Spring at the Hirshhorn: OSGEMEOS Endless Story
Spring is in the air, VIPs! There is no sweeter feeling than the tinge of warmth in the air after an especially snowy winter in the DMV. I’ve been trying to soak up as much sunlight as humanly possible and reminding myself to take advantage of the free museums while I’m at it. I took a short and peaceful trip on the VRE from Alexandria to L’Enfant station to visit Hirshhorn's limited-time exhibit, OSGEMEOS: Endless Stories. Just a five-minute walk from the station, and suddenly, I was immersed in the colorful, dreamlike imaginations of twin brothers Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo, known as Osgemeos, meaning “the twins” in Portuguese.
The full floor exhibit spans their artistic journey, beginning with their childhood in Brazil, where they were shaped by graffiti, hip-hop, and breakdancing – elements that carry through much of their work. Their signature yellow characters are often seen at the helm of a turntable, with spray paint in hand, or mid-dance move. The exhibit takes visitors through the magical world of Tritrez, the dreamworld that they began building at five years old, showcasing sculptures that have never been displayed outside of Brazil.
Beyond paintings, childhood sketches, sculptures, animations, and even clothing, Osgemeos have left their mark across the world. From New York to Lisbon to India, their signature yellow characters can be found stretched across buildings, often in playful ways that interact with the surfaces. Two-dimensional murals are seen spray painting out of a building or even appearing to step out from within the walls, threatening to rip through the physical barriers with all the magic and color of Tritrez behind them.
As I walked through the gallery, there was something so playful yet nostalgic about much of their work. Amidst all the vibrant pieces depicting the world of Tritrez, I felt something pulling at me, beckoning me into that world that does not exist. In an interview with The New York Times, Gustavo and Otavio spoke of a spiritual connection with Tritrez, feeling as though it is their origin story and a link to their destiny. As a viewer, it was so special to feel that, in some small way, I could be connected to something so fantastical.
OSGEMEOS: Endless Story will be on display until August 3rd, 2025. Whether you're looking for a quick afternoon escape or a full day of museum adventures, VRE makes it effortless. We’ve got your seat saved! If you have a favorite museum in D.C., drop your recommendation in the comments, I’m already on the hunt for my next deep dive.