The location: Av. Fontes Pereira de Melo, Portugal
The time: late Spring 2010
The happening: in one facade of this old building, a bulking business man is drawn, holding in his greedy hands a globe and sucking its juice from a straw. On his head, a shiny crown with logos of the largest oil companies in the world.
Turn to the other facade of the same building, and there’s a hooded figure who seems to love vandalism. A slingshot in his hands, ready to strike. A small fry businessman turned into a human slingshot. What does it mean?
We cannot help but wonder. This huge display (in both literal and figurative sense) of urban art is one of the latest accomplishments by the Brazilian graffiti superstar duo “Os Gemeos” (that’s Portuguese for “the twins”, by the way). For this piece, they partnered with another top league urban artist – the much acclaimed Italian art rogue Blu. And the results…. well, they clearly speak for themselves.
How the powers that be did not interfere with the implementation of this enormous piece of socio-political commentary, it’s quite surprising. Or maybe not. And for those such as myself who believe that huge pictures can convey huge meanings and cause sizable impact in the perception of onlookers, this is a matter for celebration.
Without further due, you can now see the pictures pertaining this awesome mural. In fact, it’s a little disturbing that you’re still reading this filler text before skipping to the really nutritious bits. Like so:
OsGemeos Lisbon Mural: we <3 Vandalism
