.  

OSGEMEOS, the Brazilian twins Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo, completed the project in 2014.  The Giants are now a Vancouver landmark, welcoming visitors to Granville Island.

Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo, are renowned graffiti artists who have been active since 1987. Their signature style has had a significant impact on the Brazilian graffiti scene and has been recognized worldwide. The duo’s work can be found in various locations across the globe, including Asia, Europe, and North and South Americas. Their murals grace walls, buildings, and even airplanes. OSGEMEOS has collaborated with several artists and organizations, including Nike, and has been featured in numerous exhibitions and art festivals.

OSGEMEOS has inspired countless artists and has helped to elevate graffiti into a respected art form. Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo continue to create new pieces and push the boundaries of their craft, cementing their place as one of the most influential graffiti artists of our time.

“For the Vancouver Biennale, OSGEMEOS created a monumental, 360-degree, 21-metre- (70-foot-) tall mural, the biggest public mural of their career to date and their public artwork debut in Canada. The mural, which measures a colourful 2,183 square meters (23,500 square feet), was created on the six gigantic silos that are part of the Ocean Concrete manufacturing and distribution plant on Vancouver’s Granville Island…” Vancouver Biennale

Published by Rebecca Budd

Blogger, Visual Storyteller, Podcaster, Traveler and Life-long Learner

43 thoughts on “Giants by OSGEMEOS”

    1. Yes, the details are easily seen with the naked eye. I have been walking by the “Giants” for almost 10 years and am amazed that the colours are still as vibrant as when they were first created. I am delighted you joined me at Granville Island!

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    1. I am delighted that you joined me at Granville Island, Jean Jacques. I often wonder what kind of paint is used in mural art. The colour lasts for years. Living in a world of art, poetry and beauty inspires creativity, encourages self-expression, and fosters a deep appreciation for the world around us. P.S. I am enjoying “Poetry in Brief – painting a mind!! Brilliant

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      1. My pleasure to share your enjoyment of creative beauty of The Giants, 70 foot tall each is to say the least a pleasurable lot to enjoy and worth every bit of time to do so… for the lucky Vancouverites!
        Most pleased to hear that you are enjoying my latest book of poetry # 19, Poetry in Brief – painting a mind – I am still at it for book # 20 hopefully for 2023.

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    1. How very well said, Cindy. Artists have the unique ability to take what exists in the world around them and transform it into something entirely new through their creative vision. May we see passed what is and see the opportunity for what it can be!!

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    1. I am so glad you enjoyed the Giants. I love walking past Ocean Cement’s closed gates because there is always someone peeking through the iron grates to get a closer look at the Giants. We understand visual language before we can read. Many thanks for your comments and visit – very much appreciated.

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    1. I agree wholeheartedly Marian. Very well said!!

      I have been exploring Vancouver’s commitment to artists and public art. I have discovered that Vancouver (like many other cities) has a strong commitment to public art, which includes working with mural artists to create a vibrant city full of art. The city has a public art program that commissions and installs artwork throughout the city, including murals. The program works with local artists to create murals that reflect the city’s diverse cultural heritage and promote community engagement. Vancouver also has a Mural Festival, which brings together local and international artists to create new murals throughout the city. The festival is a celebration of public art and helps to create a more vibrant and connected community. I am looking forward to the 2023 Vancouver Mural Festival which will come in August. It is an exciting time.

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    1. I am delighted you travelled to my side of the world, Margaret. Granville Island has become a go-to place for locals as well as tourists. Granville Island’s mission statement reads: “To steward this public land for meaningful urban and social experimentation among diverse, creative, cultural, and business models, engaging local First Nations and communities while welcoming the world.” Until Granville Island’s transformation, which began in the 1970’s, this area was an industrial wasteland. Now, we can visit the Public Market, art galleries, live theatre etc. Granville Island is home to more than 300 businesses employing more than 3,000 people. It is not a huge area, but with the green spaces, it feels like we are visiting a village within a city. Many thanks for your comments!!

