OSGEMEOS hides a sculpture in pascali semerdjian's military bunker

in the gardens of rio de janeiro’s museu casa do pontal, pascali semerdjian arquitetos have constructed a military-style bunker to house the latest sculptural work by OSGEMEOS.

‘the bunker’ has seen the architecture office and artist twins collaborate on a meaningful interpretation of rio de janeiro’s urban state. the museum — dedicated to popular brazilian folk art and historical artifacts — has been a global attraction for generations. yet, as a result of continuously growing constructions in its surrounding area, the site is loosing its physical space and natural light, suffocated by shapeless buildings around it. the work seeks to convey an artistic resistance using the architecture of the bunker as a form of rebellion and protection from this invasion.

the concrete bunker hides a sculpture by the brazilian artist twins

hidden within the concrete shell is a life-sized figure characteristic to OSGEMEOS’ style, with yellow skin, an elongated face and patterned, colorful clothing. the ‘refugee’ stands at the center of a warmly lit space, surrounded by etchings and illustrations. two small windows — one circular at the front and one long and narrow at the back — allow passing viewers to peer within when the door is closed. with its military design aesthetic, the bunker protects the artwork while simultaneously becoming a new sculptural installation for the museum.

hidden within the concrete shell is a life-sized figure characteristic to OSGEMEOS’ style

the concrete bunker built by pascali semerdjian arquitetos hides the artwork

a circular window allows passing viewers to peek at the sculpture when the door is closed

a long window at the bunker’s back allows for views within

the military-inspired shell both protects and hides the sculptural work