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      1. The transformation was certainly evident when we were there in the late 1990s. We have many happy memories of spending time there… and excellent food in a vibrant market.

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    1. Thank you for joining me at Ocean’s open house on Granville Island, Shey. I enjoy finding the backstory on artists. I discovered that OSGEMEOS, twin brothers, began their artistic journey as breakdancers before transitioning into graffiti. Their early graffiti work was inspired by the early hip hop pieces of New York City. However, it wasn’t until several years later that they started incorporating Brazilian cultural elements and influences into their graffiti. I am fascinated by how their art often features characters with elongated limbs and exaggerated features, drawing inspiration from Brazilian folklore and culture. Their work speaks to cultural memories that come from mythology. It is something that I am looking into more these days.

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      1. xxx Rebecca, great to have more detail. They really have created something of beauty and not out of ‘nothing’ or just ‘anything’ either given all their references. What is more they have quite inspired you to find more and to share.

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    1. Thank you, Alaedin, for joining me on Granville Island. I have been following the trend of urban/public art for a few years, ever since Resa inspired me with her amazing blog (Graffiti Lux Art & More) that features amazing murals and street art.

      https://graffitiluxandmurals.com/2023/05/20/sea-turtle/

      I have discovered that urban street art has been a popular medium for artists to express themselves and bring color to the concrete jungles of cities around the world. Many cities have embraced this form of art and have created public spaces for artists to showcase their work. It is an exciting time for mural artists!

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    1. I am delighted that you joined me for the open house at Ocean Concrete on Granville Island. There was a time when there was no Granville Island. It was built in 1916 using material from False Creek. Originally a mud flat, it was transformed into a hub for local industries. Warehouses, mills, factories, and shops were established on the island to support these industries. However, it wasn’t until the 1970s that green space was introduced to Granville Island. Now, its a popular tourist destination, especially during the cruising season, and a hub for arts and culture. Ocean concrete, with its environmental focus, is a legacy from earlier days.

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    1. Many thanks for joining me at Granville Island, Dave. Public art in cities has become a trend across the world, which I think it due to the valiant mural artists that took to the streets. City planners now understand that art makes our cities livable, adding beauty and vibrancy. What I love most is that public art is located where we live, work & play – not stored in a vault. I did a little research on how Vancouver promotes art. Here is the policy: “Private sector rezonings greater than 100,000 square feet are required to contribute $1.98 per buildable square foot to a public art process approved by us.” I have a feeling that this may be a policy in other cities.

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    1. Thank you for visit and insightful comment, Linda. I agree – we have been given the gift of creativity and the possibilities are endless. When I view the Giants, I am reminded to explore my creative spirit.

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  14. What a fun post, Rebecca! Such an unexpected topic. I mistook the silos for some sort of fabric art installation. (Maybe because I recently got the kitties a fabric tunnel…). Painting them that way was brilliant. The concrete trucks really gave the photo scale/perspective. I enjoyed the video look-around too. Hugs winging your way.

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    1. Many thanks for your visit and comments Teagan. I am delighted you joined me at the Ocean Concrete’s open house, which occurs every year. I love seeing Ocean’s brightly wrapped ready-mix truck drums around the city. They call it “The Harvest Series” which features a huge corn cob, a massive strawberry and the largest bunch of asparagus ever seen.

      Ocean Concrete is the oldest and largest tenant on Granville Island, which is located in the heart of Vancouver’s original townsite. There has been a huge transition over the past 40 years on the island. It was originally an industrial wasteland. Ocean Concrete has been a tenant on Granville Island since 1920 and has a lease that runs to 2046 so there will be more open houses yet to come.

      I love walking the Vancouver Seawall or taking the water taxi to Granville Island for coffee and shopping.

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  18. I love how whimsical the giants are. What a fun project and I’m not surprised that they’ve become a famous Vancouver landmark. Maybe when I’m there, I’ll see them. I imagine they’re hard to miss. Thanks for the smiles, Rebecca.

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